Agaric Research Articles

Optimization, isolation, identification and molecular mechanisms in B16F10 melanoma cells of a novel tyrosinase inhibitory peptide derived from split gill mushrooms

Hyperpigmentation often arises from an imbalance in melanogenesis, primarily due to the overexpression of tyrosinase (TYR). While the inhibition of TYR presents a common approach to skin whitening, it can lead to undesirable side effects. Thus, there is growing interest in safe and natural alternatives for TYR inhibition. Bioactive compounds and peptides sourced from split gill mushrooms hold promise in this regard. This study aims to optimize the conditions for papain-mediated hydrolysis of split gill mushroom protein to inhibit TYR activity, utilizing response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD). Optimal conditions were determined at a temperature of 46.70 °C, a hydrolysis time of 217.09 min, and an enzyme-to-substrate ratio (E/S) of 1.1%. Under these conditions, the resulting hydrolysates exhibited significant TYR inhibition, with an IC50 value of 117.86 μg/mL and a degree of hydrolysis (DH) of 87.97%. Further purification via ultrafiltration and RP-HPLC yielded a peptide, Tyr-Ala-Ser-Ile-Leu-Leu (YASILL or YL-6), identified through LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, which competitively inhibited TYR. YL-6 demonstrated an IC50 value of 3.97 mM for mono-phenolase activity and 6.75 mM for di-phenolase activity. Molecular docking analysis revealed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions between TYR and YL-6. Treatment of B16F10 cells with YL-6 across concentrations ranging from 10-3000 μM showed no cytotoxic effects.The inhibition of melanin synthesis was investigated via qRT-PCR along with Western blot in MITF, TYR, TRP-1, and TRP-2. The results obtained in this research may prove significant in guiding the development of commercially viable cosmetic products to whiten the skin.

Extraction, characterization, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of ethanolic extracts from the split gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune)

Split gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) is among the known functional foods for the antitumor and immunomodulatory activities. However, its antidiabetic activity has not been well characterized. Thus, this study aims to characterize ethanolic extracts and investigate the antidiabetic mechanism of the extracts from the split gill mushroom. We utilized both dried and fresh split gill mushrooms as sources for ethanol extractions. We find that the extracts have differential carbohydrate, protein, total phenolic, and total flavonoid compositions, and antioxidant activities. The fresh mushroom extract 1 (FME1) is the best stimulator of glucose uptake in the C2C12 myotubes. Furthermore, FME1 dose-dependently activates glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, possibly by promoting the phosphorylation of the α-subunit of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) complex. This sample also enhance lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHLC-ESI-QTOF/MS) reveals many potential antidiabetic compounds in the sample. In conclusion, we illustrated the antioxidant and antidiabetic mechanism of an ethanolic extract from fresh split gill mushrooms and identified potential antidiabetic components in the extract, demonstrating the antidiabetic potential of S. commune.

Glucan-rich polysaccharides obtained from split gill mushroom [Schizophyllum commune (Fr.)] ameliorate hyperglycemia by enhancing insulin and GLUT2 pancreas in type 2 diabetic rats.

Abnormalities in the secretion of insulin are the cause of pathology and complications in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-diabetic effect of polysaccharide extracts from the split gill mushroom in type 2 diabetes rats administered a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) in combination with a high-fat diet. The rats were divided into 6 groups: the control group (ND), the control group fed with polysaccharide extract from split gill (ND240), the diabetes group (HFD+DM), the diabetic group fed 120 (HFD+S120) and 240 mg/kg BW polysaccharide extract (HFD+S240), and the diabetic group receiving metformin (HFD+Met). Subsequently, the Islets of Langerhans of pancreatic tissue were studied using a light microscope and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Immunofluorescence for the detection of insulin and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) proteins, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also detected in pancreatic tissue. In the diabetic and HFD+120 groups, the tissues harbored various pathologies. The HFD+S240 and HFD+Met groups were found to have lower blood sugar levels. The levels of insulin and GLUT2 increased compared with the diabetic group. Additionally, the levels of MDA were reduced. The use of polysaccharide extract from split gill mushrooms (240 mg/kg BW) is an alternative to treating various pathologies in the relief or treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Sensory Flavor Profile of Split Gill Mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) Extract and Its Enhancement Effect on Taste Perception in Salt Solution and Seasoned Clear Soup.

