Edible Medicinal Mushroom Research Articles

Evaluating the concentration dependent dual effects of β-Glucan on cancerous skin cells and mitochondria isolated from melanoma-induced animal model

Introduction Melanoma is still one of the deadliest cancers whose prevalence has increased in recent decades. Today, many polysaccharides and their bioactive compounds have been of special importance in modern biotechnology. They have various biological and therapeutic properties. they can regulate and strengthen the immune system, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce bacterial and viral infections. According to studies, these compounds also have antitumor properties. we investigated the cytotoxic effects of β-Glucan obtained from solid-state fermentation (SSF) of edible medicinal mushroom Lentinus edodes on cancerous skin cells. Materials and methods The mitochondria were isolated from melanoma cells via differential centrifugation and treated with various concentrations (30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 240 µg/ml) of β-Glucan extract. Then, they were subjected to MTT, ROS, MMP decline, mitochondrial swelling, cytochrome c release, and flow cytometry assays. Results The results of the MTT assay showed that IC50 of β-Glucan extract was 60 μg/ml, and it induced a selectively significant (P < 0.05) concentration-dependent decrease in the SDH activity in cancerous skin mitochondria. At higher concentrations, no such effect was observed. The ROS results also showed that 30, 45, and 60 µg/ml concentrations of β-Glucan extract significantly increased ROS. However, no such effect was observed at higher concentrations. MMP decline and the release of cytochrome c in cancer groups mitochondria and swelling were significantly increased at 30, 45, and 60 µg/ml compared to the control group. At higher concentrations, no such effect was observed. β-Glucan extract at 60 µg/ml concentration increased apoptosis on melanoma cells, while it had no effect on control non-tumour cells. Discussion and conclusion Based on these results, β-Glucan extract at 30, 45, and 60 µg/ml showed a cytotoxic effect, while no such effect was observed at higher concentrations. Overall, it seems that β-Glucan has antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects on cancer cells at higher concentrations.

Exploring the Anti-diabetic Properties of Edible Mushrooms: A Comprehensive Review

Mushrooms, part of the “Fungi” family is well-known for their medical benefits and accessibility globally. Diabetes has become more commonplace worldwide in recent times, which has made the search for alternate treatment approaches necessary. Because of their possible anti-diabetic effects, edible mushrooms—a natural source of bioactive compounds—have drawn interest. This research assesses the possible anti-diabetic benefits of edible mushrooms, concentrating on their bioactive constituents and mechanisms that modulate insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, and emphasises their potential significance in diabetes prevention. The review concludes that EM can predict insulin resistance through active chemicals like polysaccharides and vitamin D, as well as preventative activities like β-glucosidase and β-amylase. The therapeutic benefits of many mushroom types have not been thoroughly researched, and the mechanism remains unclear. More study on edible medicinal mushrooms is needed to fully utilise their therapeutic promise in preventing noncommunicable diseases.

A novel betapartitivirus isolated from Cordyceps militaris, an edible-medicinal mushroom.

In this study, we identified a novel partitivirus, named "Cordyceps militaris partitivirus 1" (CmPV1), in Cordyceps militaris strain RCEF7506. The complete genome of CmPV1 comprises two segments, dsRNA1 and dsRNA2, each encoding a single protein. dsRNA1 (2,206 bp) encodes an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and dsRNA2 (2,256 bp) encodes a coat protein (CP). Sequence analysis revealed that dsRNA1 has the highest similarity to that of Bipolaris maydis partitivirus 2 (BmPV2), whereas dsRNA2 shows the highest similarity to human blood-associated partitivirus (HuBPV). Phylogenetic analysis based on RdRp sequences suggests that CmPV1 is a new member of the genus Betapartitivirus of the family Partitiviridae. This is the first documentation of a betapartitivirus infecting the entomopathogenic fungus C. militaris.

Network Pharmacology Analysis of Liquid-Cultured Armillaria ostoyae Mycelial Metabolites and Their Molecular Mechanism of Action against Gastric Cancer.

