Lucidum Extract Research Articles

Protective Effect of Ganoderma Lucidum Extract in Contrast Agent Induced Renal Toxicity

Protective Effect of Ganoderma Lucidum Extract in Contrast Agent Induced Renal Toxicity

PRODUCTION OF GANODERMA LUCIDUM EXTRACT LOADED GELATIN-SODIUM ALGINATE MICROSPHERES, INVESTIGATION OF RELEASE KINETICS AT DIFFERENT pH VALUES AND EVALUATION OF KINETIC MODELS

In this study, pH sensitive microsphere polymeric drug carriers were produced by using biodegradable natural gelatin and sodium alginate polymers. Microspheres were loaded with prepared Ganoderma lucidum extract that is a medicinal mushroom and has the potential to be used in several diseases’ treatment. Extract release kinetics of the microspheres were examined by spectrophotometric method by using an UV spectrometer. Buffer solutions with different pH values were used as release medium for examination of drug release kinetics of the produced microspheres. The Ganoderma lucidum release of microspheres was presented in terms of percent cumulative release (CR%) defined as the percentage ratio of the instantaneous amount of Ganoderma lucidum released at a certain time of incubation to the initial amount of Ganoderma lucidum loadings. As a result, it was seen that the release of the extract accelerated as pH of the release medium increased and the fastest extract release was observed in the pH 7. The release kinetic models of the microspheres were examined. The release kinetics of microspheres fitted Higuchi model for pH 1.3, pH 5.0 and pH 6.0 and first-order model for pH 3.0 and pH 7.0.

Production Ganoderma lucidum extract nanoparticles by expansion of supercritical fluid solution and evaluation of the antioxidant ability

Due to the growing human tendency to treat with natural substances, fungi such as Ganoderma lucidum can be a good source to meet this need. Effectiveness, ease of use and a rich source of active ingredients such as ganoderic acids have caused G. lucidum to be considered in the pharmaceutical and food industries. In this project, G. lucidum was applied to extraction using supercritical carbon dioxide. Then expansion of supercritical fluid solution (ESS) was used as, novel, repeatable and green method to yield nanoparticles from G.lucidum extract. The response surface method was used to improve the Extraction efficiency, antioxidant activity, and improving the nanoparticles production status. Optimal conditions were observed at the extraction step by setting pressure at 27.5 MPa, dynamic time of 46 min, and modifier volume of 162 μL. The optimum point for the production of nanoparticles was obtained as follows: pressure drop at 25 MPa, 20 min for collection time, and 40° C for temperature. Under these conditions, the size and count were 86.13 nm, and 98, respectively. Nanoparticles were analyzed by FESM and, the DPPH was used for antioxidant activity evaluation. The LC–MS identified various ganoderic acids from G.lucidum that are famous to be highly oxygenated triterpenoids.

Circular RNA NF1-419 Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis by Regulating Lipid Metabolism in Astroglioma Cells.

Astroglioma is the most common primary tumor of the central nervous system. Currently, there is no effective treatment for astroglioma. In the present study, the extract (L3) from Ganoderma Lucidum (G. lucidum) was found to inhibit the growth of astroglioma U87 cells and change the expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs). One of these, including the circular NF1-419 (circNF1-419), was of interest because NF1 gene is a classic tumor suppressor gene. The functional role of circ-NF1-419 in the inhibition of astroglioma cells remains unknown. This study focuses on the role of circNF1-419 in functional abnormalities of U87 astroglioma cells and aims to elaborate on its regulatory mechanism. The circNF1-419 overexpressing U87 (U87-NF1-419) cells were constructed. We generated U87-NF1-419 to evaluate the role of circNF1-419 on cell cycle, apoptosis, proliferation, tumor growth and metabolic regulation. Finally, we used docking screening to identify compounds in G. lucidum extracts that target circ-419. U87-NF1-419 can promote cell apoptosis and regulate lipid metabolism through glycerophospholipid metabolism and retrograde endocannabinoid signaling. Further examinations revealed that the expression of metabolic regulators, such as L-type voltage-operated calcium channels (L-VOCC), phospholipase C-β3 (PLCβ3), Mucin1, cationic amino acid transporter 4 (CAT4), cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT1) and a kinase (PRKA) anchor protein 4 (AKAP4) was inhibited, while phosphatidylserine synthase 1 (PTDSS1) was enhanced in U87-NF1-419 cells. In vivo experiments showed that circNF1-419 inhibits tumor growth in BALB/C nude mice, and enhanced AKAP4 and PTDSS1 in tumor tissues. The virtual docking screening results supported that ganosporeric acid A, ganodermatriol, ganoderic acid B and α-D-Arabinofuranosyladenine in L3 could activate circNF1-419 in astroglioma treatment. This study indicated that circNF1-419 could be a therapeutic target for the clinical treatment of astroglioma. L3 from Ganoderma Lucidum (G. lucidum) could inhibit astroglioma growth by activating circNF1-419.