Edible mushroom has attracted increasing attention as a natural flavor enhancer. This research studied sensory flavor profiles and identified umami taste-related compounds in split gill mushroom extract (SGME) using descriptive analysis and chemical analysis, respectively. The effects of SGME on taste enhancement as perceived by trained descriptive panelists and general consumers were evaluated in salt solutions and clear chicken soups. The results showed that SGME had mushroom, bitter aromatic, dark brown, meaty, and musty flavor notes and salty and umami tastes. Glutamic acid, aspartic acids, adenosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-AMP), and guanosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP) contributed to SGME's umami taste. As perceived by trained panelists, saltiness enhancement caused by SGME in aqueous solutions occurred only at relatively low salt concentrations (0.3 and 0.5%), while its umami enhancement effect was more pronounced. When SGME was added into reduced-salt seasoned clear chicken soups, it helped to enhance both the salty and umami tastes of the soups. The 20-31.25% reduced-salt soups with 12.5% of SGME were rated as salty as (p > 0.05) the control soup with regular salt content as perceived by both trained panelists and general consumers. The results suggest that SGME could be used as a natural flavor enhancer in the development of reduced-salt foods.

Unlocking the benefits of split gill mushroom: Chemical analysis and prebiotic properties of schizophyllan extract

The edible split gill mushroom is considered both a nutritive and therapeutic superfood, as well as rich in schizophyllan and protein. Prebiotic properties and other biological effects distinguish the schizophyllan (β-glucan). Thus, this research investigates the identity of the mushroom strain, the nutritional composition of this mushroom, and the schizophyllan extract for further analysis, including its prebiotic activity and so on. The experimental results revealed that this mushroom was identified as Schizophyllum commune, comprising more excellent carbohydrates, protein, crude fiber, lower fat, and no heavy metal detection. Moreover, this extract consisted of pharmaceutical hydrophobin (14.0–18.5 kDa), lectin protein (21–35 kDa), bioactive purpurin or red pigment, including the prebiotic β-glucan stimulating the proliferation of probiotic bacteria isolated from yogurt. Therefore, both S. commune and the schizophyllan extract can be used as a prebiotic candidate, functional food, and nutraceutical product.

Profile of taste-related compounds and bioactivity of split gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) as affected by blanching and drying

ABSTRACT Edible mushrooms are important in the human diet as a source of nutritive compounds with an appreciated taste. The split gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) is popularly consumed in Asia owing to its umami taste relating to a meaty flavor. Typically, blanching and drying are performed to preserve food quality and extend shelf-life and may affect the taste characteristics and bioactivity of mushrooms. This work investigated the effect of different methods of blanching – hot-water (HW) or microwave-assisted (MW) – and drying – hot air drying (HAD) and freeze-drying (FD) – on the characteristics, taste profile, and bioactivity of S. commune. The results showed that S. commune contained umami-related compounds, and the umami level was influenced by the processing conditions. Compared to HW blanching, MW blanching was more efficient at prohibiting polyphenol oxidase activity and maintaining the umami taste of the mushroom. Drying, particularly FD, successfully improved the umami level of S. commune. Nevertheless, HAD tended to provide the mushroom with higher bioaccessibility to phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity levels. The results suggested that S. commune could be promising as a functional ingredient with an umami taste. Pre-treatment using MW blanching, followed by FD could preserve appropriately the umami taste and quality of the mushroom.