Armillaria sp. are traditional edible medicinal mushrooms with various health functions; however, the relationship between their composition and efficacy has not yet been determined. Here, the ethanol extract of liquid-cultured Armillaria ostoyae mycelia (AOME), a pure wild Armillaria sp. strain, was analyzed using UHPLC-QTOF/MS, network pharmacology, and molecular docking techniques. The obtained extract affects various metabolic pathways, such as JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT. The extract also contains important compounds such as 4-(dimethylamino)-N-[7-(hydroxyamino)-7-oxoheptyl] benzamide, isoliquiritigenin, and 7-hydroxycoumarin. Moreover, the extract targets key proteins, including EGFR, SCR, and IL6, to suppress the progression of gastric cancer, thereby synergistically inhibiting cancer development. The molecular docking analyses indicated that the main compounds stably bind to the target proteins. The final cell culture experimental data showed that the ethanol extract inhibited MGC-803 gastric cancer cells. In summary, our research revealed the beneficial components of AOME for treating gastric cancer and its associated molecular pathways. However, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in gastric cancer patients.

Impact of Different Substrates on Growth and Yield of Schizophyllum commune Fr.

Schizophyllum communeFr. is an edible medicinal mushroom also known as white rot fungus that develops naturally on dead woods which belongs to the phylumBasidiomycota, order Agaricales, family Schizophyllaceae.To find out most suitable growing substrates, mushroom was cultivated on 6 locally available substrates including different saw dust i.e.Babool (Vachellianilotica),Bija (Petrocarpus marsupium),Sal (Shorea robusta),Sagwan (Tectona grandis) and different strawi.e. Paddy straw(PS) and Wheat straw(WS). Among the different substrates,on an average,WS took shortest time for mycelial run (6.50 days), longest time(8.62 days) taken by Bija (P. marsupium). Pinhead initiation was fastest (8.50 days) in WS while, Bija (P. marsupium)took more time period(10.62 days) for pinhead initiation. The Maximum yield was obtained from WS (148.37gm) with biological efficiency (29.6%) followed by PS(116.12 gm) with biological efficiency (23.2%). The lowest yield was obtained from saw dust of Bija (P. marsupium)(60.50gm) with biological efficiency (10.40%).There was significant difference in yield when supplement (wheat bran)was mixed with substrates, however there was no significant difference observed in mycelial run and pinhead initiation.

Biological Activities of Secondary Metabolites from the Edible-Medicinal Macrofungi.

Macrofungi are well-known as edible-medicinal mushrooms, which belong mostly to Basidiomycota, with a few from Ascomycota. In recent years, macrofungi have been recognized as a rich resource of structurally unique secondary metabolites, demonstrating a wide range of bioactivities, including anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimalarial, neuro-protective, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities. This review highlights over 270 natural products produced by 17 families of macrofungi covering 2017 to 2023, including their structures, bioactivities, and related molecular mechanisms.

Zn Fortification Influential Impact on the Productivity of Calocybe indica Mycelium

Calocybe indica is an edible medicinal mushroom, preferably eaten for its culinary value. It was cultivated for its higher nutritional value, medicinal properties, and high polysaccharide content, especially glucan. Some particular minerals were enriched in food substitutes, an alternative to fighting against some targeted human ailments. Thus, mineral fortification is accessible in the submerged cultivation of mushrooms to produce bioactive compounds and fortified mushrooms. In this study, the submerged cultivation of C. indica was performed to make exopolysaccharides (EPS) using a supplemented medium of Zinc with varying concentrations. Thus, research revealed that the Zn fortification enhances the production of EPS and mycelial biomass after 21 days of incubation. The maximum mycelial biomass was 7.7133±0.30 g/L (dry weight), and the highest 0.3853±0.006EPS was produced in the 175mg/L mineral concentration, respectively. The present study revealed that the Zn supplementation gradually increased the mineral concentration and directly influenced the yield of mycelial biomass and EPS production. These EPS have various biological activities and can be helpful for fortified food or pharmaceutical product development in the medicinal and pharmaceutical sectors.