Characterization of Chitin-Glucan Complex of Ganoderma lucidum Extract and Its Application as Hemostatic Hydrogel

Characterization of Chitin-Glucan Complex of Ganoderma lucidum Extract and Its Application as Hemostatic Hydrogel

Cytotoxicity of Medicinal Mushrooms Oudemansiella canarii and Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes) Against Hematologic Malignant Cells via Activation of Apoptosis-Related Markers.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and despite of the of the availability of the advanced chemical treatments, development of effective and safe alternatives derived from natural resources are still of high interest. Mushroom is one of the important resources of pharmacologically active cytotoxic compounds. In this paper, we report the cytotoxicity of ethanolic extracts of Oudemansiella canarii (Jungh.) Höhn. and Ganoderma lucidum (W. Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. against nine hematologic malignant cells and describe their molecular mechanisms. Cell lines were exposed to varying concentrations of mushroom extracts for 48 h and the cell proliferation and apoptosis parameters were determined. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the extract-induced changes in the level of apoptosis-related proteins in cancer cell lines and patient-derived mononuclear cells. Results revealed that O. canarii and G. lucidum extracts exhibited cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 26.8-66.0 ppm and 48.1-78.4 ppm, respectively, in all the cancer cell lines used. Mushroom extracts inhibited cell proliferation by 57.3-72.5% (O. canarii) and 44.2-67.4% (G. lucidum), which correlates to the activation of apoptosis as indicated by increased annexin V positivity, cells in sub G0/G1 phase and production of reactive oxygen species, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blot analysis showed increase in the level of apoptotic markers (cleaved PARP1, cleaved caspase 3 and phosphorylation of histone 2AX) and activation of the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK/JNK) signaling pathway. The extract-activated apoptosis was also observed in mononuclear cells isolated from the peripheral blood of leukemia and lymphoma patients. In conclusion, activation of pro-apoptotic markers is one of the major mechanisms of the cytotoxicity of O. canarii and G. lucidum extracts against hematologic malignant cells.

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide alleviates hyperuricemia by regulating adenosine deaminase and urate transporters.

Hyperuricemia (HUA) affects human health and is involved in the pathogenesis of common chronic diseases. Previous studies showed that Ganoderma lucidum extract lowered HUA in animals. However, the active ingredient and pharmacological mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum extract in the improvement of HUA are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-HUA efficacy and related mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide (GLPP) using a potassium oxonate (PO)-induced mouse model and an adenosine-induced cell model. The experimental results showed that blood uric acid (UA) was decreased up to 40.6% by GLPP in HUA mice in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, GLPP significantly reduced UA production by inhibiting the hepatic and blood adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity and increased UA excretion by decreasing the expression of glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) and increasing the expression of organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) in kidney. The adenosine-induced cell model showed that the inhibitory effect of GLPP on ADA activity may be the main reason for the alleviation of HUA by GLPP. Furthermore, PO-induced renal histopathological damage was also alleviated by GLPP in a dose-dependent manner. The experimental results in this study indicated that GLPP exerted anti-HUA effects via regulating the UA production and excretion, suggesting that GLPP could be developed into a therapeutic agent for HUA.