Scavenging activities of Schizophyllum commune fr. extracts against DPPH radicals, extractable materials and a TLC qualitative of the mushroom extracts

A fresh split gill mushroom or locally known as cendawan kukur (Schizophyllum commune Fr.) (SC) was obtained from Terengganu, Malaysia. The SC samples were dried in an oven and extracted with several polarities of solvent such as water, ethanol, dichloromethane and hexane. Then the SC extracts were tested for their scavenging activity against the DDPH radical models. The scavenging activities were calculated as a percentage of DDPH radicals discolouration and measured as scavenging activities of the S. commune extracts. The finding observed the highest scavenging activities resulted from SC-H2O (85.40%), followed by SC-ethanol (54.91%), SC-dichloromethane (0.46%) extracts and no observation of scavenging activities showed by a non-polar extract (SCHexane). In this finding, the scavenging activity of SC-H2O extract against DDPH radicals was found more potent at 85.40% and it showed the highest activities as compared to the other SC-DCM and SC-EtOH extracts. In the next observation, the scavenging activities of the single SC-water extract against free radical DDPH were observed for another 30 mins by an interval of 5 mins increment after the incubation time. As a result, the scavenging activities of SC-H2O extract against DDPH free radicals maintained its activities between 85.40-85.76% within 30 mins. These observed that the SC-H2O extracts presented a highly potent antioxidant as compared to other SC extracts in this model. Finally, an additional HPTLC method was used as a preliminary observation of the SC extract separation profiles. The result of SC water extracts (polar extract) observed the same Rf value (0.25) of the unknown compound as compared to the SC-EtOH and SCDCM extracts, and this spot compound was not observed in the non-polar extract of SCHexane. The polar and mid-polar extractable materials were more abundant in TLC separations and are related to the % TSS and strength of the mushroom aroma in the extracts. These preliminary studies will be continued for the S. commune phytochemicals discovery and the development of a new product of S. commune flavour extracts.

Interrelationship amongst varieties of edible mushroom through Molecular marker Study

The information regarding the DNA sequences of plant is very limited. When knowledge of the DNA sequence of the targeted genome is unavailable several PCR based techniques (RAPD, ITS, AFLP, SSR markers, SNP markers) are utilized to accumulate information about the genetic adaptability. Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA is a technique by which the random segments of DNA are amplified. Short nucleotide primers (8–12 nucleotides) are used to proceed with the PCR using genomic DNA, for fragments to amplify. The primers bind somewhere in the sequence. By comparing the banding matrix the DNA patterns can be ascertained. RAPD has been utilized to characterize, trace the phylogeny of diverse plant species. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) is to a non-functional RNA situated between structural ribosomal RNAs (rRNA) on a transcript. The sequence of rRNA precursor transcript is the 5' external transcribed sequence (5' ETS), 18S rRNA, ITS1, 5.8S rRNA, ITS2, 28S rRNA and the 3'ETS read from 5' to 3' direction. The complete sequence repeats themselves in tandem array for thousands of copies separated by regions of non-transcribed DNA termed non-transcribed spacer (NTS) or intergenic spacer (IGS). There is the presence of two ITS regions in eukaryotes. The first one located between 18S and 5.8S rRNA genes is called ITS1, while the next in the sequence is ITS2 that lies between 5.8S and 26S rRNA genes in plants. Each eukaryotic ribosomal cluster follows the sequence of the 5' external transcribed sequence (5' ETS), trailed by the 18S rRNA gene, the ITS1 and the 5.8S rRNA gene, the ITS2, the 28S rRNA gene, and finally the 3' ETS. ETS and ITS pieces are excised and rapidly degraded during rRNA maturation. In our study four different gilled mushrooms were analyzed for RAPD and ITS study.

Processing of split gill mushroom as a biogenic material for functional food purpose

The nutritional value of routinely used synthetic antioxidants is being reemphasized in today's preventative medicine and food sector. The split gill mushroom is a pharmaceutical mushroom distinguished by its high nutritional content and biological activity. It contains schizophyllan and a polysaccharide made up of β-glucan. The β-glucan has a significant level of antioxidant activity. Therefore, this is an investigation into producing split gill mushroom essence rich in bioactive components. This study examined the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (radical scavenging activity) of the schizophyllan (the hot water combined with ethanolic extraction of polysaccharide), supernatant from the separation of the extraction of the polysaccharide, and the mushroom essence (the production of split gill mushroom essence steamed in an electric pressure cooker). From this research, split gill mushroom essence (using an electric pressure cooker) showed more great total phenolic content (14.07 mg of gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/g of dry extract) compared to the supernatant and ethanolic schizophyllan (12.85 and 6.22 mg of GAE/g of dry extract). Furthermore, this mushroom essence revealed more potential for antioxidant activity (IC50 value) for inhibition of free radical (0.73 mg of dry extract/ml), compared to other extracts (IC50 values of the supernatant and the schizophyllan extract as 0.76 and 2.64 mg of dry extract/ml). Therefore, split gill mushroom essence is probably developed as an innovative antioxidant functional food product with beneficial compounds to human health.