Ganoderma lucidum ethanol extracts ameliorate hepatic fibrosis and promote the communication between metabolites and gut microbiota g_Ruminococcus through the NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smads pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGanoderma lucidum, a traditional edible medicinal mushroom, has been widely reported to improve liver diseases as a dietary intervention for people. Ganoderma lucidum extracts, primarily total triterpenoids (GLTTs), are one of the bioactive ingredients that have excellent beneficial effects on hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, its prevention and reversal are particularly critical due to the increasing number of patients with chronic liver diseases worldwide. Aim of the studyThe study aimed to evaluate whether GLTTs had a hepatoprotective effect against hepatic fibrosis through metabolic perturbations and gut microbiota changes and its underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsThe compound compositions of GLTTs were quantified, and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis rats were used to investigate the cause of the improvement in various physiological states with GLTTs treatment, and to determine whether its consequent effect was associated with endogenous metabolites and gut microbiota using UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. ResultsGLTTs alleviated physical status, reduced liver pathological indicators, proinflammatory cytokines, and deposition of hepatic collagen fibers via regulating the NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smads pathways. The untargeted metabolomics analysis identified 16 potential metabolites that may be the most relevant metabolites for gut microbiota dysbiosis and the therapeutic effects of GLTTs in hepatic fibrosis. Besides, although GLTTs did not significantly affect the α-diversity indexes, significant changes were observed in the composition of microflora structure. In addition, Spearman analysis revealed strong correlations between endogenous metabolites and gut microbiota g_Ruminococcus with hepatic fibrosis. ConclusionGLTTs could provide a potential target for the practical design and application of novel functional food ingredients or drugs in the therapy of hepatic fibrosis.

Edible mushrooms: A sustainable novel ingredient for meat analogs

AbstractMeat products are ubiquitously consumed for their higher protein content and characteristic organoleptic properties. The enhanced capacities of meat production to meet the demands of the rapidly increasing global population is causing serious issues relating to health, environment, and animal welfare. Suitable meat alternatives that are protein‐rich, sustainable, and healthier are being continuously explored by scientists globally. In this direction, edible medicinal mushrooms can be used as promising healthier meat alternatives as they provide natural meaty texture, flavors and are also rich in proteins, essential amino acids, β‐glucans, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Mushrooms have proven medicinal benefits including anticancer, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of the present review is to highlight the potential of edible mushrooms to produce meat analogs, various meat and nonmeat‐based studies focussing on mushrooms as key meat analog ingredients, impact on the product quality, associated nutraceutical aspects, consumer behavior and market availability of mushroom‐based meat analogs.

Bioactivity and Metabolomic Profile of Extracts Derived from Mycelial Solid Cultures of Hypsizygus marmoreus.

The beech mushroom (Hypsizygus marmoreus) is a highly nutritious, edible medicinal mushroom native to East Asia. The present research investigated the impact of different substrates on the metabolite compositions of H. marmoreus mycelia cultivated in vitro. The substrates tested included malt extract agar, malt extract agar enriched with barley malt, and malt extract agar enriched with grape pomace. The study also assessed antimicrobial and antiradical activities of the extracts against gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus), gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), yeasts (Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis), and dermatophytes (Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. tonsurans, T. rubrum, Arthroderma quadrifidum, A. gypseum, A. curreyi, and A. insingulare). The results revealed that the H. marmoreus mycelia extracts demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal activities against the tested microorganisms. Extracts obtained from the cultivation in substrates enriched with either barley malt or grape pomace exhibited the highest antibacterial activity among all the tested bacterial strains except for P. aeruginosa. The same extracts showed the highest inhibitory effect against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. Noteworthy, the extract from the mushroom cultivated in the substrate enriched with grape pomace also exhibited remarkable efficacy against T. mentagrophytes and T. tonsurans. Terpenoid and carbapenem compounds could be related to the antimicrobial properties of the extracts from mushrooms cultivated in substrates enriched with grape pomace. In comparison, the higher antiradical properties could be related to the content of indole compounds. In conclusion, growth substrate selection affects the nutritional and medicinal properties of H. marmoreus, making it a valuable contribution to the understanding of the cultivation of this mushroom.