Inhibitory effects of Thai herbal extracts on the cytochrome P450 3A-mediated the metabolism of gefitinib, lapatinib and sorafenib

Herbal products are widely used in cancer patients via co−administration with chemotherapy. Previous studies have demonstrated that pharmacokinetic interactions between herbs and anticancer drugs exist due to inhibition of drug−metabolizing enzymes, particularly cytochrome P450s (CYPs). The aim of this study was to determine the inhibitory effects of Andrographis paniculata, Curcuma zedoaria, Ganoderma lucidum, Murdannia loriformis and Ventilago denticulata extracts on the metabolism of gefitinib, lapatinib and sorafenib. The activities of CYP3A in human liver microsome on the metabolism of gefitinib, lapatinib and sorafenib in the absence and presence of Thai herbal extracts were assayed using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Curcuma zedoaria extract potently inhibited CYP3A−mediated lapatinib and sorafenib metabolism with IC50 values of 4.18 ± 3.20 and 7.59 ± 1.23 μg/mL, respectively, while the metabolism of gefitinib was strongly inhibited by Murdannia loriformis and Ventilago denticulata extracts with IC50 values of 7.53 ± 2.87 and 7.06 ± 1.23 μg/mL, respectively. Andrographis paniculata and Ganoderma lucidum extracts had less effect on the metabolism of the tested anticancers (IC50 values >10 μg/mL). In addition, kinetic analysis of the ability of Curcuma zedoaria extract to inhibit CYP3A-mediated metabolism of anticancer drugs was best described by the noncompetitive and competitive inhibition models with Ki values of 20.08 and 11.55 μg/mL for the metabolism of gefitinib and sorafenib, respectively. The present study demonstrated that there were potential pharmacokinetic interactions between tyrosine kinase inhibitors and herbal extracts.

Ganoderma Lucidum Extract Regulates Gut Morphology and Microbial Community in Lipopolysaccharide-Challenged Broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) on the gut morphology and cecal microbial community of broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). 144 one-day-old unsexed broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four treatments: non-challenged broilers fed a basal diet; LPS-challenged broilers fed a basal diet; LPS challenged broilers fed a basal diet supplemented with 1 mL/L of GLE in the drinking water; and LPS challenged broilers fed a basal diet supplemented with 1.33 mL/L of GLE in the drinking water. Results showed that supplementationwith1.33 mL/L of GLE alleviated intestinal inflammatory gene expression in LPS-challenged broilers (p≤0.05). Supplementation of GLE (1 and 1.33 mL/L) increased the villus height in the jejunum and ileum of LPS-challenged broilers (p≤0.001). Weighted principal coordinate analysis, heat map of species abundance, and microbial function pathway revealed distinct separation between the groups treated with LPS only and LPS in combination with GLE supplementation (1 and 1.33 mL/L). The abundance of the genus Faecalibacterium was increased in the cecal digesta of LPS-challenged broilers receiving GLE(1 and 1.33 mL/L) compared with the LPS challenge-only group (p≤0.001). The growth performance parameter of broilers was positively associated with the abundance of the genus Faecalibacterium in the cecal digesta. In conclusion, GLE supplementation could modulate gut morphology and cecal microbiota composition of broilers under inflammatory challenge.

