Abstract
Two strains of Pleurotus giganteus (commercial and wild) were tested for their ability to induce neurite outgrowth in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) and mouse neuroblastoma-2a (N2a) cells. Treatment with the mushroom extracts resulted in neuronal differentiation and neuronal elongation, but not nerve growth factor (NGF) production. Linoleic acid (4.5–5.0%, w/w) which is a major fatty acid present in the ethanol extract promoted NGF biosynthesis when augmented with low concentration of NGF (5 ng/mL). The two strains of mushroom were found to be high in protein (154–192 g kg−1), total polysaccharides, phenolics, and flavonoids as well as vitamins B1, B2, and B3. The total phenolics present in the mushroom extracts were positively correlated to the antioxidant activity (free radical scavenging, ferric reducing power, and lipid peroxidation inhibition). To conclude, P. giganteus could potentially be used in well-balanced diet and as a source of dietary antioxidant to promote neuronal health.
Highlights
Neurite outgrowth is a critical process in neuronal formation and development
As Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progresses, programmed apoptotic neuronal death is triggered as a result of nerve growth factors (NGFs) depletion and oxidative stress exerted by reactive oxygen species (ROS) [2]
A study in Italy showed that the protein content in Pleurotus ostreatus was 1.61 ± 0.02 g/100 g, which is lower than the protein content of P. giganteus in this study [17]
Summary
Neurite outgrowth is a critical process in neuronal formation and development. Malfunction of this event will lead to demolition of synaptic connections and extended series of neuronal dysfunctions like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) [1]. Functional food plays a significant role in preventing or reducing severity of lifestyle diseases and improving physical and mental well-being of consumers. Considering the limitation of the existing preventive methods, intervention strategy using mushrooms as functional food is of utmost importance. Edible and medicinal mushrooms are packed with a wide array of bioactive and nutritional components that could scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and exert neuroprotective effects and promote neuritogenesis and neuroregeneration
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