Находка теплолюбивого гриба Laetiporus sulphureus на территории г. Кирова

The first discovery of edible medicinal mushroom sulfur-yellow tinder on the territory of Kirov was registered. The local climate is characterized by the predominance of continental air of temperate latitudes and the weather is unstable in terms of temperatures and precipitation throughout the year. The region is characterized by a long moderately cold and snowy winter, a prolonged spring, early autumn and a moderately warm short summer. The average air temperature in the city of Kirov in winter is -9.2 оС, in summer it is +16.4 оС. The annual precipitation is 582 mm, of which 60–70% falls on the warm season. A pure culture of sulfur-yellow tinder was isolated using a fragment of the fruit body extracted from the inner part of the basidiocarp. The growth rate of isolate Laetiporus sulphureus NV on wort agar was 10.6 mm/day, on PGA – 7.8 mm/day. Species identification of the fungus was confirmed by molecular genetic method, the results were deposited in GenBank: ON130354.1. Phylogenetic analysis of species of the genus Laetiporus was carried out. The antibiotic activity of the isolate was studied. It was found that the fungus inhibits the growth of gram-positive bacteria i&gt;Arthrobacter humicola 30H, Pedobacter agri 85Td and gram-negative species Pseudomonas cepacia 5809, Erwinia rhapontici DAG1-1. As a result of the liquid-phase ultivation of the L. sulphureus NV isolate on various liquid nutrient media using a magnetic stirrer, it was found that the greatest accumulation of biomass on 20 days of cultivation is observed on a liquid medium based on a decoction of barley husk with the addition of 2% glucose. The accumulation of dry mycelium biomass up to 1.64 g/L was revealed.

Selenium Enrichment of the Edible Medicinal Mushroom Antrodia camphorata by Submerged Fermentation

Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient element in human physiological metabolism and immune function. Supplementation of bioavailable Se will confer benefit on human life, especially when intake of this nutrient is inadequate. The edible and medicinal mushroom Antrodia camphorata is a unique fungus endemic to Taiwan, which has shown high therapeutic and nutritive value. This study is the first to demonstrate that A. camphorata can assimilate and transform sodium selenite into organic selenium. With an initial concentration of Se (IV) at 10 mg/L in 100 mL of the medium at 25 °C, the total selenium content in Se-enriched A. camphorata mycelia was 1281.3 ± 79.2 µg/g, in which the organic selenium content accounted for 88.1%. Further analysis demonstrated that selenium-enriched polysaccharide was the main form of Se present in A. camphorata (61.5% of the organic selenium). Four water-soluble Se-polysaccharide fractions were separated from A. camphorata, and ACP II was the major fraction of Se-polysaccharide. The scavenging efficiency of Se-polysaccharides on DPPH and ABTS radicals was determined, proving that selenium enrichment dramatically improved the in vitro antioxidant capacity of A. camphorata polysaccharide. Therefore, the selenium accumulation and transformation ability of A. camphorata provides an opportunity for developing this beneficent fungus into a novel selenium-enriched dietary or medicinal supplement.

Structural properties and anti-inflammatory activity of purified polysaccharides from Hen-of-the-woods mushrooms (Grifola frondosa).

Grifola frondosa is an edible medicinal mushroom that has been proven to have a variety of health benefits. The main active ingredients of this mushroom are polysaccharides. In this study, ultrasonic-assisted extraction was used to obtain crude Grifola frondosa polysaccharides (GFPs). Then, purified GFP was obtained after purification. The optimum extraction conditions were an extraction time of 71 min, an extraction temperature of 90°C in a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:37 g/mL, and an ultrasonic power of 500 W. GFP was purified using DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-100. The structural characterization of GFP was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ion chromatography (IC), and ultraviolet (UV) visible photometry. The morphology of GFP was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), and Congo red testing. In addition, the administration of GFP in oxazolone (OXZ)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice was found to prevent weight loss. Different doses of GFP (80, 160, and 320 mg/kg body weight) were used, and sulfapyridine (SASP) was used as a positive control (370 mg/kg body weight) for the treatment of OXZ-induced UC. After treatment, the mice were killed, and blood and colon tissue samples were collected. GFP was found to prevent decreases in colon length and the levels of leukocytes, platelets, and neutrophils in UC mice. Moreover, GFP also decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1 β], increased IL-10, and reduced colon injury in UC mice. The results showed that Under these conditions, the predicted polysaccharide yield was 21.72%, and the actual extraction rate was 21.13%. The polysaccharide composition (molar ratio) was composed of fucose (0.025), glucosamine hydrochloride (0.004), galactose (0.063), glucose (0.869), and mannose (0.038). GFP was also found to have a typical absorption peak, and the GFP extracted using the ultrasound-assisted extraction protocol was mainly β-glucan. These results indicate that ultrasound-assisted extraction of GFP could reduce OXZ-induced intestinal inflammation as a promising candidate for the treatment of UC, with the potential for development as a food supplement to improve intestinal diseases.

Efficient disruption of CmHk1 using CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein delivery in Cordyceps militaris.