Antifungal Susceptibility of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus ochraceus, and Fusarium graminearum to Ganoderma lucidum Extract

Background: Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known fungus that has been widely used in traditional medicine around the world, especially in East Asia, due to its various health promotion properties. Recently, researchers have drawn attention to the biologically active compounds found in this fungus, and this fungus has become very popular due to its pharmaceutical properties. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal properties of the Iranian strain of G. lucidum as a natural antifungal agent against harmful filamentous fungi common in the food industry. Methods: Three filamentous fungi, including Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus ochraceus, and Fusarium graminearum, were used in this study for the antifungal evaluation of ethanolic, hydroalcoholic, and two aqueous extracts of G. lucidum with different concentrations by the broth microdilution method. Results: The results showed that only the ethanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts completely inhibited the growth of A. flavus at 2 and 3.5 mg/mL, respectively. Also, no antifungal activity was observed for the aqueous extract for all the three studied fungi. In addition, A. flavus was found to be more sensitive to G. lucidum extracts compared to the two other studied fungi. Conclusions: The ethanolic extract of G. lucidum was effective on A. flavus and can be used as a natural antifungal agent to prevent the growth of this harmful filamentous fungus.

Optimization of Extraction of Flavonoid, Total Phenolic, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Compounds from Ganoderma Lucidum by Maceration Method

Plants are a rich source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds which are among the most important natural antioxidants. The aim of this study was to optimize the extraction of flavonoid, total phenolic, antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds from Ganoderma (G) Lucidum by the maceration method. To do so, independent variables including temperature, extraction time, and type of solvent along with Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were used. The results of single optimization of the independent variables showed the highest flavonoid content (15.19 mg/g) with 100% desirability at extraction time of 48 h, the temperature of 60 °C by using ethanol solvent. The highest total phenolic content (16.96 mg/g) with 99.96% desirability was observed at extraction time of 26 h, temperature of 60 °C by using ethanol solvent. The highest amount of antioxidant compounds (3.03 mg/g) or the lowest IC50 value (mg/ml) with 100% desirability was found at extraction time of 48 h, temperature of 60 °C by using ethanol solvent. The results of simultaneous optimization of the extraction conditions by maceration method showed the highest flavonoid content (15.20 mg/g), total phenolic content (16.01 mg/g), and the lowest IC50 (3.03 mg/ml) with 98.157% desirability at extraction time of 48 h, the temperature of 60 °C using ethanol solvent. The highest mean Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of G. lucidum extract obtained by the maceration method were 2500 and 5000 μg/mL, respectively against Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia E. coli. The predicted optimized treatment had superior antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with a non-growth halo (Zone of inhibition) diameter of 10.60 mm as compared to C. perfringens and E. coli. The results revealed that the G. lucidum extract obtained by the maceration method could be introduced as an antioxidant and antimicrobial source in marketable food products.

Self-nanoemulsifying composition containing curcumin, quercetin, Ganoderma lucidum extract powder and probiotics for effective treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in streptozotocin induced rats

Liquid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (L-SNEDDS) of curcumin and quercetin were prepared by dissolving them in isotropic mixture of Labrafil M1944CS®, Capmul MCM®, Tween-80® and Transcutol P®. The prepared L-SNEDDS were solidified using Ganoderma lucidum extract, probiotics and Aerosil-200® using spray drying. These were further converted into pellets using extrusion-spheronization. The mean droplet size and zeta potential of L-SNEDDS were found to be 63.46 ± 2.12 nm and − 14.8 ± 3.11 mV while for solid SNEDDS pellets, these were 72.46 ± 2.16 nm and −38.7 ± 1.34 mV, respectively. The dissolution rate for curcumin and quercetin each was enhanced by 4.5 folds while permeability was enhanced by 5.28 folds (curcumin) and 3.35 folds (quercetin) when loaded into SNEDDS pellets. The Cmax for curcumin and quercetin containing SNEDDS pellets was found 532.34 ± 5.64 ng/mL and 4280 ± 65.67 ng/mL, respectively. This was 17.55 and 3.48 folds higher as compared to their naïve forms. About 50.23– and 5.57-folds increase in bioavailability was observed for curcumin and quercetin respectively, upon loading into SNEDDS pellets. SNEDDS pellets were found stable at accelerated storage conditions. The developed formulation was able to normalize the levels of blood glucose, lipids, antioxidant biomarkers, and tissue architecture of pancreas and liver in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats as compared to their naïve forms.