Language of fungi derived from their electrical spiking activity.

Fungi exhibit oscillations of extracellular electrical potential recorded via differential electrodes inserted into a substrate colonized by mycelium or directly into sporocarps. We analysed electrical activity of ghost fungi (Omphalotus nidiformis), Enoki fungi (Flammulina velutipes), split gill fungi (Schizophyllum commune) and caterpillar fungi (Cordyceps militaris). The spiking characteristics are species specific: a spike duration varies from 1 to 21 h and an amplitude from 0.03 to 2.1 mV. We found that spikes are often clustered into trains. Assuming that spikes of electrical activity are used by fungi to communicate and process information in mycelium networks, we group spikes into words and provide a linguistic and information complexity analysis of the fungal spiking activity. We demonstrate that distributions of fungal word lengths match that of human languages. We also construct algorithmic and Liz-Zempel complexity hierarchies of fungal sentences and show that species S. commune generate the most complex sentences.

Phytochemical Screening, Cytotoxic Activity, and Proximate Analysis of Split Gill Mushroom (Schizophyllum commune)

Mushrooms play an essential role in the ecosystem and have provided humans with numerous benefits in terms of food and medicinal sources. The study was conducted to determine the phytochemical constituents, cytotoxic activity, and proximate analysis of a widespread mushroom in the region, Schizophyllum commune. Qualitative phytochemical analysis and cytotoxic activity of the ethanolic extract were conducted using the test tube method and brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA). Proximate analysis was carried out using the standards the Association of Analytical Chemists set. Results revealed the presence of saponin, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, proteins, and carbohydrates. The linear regression analysis showed that the extracts exhibited a highly cytotoxic activity on brine shrimp with an LC50 value of 55.64 ppm. The cytotoxicity of the extract is mainly attributed to its phytochemical content. Proximate analysis revealed that the sample was composed primarily of moisture with high protein and low-fat content levels. Results support that S. commune is a good protein source and a healthy diet choice. The study may serve for further ethnobotanical, nutritional, and pharmacological studies.

Effect of hot water extraction process on schizophyllan from split gill mushroom

Effect of hot water extraction process on schizophyllan from split gill mushroom

Production of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds during Mycelium Growth of Schizophyllum commune on Different Cereal Media

Schizophyllum commune or split gill mushroom is a nutrient-rich natural food ingredient. Even during mycelium growth, S. commune could produce the bioactive compounds including phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The aim of this research was to characterize the production of bioactive compounds during mycelium growth period of S. commune cultured onto different eight edible cereal media (sorghum, corn, barley, wheat, oat, jasmine rice, Mun Poo rice and riceberry rice). The antioxidant activities and mycelial biomass were also observed during their growth. The results show that the highest mycelial growth rate was obtained onto barley and jasmine rice, while the lowest one was found in sorghum and corn. The concentration of phenolic compounds increased along with the mycelial growth. The fungal culture on wheat significantly exhibited the highest production of phenolic compounds which was 8.56 ± 1.09 mg GAE/g DW on day 8.The highest flavonoid production of 577.35 ± 29.93 μg CE/g DW, wasremarkably found onto barley from day 6. The degradation of certain flavonoidsin cereal materials by S. commune was also observed, particularly in riceberryrice. Antioxidant activity of cultured cereals was depended on the initial activitiesof materials and was mainly increased by S. commune metabolism. The DPPH•and ABTS•+ scavenging activities were sharply increased at day 4 which was earlystage of log phase of S. commune. At day 8, most of cereal media exhibited highDPPH• activity with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) range of 3.83-5.80 mg DW/mL, except jasmine rice. Only wheat and oat could significantly givethe highest ABTS•+ scavenging activity which was in an IC50 range of 2.38-3.27mg DW/mL. The highest FRAP activity with a median effective concentration (EC50)of 2.14 ± 0.23 mg DW/mL, was observed in barley which corresponded with itshighest flavonoid content. Antioxidant activities of S. commune culture onto cerealmedia were correspondent with their phenolic and flavonoid contents. Therefore,this study assured that several antioxidative substances were interestinglyproduced by using S. commune cultured onto the selected edible cereals, whichcould be possibly developed as a new supplement or active ingredient forpharmaceutical and food industries.