Cordyceps militaris, an entomopathogenic ascomycete, produces edible medicinal mushrooms known to have medicinal and therapeutic functions. To develop the genetic transformation system in C. militaris, green fluorescent protein (GFP) mutants of C. militaris were generated by PEG-mediated protoplast transformation. The CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) targeting the class III histidine kinase of C. militaris (CmHk1) was then delivered into protoplasts of C. militaris through the transformation system. Mutations induced by the RNP in selected mutants were detected: 1nt deletion (6 mutants), 3 nt deletion with substitution of 1nt (1 mutant), insertion of 85 nts (1 mutant), 41 nts (2 mutants), and 35 nts (5 mutants). An in vitro sensitivity assay of the mutants indicated that knockout of CmHk1 reduced sensitivity to two fungicides, iprodione and fludioxonil, but increased sensitivity to osmotic stresses compared to the wild type. Summing up, the CRISPR/Cas9 RNP delivery system was successfully developed, and our results revealed that CmHk1 was involved in the fungicide resistance and osmotic stress in C. militaris.

Influence of low-intensity light on the biosynthetic activity of the edible medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. in vitro

Understanding the impact of light on the physiology and metabolism of edible and medicinal mushrooms can step up the technologies aimed at obtaining bioactive compounds. The article presents data on the influence of low-intensity quasimonochromatic light on the biosynthetic activity of Hericium erinaceus edible medicinal mushrooms in vitro. An artificial lighting setup based on light-emitting diode (LED) arrays with wavelengths ?=470 nm (blue), ?=530 nm (green), and ?=650 nm (red) was used. An argon gas laser served as a coherent visible light source at a wavelength of 488 nm. The mycelium of H. erinaceus irradiation by low-intensity light at wavelengths of 488 nm, 470 nm, and 650 nm reduced the lag phase and increased the culture?s growth rate. The highest biomass yield (12.1 g/L) on the 12th day of cultivation was achieved with light irradiation at a wavelength of 488 nm. Irradiation of the mycelium of H. erinaceus in all used wavelength ranges led to an increase in the synthesis of polysaccharides and unsaturated fatty acids. The modes of irradiation with laser light ?=488 nm and LED ?=470 nm were the most effective.

Evaluation of the nutritional value, umami taste, and volatile organic compounds of Hypsizygus marmoreus by simulated salivary digestion in vitro

Hypsizygus marmoreus is an edible medicinal mushroom species with a high dietary value. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value, umami taste, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of H. marmoreus treated with hot water combined with simulated salivary digestion in vitro. Seafood mushroom (Hm3) had the highest content of moisture, soluble polysaccharides, soluble proteins, and total flavonoids while white Hypsizygus marmoreus (Hm1) had the highest total phenolic content. Moreover, Hm1 had a more noticeable equivalent umami concentration (EUC) value, indicating the umami properties of Hm1 as a food or processing ingredient. Results from E-nose and HS-SPME-GC-MS revealed that the VOCs of Hm1 and brown Hypsizygus marmoreus (Hm2) were relatively similar, which differed substantially from Hm3. Among the 134 VOCs, 24 differential metabolites were identified by OPLS-DA analysis, characterized by VIP > 1, p-value < 0.05, and FC > 2 (pairwise comparisons). Furthermore, 10 biomarkers with VIP > 1 and p-value < 0.05 were identified by PLS-DA analysis based on the total differential metabolites to distinguish different strains of H. marmoreus. These results will benefit future research on the chemistry of H. marmoreus and serve as a guide for breeding, introducing, and using the species more effectively.

Optimization of vegetative growth conditions for submerged cultivation of edible medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus through resonance surface methodology

Edible medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus commonly known as Lion’s mane contains various bioactive metabolites.&nbsp; These metabolites are associated with many health benefits and used as nutraceuticals and pro-health goods. Therefore, the objective of this study was to optimize vegetative growth conditions at which metabolites production was maximum. In this study, conditions such as pH, temperature, and agitation of the fermenter were used to study the relative effect on biomass in the submerged medium. Initially, the biomass experiments were designed using the Box Behnken Design (BBD). A total of 17 trial runs with varying ranges were carried out. Vegetative growth condition variables were found to play a decisive role in determining the quantity of the total biomass production in submerged conditions. The response surface methodology (RSM) was further used to analyze the results and finally to optimize the relationship of growth conditions. The analysis showed that maximum biomass production (34.44g/l) was optimized at temperature 24.39 ℃, pH 6.38, and 147.42 rpm. The predicted maximal growth was within 0.130-1.49 percent error of the experimental data under these conditions. With R2&gt;0.9, the model produces an acceptable outcome. Therefore, we concluded that these indicator parameters can be used for better production of mycelium biomass and metabolites, used as medicinal and pharmacological products.