Novel biogenic silver and gold nanoparticles for multifunctional applications: Green synthesis, catalytic and antibacterial activity, and colorimetric detection of Fe(III) ions

In this study, novel biogenic silver (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were developed using a green approach with Ganoderma lucidum (GL) extract. The optimization of synthesis conditions for the best outcomes was conducted. The prepared materials were characterized and their applicability in catalysis, antibacterial and chemical sensing was comprehensively evaluated. The GL-AgNPs crystals were formed in a spherical shape with an average diameter of 50 nm, while GL-AuNPs exhibited multi-shaped structures with sizes ranging from 15 to 40 nm. As a catalyst, the synthesized nanoparticles showed excellent catalytic activity (>98% in 9 min) and reusability (>95% after five recycles) in converting 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol. As an antimicrobial agent, GL-AuNPs were low effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria, while GL-AgNPs expressed strong antibacterial activity against all the tested strains. The highest growth inhibition activity of GL-AgNPs was observed against B. subtilis (14.58 ± 0.35 mm), followed by B. cereus (13.8 ± 0.52 mm), P. aeruginosa (12.38 ± 0.64 mm), E. coli (11.3 ± 0.72 mm), and S. aureus (10.41 ± 0.31 mm). Besides, GL-AgNPs also demonstrated high selectivity and sensitivity in the colorimetric detection of Fe3+ in aqueous solution with a detection limit of 1.85 nM. Due to the suitable thickness of the protective organic layer and the appropriate particle size, GL-AgNPs validated the triple role as a high-performance catalyst, antimicrobial agent, and nanosensor for environmental monitoring and remediation.

Characterization and bioactivities of silver nanoparticles green synthesized from Vietnamese Ganoderma lucidum

In this study, the utilization of Vietnamese Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) extract was scrutinized under different operational conditions including reaction time, AgNO3:extract mass ratio, and reaction temperature to establish a rapid, cost–effective, and eco–friendly method with a high yield rate and nanoparticle stabilization. The characterization showed that the as–synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were well–crystalline with an average size of 11.38 ± 5.51 nm. Meanwhile, the Fourier–transform infrared spectrometry of AgNPs and extract samples showed the absorption bands including –OH stretching, symmetric aliphatic bending, and C–OH stretching vibrations belonging to the presence of polyphenols, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides, respectively. These bands reveal an astounding decline in the polyphenol, triterpenoid, and flavonoid content of the crude G. lucidum extracts, which is consistent with the results obtained from colorimetric methods. In liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry of AgNPs and extract samples, various peaks were detected and they shared significant differences in intensity after the reaction. As a result, the phytochemicals from G. lucidum extracts were confirmed to play the role of reducing silver ions to AgNPs and act as a capping agent to stabilize the colloid mixture. In the biological tests, the colloidal AgNPs demonstrated an extraordinary antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, and Candida albicans, with IC50 values of 17.97, 17.06, 1.32, 54.69, and 27.78 µg/mL, respectively. The antioxidant capacity of AgNPs was evaluated using 2,2–diphenyl–1–picrylhydrazyl free radical reagent (IC50 = 447.120 ± 0.084 µg/mL). In addition, the colloidal AgNPs possessed better anticancer activity against the human epidermic carcinoma cancer cell line (KB) with IC50 values of 190.06 ± 3.62 µg/mL when compared to the crude extract. The results of the bioactivity evaluations exhibited the potential utilization of G. lucidum extract as a natural source for the colloidal AgNPs biosynthesis and their application in various areas, particularly as an antimicrobial agent in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic product preservation to combat bacterial infection.