A precise relationship among Buller’s drop, ballistospore, and gill morphologies enables maximum packing of spores within gilled mushrooms

ABSTRACT Basidiomycete fungi eject basidiospores using a surface tension catapult. A fluid drop forms at the base of each spore and, after reaching a critical size, coalesces with the spore and launches it from the gill surface. It has long been hypothesized that basidiomycete fungi pack the maximum number of spores into a minimal investment of biomass. Building on a nascent understanding of the physics underpinning the surface tension catapult, we modeled a spore’s trajectory away from a basidium and demonstrated that to achieve maximum packing the size of the fluid drop, the size of the spore, and the distance between gills must be finely coordinated. To compare the model with data, we measured spore and gill morphologies from wild mushrooms and compared measurements with the model. The empirical data suggest that in order to pack the maximum number of spores into the least amount of biomass, the size of Buller’s drop should be smaller but comparable to the spore size. Previously published data of Buller’s drop and spore sizes support our hypothesis and also suggest a linear scaling between spore radius and Buller’s drop radius. Morphological features of the surface tension catapult appear tightly regulated to enable maximum packing of spores. If mushrooms are maximally packed and Buller’s drop radii scale linearly with spore radii, we predict that intergill distance should be proportional to spore radius to the power 3/2.

NUEVOS REGISTROS DE HONGOS AGARICALES (BASIDIOMYCOTA) PARA LAS YUNGAS BOLIVIANAS

Fil: Melgarejo Estrada, Elizabeth. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Micologia y Botanica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Micologia y Botanica; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biologia Experimental; Argentina

Antioxidant properties of peptides obtained from the split gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune).

This study sought to assess the ideal conditions under which hydrolysate can be produced from the split gill mushroom proteins through the microbial protease, Alcalase. The research employed a central composite design and response surface methodology. Three specific parameters were varied for the purposes of the experimental process, while a fixed pH value of 8 was used in all cases. The variables were hydrolysis temperature (set as 45°C, 50°C, or 55°C), hydrolysis time (set as 60min, 120min, or 180min), and the ratio of enzyme to substrate (set as 2%, 4%, or 6% w/v). The variables under investigation exert a significant influence upon degree of hydrolysis (DH) in addition to 2,2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical-scavenging activity (p < 0.05). Fractionation of the hydrolysate was accomplished using molecular weight (MW) cut-off membranes, while the greatest radical-scavenging capability was observed in the < 0.65kDa fraction. The MW < 0.65kDa fraction underwent separation through RP-HPLC in order to create five sub-fractions. Among these, the greatest ABTS radical-scavenging capability was observed in the F5 sub-fraction, which was therefore chosen to undergo additional examination using quadrupole-time-of-flight-electron spin induction-mass spectrometry-based de novo peptide sequencing. Via this process it was possible to determine five antioxidant peptides. Furthermore, the MW < 0.65kDa fraction was able to demonstrating cellular antioxidant activity in the context of a human intestinal cancer cell line (HT-29). The extent of this activity was shown to depend upon the concentration levels of the peptide.