Hypsizygus marmoreus as a Source of Indole Compounds and Other Bioactive Substances with Health-Promoting Activities.

Hypsizygus marmoreus is an edible medicinal mushroom species with a high dietary value. In this study, the fruiting bodies of commercial and self-cultivated crops and mycelium from in vitro H. marmoreus cultures (both white and brown varieties) were evaluated. This study aimed to analyze the presence of indole compounds and other biologically active substances and determine the effect that the addition of zinc and magnesium ions to the culture medium has on the content of the tested compounds in mycelial cultures. The content of indole compounds and other organic compounds was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography, the content of bioelements was determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry, the glucan content was determined spectrophotometrically, and the antioxidant activity of extracts was estimated using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS methods. The results showed that H. marmoreus mycelium from in vitro cultures is a good source of indole compounds, bioelements, glucans, and lovastatin. Mycelia from in vitro cultures showed the most diverse composition of indole compounds (L-tryptophan, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, tryptamine, 5-methyltryptamine, and melatonin). Additionally, in vitro cultures of H. marmoreus enriched with Zn and Mg salts increased the contents of Na, Ca, Zn, 5-methyltryptamine, melatonin, protocatechuic acid, sterols, and total glucans. Only in the case of the white variety of mycelial enriched cultures, ergothioneine and Mg levels also increased. To summarize, the content of the active compounds differed depending on the H. marmoreus variety and the tested material.

Purification, Characterization, and Immobilization of a Novel Protease-Resistant α-Galactosidase from Oudemansiella radicata and Its Application in Degradation of Raffinose Family Oligosaccharides from Soymilk.

α-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.22) are glycosidases that catalyze the hydrolysis of α-1,6-linked D-galactosyl residues of different substrates, which has been widely applied in the food industry. Oudemansiella radicata is a kind of precious edible medicinal mushroom, which is a healthy, green, and safe food-derived enzyme source. In this study, a novel acidic α-galactosidase was purified from the dry fruiting bodies of O. radicata by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration, and designated as ORG (O. radicata α-galactosidase). ORG was further immobilized to obtain iORG by the sodium alginate–chitosan co-immobilization method. Then, the characterization of free and immobilized enzymes and their potential application in the removal of the RFOs from soymilk were investigated. The results showed that ORG might be a 74 kDa heterodimer, and it exhibited maximum activity at 50 °C and pH 3.0, whereas iORG showed maximum activity at 50 °C and pH 5.5. In addition, iORG exhibited higher thermal stability, pH stability, storage stability, and a better degradation effect on raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) in soymilk than ORG, and iORG completely hydrolyzed RFOs in soymilk at 50 °C within 3 h. Therefore, iORG might be a promising candidate in the food industry due to its excellent stability, high removal efficiency of RFOs from soymilk, and great reusability.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Five Medicinal Mushrooms of the Genus Pleurotus.

Within the group of higher fungi, edible medicinal mushrooms have a long history of being used as food and in folk medicine. These species contain biologically active substances with many potential beneficial effects on human health. The Pleurotus genus is representative of medicinal mushrooms because Pleurotus ostreatus is one of the most commonly cultivated culinary mushrooms. In our study, we focused on lesser-known species in the genus Pleurotus and measured their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. We prepared extracts of the mushrooms and analyzed them using HPLC−HRMS, GC−MS, and 1H-NMR. Significant differences in biological activities were found among the Pleurotus spp. extracts. A MeOH extract of P. flabellatus was the most active as a radical scavenger with the highest ORAC, while a chloroform extract had significant anti-inflammatory COX-2 activity. The 80% MeOH extract of P. flabellatus contained the highest amounts of ergosterol, ergothioneine, and mannitol. The 80% MeOH extract of P. ostreatus Florida was the most active in the NF-κB inhibition assay and had the highest content of β-glucans (43.3% by dry weight). Given the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of P. flabellatus, the potential therapeutic usefulness of this species is worth evaluating through in-depth investigations and confirmation by clinical trials.