O-004. Circulating SIGLEC6 is deranged in preeclampsia and may be a biomarker of disease severity

In this study, the utilization of Vietnamese Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) extract was scrutinized under different operational conditions including reaction time, AgNO3:extract mass ratio, and reaction temperature to establish a rapid, cost–effective, and eco–friendly method with a high yield rate and nanoparticle stabilization. The characterization showed that the as–synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were well–crystalline with an average size of 11.38 ± 5.51 nm. Meanwhile, the Fourier–transform infrared spectrometry of AgNPs and extract samples showed the absorption bands including –OH stretching, symmetric aliphatic bending, and C–OH stretching vibrations belonging to the presence of polyphenols, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides, respectively. These bands reveal an astounding decline in the polyphenol, triterpenoid, and flavonoid content of the crude G. lucidum extracts, which is consistent with the results obtained from colorimetric methods. In liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry of AgNPs and extract samples, various peaks were detected and they shared significant differences in intensity after the reaction. As a result, the phytochemicals from G. lucidum extracts were confirmed to play the role of reducing silver ions to AgNPs and act as a capping agent to stabilize the colloid mixture. In the biological tests, the colloidal AgNPs demonstrated an extraordinary antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, and Candida albicans, with IC50 values of 17.97, 17.06, 1.32, 54.69, and 27.78 µg/mL, respectively. The antioxidant capacity of AgNPs was evaluated using 2,2–diphenyl–1–picrylhydrazyl free radical reagent (IC50 = 447.120 ± 0.084 µg/mL). In addition, the colloidal AgNPs possessed better anticancer activity against the human epidermic carcinoma cancer cell line (KB) with IC50 values of 190.06 ± 3.62 µg/mL when compared to the crude extract. The results of the bioactivity evaluations exhibited the potential utilization of G. lucidum extract as a natural source for the colloidal AgNPs biosynthesis and their application in various areas, particularly as an antimicrobial agent in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic product preservation to combat bacterial infection.

Development of mushroom polysaccharide and probiotics based solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system loaded with curcumin and quercetin to improve their dissolution rate and permeability: State of the art

The role of mushroom polysaccharides and probiotics as pharmaceutical excipients for development of nanocarriers has never been explored. In the present study an attempt has been made to explore Ganoderma lucidum extract powder (GLEP) containing polysaccharides and probiotics to convert liquid self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) into solid free flowing powder. Two lipophilic drugs, curcumin and quercetin were used in this study due to their dissolution rate limited oral bioavailability and poor permeability. These were loaded into liquid SNEDDS by dissolving them into isotropic mixture of Labrafill M1944CS, Capmul MCM, Tween-80 and Transcutol P. The liquid SNEDDS were solidified using probiotics and mushroom polysaccharides as carriers and Aerosil-200 as coating agent. The solidification was carried out using spray drying process. The process and formulation variables for spray drying process of liquid SNEDDS were optimized using Box Behnken Design to attain required powder properties. The release of both drugs from the optimized spray dried (SD) formulation was found to be more than 90%, whereas, it was less than 20% for unprocessed drugs. The results of DSC, PXRD and SEM, showed that the developed L-SNEDDS preconcentrate was successfully loaded onto the porous surface of probiotics, mushroom polysaccharides and Aerosil-200.

Synthesis of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles with Eco-Friendly Processes Using Ganoderma lucidum Extract and Evaluation of Their Theranostic Applications

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extract, the cost-effective solution, and the abundance and environmental issue have been gaining much attention to scientists. Ganoderma lucidum (GL) commonly known as Lingzhi in Chinese and Reishi in Japanese, with a proven anticancer benefit, is discovered in the buffer zone of Bach Ma National Park, Nam Dong district, Thua Thien Hue province. In this work, the AgNPs were synthesized in a simple and effective biochemical reduction process using GL which is one of the biological organisms, as a reducing and stable agent. The optimum conditions of various experimental parameters such as pH, reaction time, concentration, and temperature were investigated. Obtained AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effects of AgNP/GL materials and GL aqueous extraction on the antiproliferative activities of HepG2 and MCF-7 cells were studied. The novel AgNP/GL-based multicomponent suspension is a key compound that could find a good application in the medical and pharmaceutical sciences.