Macrocybe titans: The Mushroom Giant of the Western Hemisphere

The aptly named &lt;i&gt;Macrocybe titans&lt;/i&gt;, meaning "giant head," is the largest known gilled mushroom in the Western Hemisphere. This species was originally described from Florida but can be found across the southeastern United States as well as the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America. These mushrooms are often found in clusters with the caps growing as large as 3 ft wide and 1&amp;ndash;1.5 ft tall! This species was first discovered in Gainesville, Florida, and is generally found near buildings or roads. This new three-page publication of the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department describes these giant mushrooms, their discovery, and where to find them. Written by Elena Karlsen-Ayala and Matthew E. Smith.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp356"&gt;https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp356&lt;/a&gt;

Analysis of the Bioactive Metabolites of the Endangered Mexican Lost Fungi Campanophyllum – A Report from India

Meghalaya, (in India), in the region of the mega-biodiversity hotspots, is home to a plethora of wild mushrooms. The present study concerns the exploration of the order Agaricales, which includes rare gilled mushrooms considered endangered under IUCN A4c criteria, due to the declining habitat. Electron microscopy of the gill sections revealed an abundance of clamp connections, hyphal cell walls, cystidia, and basidia. This rare species which belongs to the family Cyphellaceae, exhibits morphological and molecular differences from the Cyphella spp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that it formed a clade under the genus Campanophyllum of the order Agaricales, confirmed by both Neighbor Joining (NJ) and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. Being nutritionally potent along with its efficient antioxidant value, the fungal extract shows significant rise of two-fold in the antimicrobial activity along with the commercial antibiotics. The compound, Phenol, 2, 4-bis (1, 1-Dimethylethyl) (2, 4-DTBP) showed in ample range in the fungal extract along with aliphatic hydrocarbons, terpene, alcohol and volatile organic compounds on further characterization in GCMS. The present study indicates the endangered Campanophyllum proboscideum could be a rich source of natural antioxidants and an effective pharmaceutical agent.

Determination of Anti-Diabetic Property of organic and nonorganic solvent extracts of Schizophyllum commune

Schizophyllum commune is well-known, non-consumable split gill mushroom having a variety of nutraceutical properties, due to the presence of various bioactive components. In this study, antidiabetic potency of Schizophyllum commune was evaluated using different extraction solvents. Results revealed the extract of methanol solvent showed high antidiabetic potency (IC50 =50.98 μg/ml), followed by another solvents such as ethanol and hot water extracts respectively. Antidiabetic activity of extracts was compared with standards and positive correlation was observed. In conclusion, based on accumulated data Schizophyllum commune may be used as natural antidiabetic substance and a better alternative to synthetic chemicals. It can be prospective source of potent constituent for fighting against human metabolic disorder.

Comparative evaluation of the immune responses and disease resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) induced by yeast β-glucan and crude glucan derived from mycelium in the spent mushroom substrate of Schizophyllum commune

β-glucan has been applied as an immunostimulant that enhances the fish immunity to contend with bacterial diseases, which have caused devastating losses in diverse economic cultured fish worldwide. The Schizophyllum commune or split gill mushroom is widely cultured in southern Thailand. A large number of undesirable waste, including spent mushroom substrate (SMS), increases along with its production. This work was designed to investigate the immunostimulatory effect of glucan extracted from S. commune cultivation waste in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to discover an alternative source of low-cost β-glucan. Crude glucan, Cr-glucan, which is obtained through pressurized hot water extraction, comprises mainly β-glucan and residues of α-glucan, protein and phenolic compounds. The immunostimulatory potential of Cr-glucan was determined compared with that of commercial β-glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Yb-glucan) by intraperitoneally (i.p.) injection (10 μg per fish). Immune parameters in blood and skin mucus and the transcriptional expression level of immune-related genes were examined at 6, 12 and 24 h post injection (hpi). The results showed that Cr-glucan could induce these immune parameters similar to Yb-glucan which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the control fish. In addition, both glucans upregulated all studied genes. Cr-glucan could extend the expression of immune-related genes over those induced by Yb-glucan. The disease resistance against a pathogenic bacterium Aeromonas veronii, a disease-causing agent of motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS), was also established. The survival proportion in Cr-glucan treatment was higher than that of Yb-glucan and control PBS. The results together suggested that Cr-glucan enhanced the immunity contributing to protect Nile tilapia against A. veronii. These findings provide the first evidence to promote the feasibility of crude glucan from valueless waste as a potent immunostimulant that might be used in tilapia culture.