Postharvest Drying Techniques Regulate Secondary Metabolites and Anti-Neuroinflammatory Activities of Ganoderma lucidum.

Ganoderma lucidum extract is a potent traditional remedy for curing various ailments. Drying is the most important postharvest step during the processing of Ganoderma lucidum. The drying process mainly involves heat (36 h at 60 °C) and freeze-drying (36 h at −80 °C). We investigated the effects of different postharvest drying protocols on the metabolites profiling of Ganoderma lucidum using GC-MS, followed by an investigation of the anti-neuroinflammatory potential in LPS-treated BV2 microglial cells. A total of 109 primary metabolites were detected from heat and freeze-dried samples. Primary metabolite profiling showed higher levels of amino acids (17.4%) and monosaccharides (8.8%) in the heat-dried extracts, whereas high levels of organic acids (64.1%) were present in the freeze-dried samples. The enzymatic activity, such as ATP-citrate synthase, pyruvate kinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphatase dehydrogenase, glutamine synthase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, and D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, related to the reverse tricarboxylic acid cycle were significantly high in the heat-dried samples. We also observed a decreased phosphorylation level of the MAP kinase (Erk1/2, p38, and JNK) and NF-κB subunit p65 in the heat-dried samples of the BV2 microglia cells. The current study suggests that heat drying improves the production of ganoderic acids by the upregulation of TCA-related pathways, which, in turn, gives a significant reduction in the inflammatory response of LPS-induced BV2 cells. This may be attributed to the inhibition of NF-κB and MAP kinase signaling pathways in cells treated with heat-dried extracts.

CAN GANODERMA LUCIDUM BE AN ALTERNATIVE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT FOR ENHANCING SPERM MOTILITY RATE?

Ganoderma lucidum (GL) is a widely used medicinal mushroom. The therapeutic effect of this fungus on many diseases has been proven by studies. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of low, moderate and high dose GL extract administration on the testis tissue, spermatogenic series cells and sperm motility in rats. 40 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Rats in group 1, 2, 3 and 4 were administered 2 ml physiologic serum, 500 mg/kg, 2500 mg/kg, 5000 mg/kg Ganoderma lucidum extract 1 time per day via gavage for 9 days, respectively. For evaluation of sperm motility and histopathological changes, epididymal sperm collection and testis harvesting were done. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. When the Group 1 (control group) is compared with Groups 2, 3 and 4, the Johnsen score and sperm motility in these groups increased and this increase was statistically significant. In conclusion, low, moderate, and high doses of GL extract administered to rats were revealed to increase spermatogenesis, epididymal total sperm count and progressive motile sperm counts. However, it is detected that high doses cause minimal damage to the testis and as the increase in sperm parameters wasn’t significant, it’s concluded that doses for oral use above 2500 mg/kg should be avoided.

Ganoderma lucidum stimulates autophagy-dependent longevity pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans and human cells.

The medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum is used as a dietary supplement and health tonic, but whether it affects longevity remains unclear. We show here that a water extract of G. lucidum mycelium extends lifespan of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The G. lucidum extract reduces the level of fibrillarin (FIB-1), a nucleolar protein that correlates inversely with longevity in various organisms. Furthermore, G. lucidum treatment increases expression of the autophagosomal protein marker LGG-1, and lifespan extension is abrogated in mutant C. elegans strains that lack atg-18, daf-16, or sir-2.1, indicating that autophagy and stress resistance pathways are required to extend lifespan. In cultured human cells, G. lucidum increases concentrations of the LGG-1 ortholog LC3 and reduces levels of phosphorylated mTOR, a known inhibitor of autophagy. Notably, low molecular weight compounds (<10 kDa) isolated from the G. lucidum water extract prolong lifespan of C. elegans and the same compounds induce autophagy in human cells. These results suggest that G. lucidum can increase longevity by inducing autophagy and stress resistance.