Mycelium Powder Research Articles

Hepatoprotective Effect of Antrodia camphorata Mycelium Powder on Alcohol-Induced Liver Damage

Background/Objectives: Antrodia camphorata, also known as “Niuchangchih” in Taiwan, is a unique medicinal mushroom native to Taiwan. It is used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of A. camphorata mycelia on alcohol-induced liver damage, both in vitro and in vivo, in a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) facility. Methods: The experimental groups consisted of a normal control group (G1), a negative control group (G2), an A. camphorata mycelium powder 50 mg/kg/day administration group (G3), a 100 mg/kg/day administration group (G4), a 200 mg/kg/day administration group (G5), and a positive control silymarin 200 mg/kg/day administration group (G6), with 10 Sprague Dawley rats assigned to each treatment group. Results: We found that treatment with A. camphorata mycelium powder significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, adiponectin, triglyceride, and malondialdehyde concentrations. Histopathological analysis also revealed that the inflammation score significantly decreased in the A. camphorata-treated groups. Conclusion: Based on these results, we conclude that repeated oral administration of A. camphorata mycelium powder is effective in improving alcoholic liver disease.

Renal protective effect of Isaria felina mycelium powder on diet and STZ-induced diabetes mice and the identification of major chemical constituents

Type 2 diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases mainly characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Diabetic kidney disease is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes.The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of Isaria felina mycelium powder (IFMP) on diet and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model. And we analyze the main chemical constituents of Isaria felina mycelium powder.The main chemical constituents of the alcohol-soluble IFMP were prepared and identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The fasting blood glucose and renal index of the mouse model was determined. Serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected. The levels of CD2AP and nephrin proteins in the kidney were detected by ELISA kits.A total of 32 compounds were identified, including nucleosides (16 types), amino acids (13 types), sterols (one type) and glycosides (two types). The experimental results showed that compared with the diabetes model group, IFMP reduced fasting blood glucose, food intake and water intake. Biochemical analysis indicated that IFMP reduced the serum levels of TG, TC, BUN and Scr, and increased the levels of CD2AP and nephrin proteins in the kidneys.Therefore, IFMP has the potential to treat diabetes and prevent kidney damage induced by hyperglycemia.

Extraction and characterization of polysaccharide from fermented mycelia of Coriolus versicolor and its efficacy for treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Coriolus versicolor, a popular traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is widely used in China to treat spleen and liver diseases; however, the beneficial effects of C. versicolor polysaccharides (CVPs) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remain elusive. Herein we isolated and purified a novel CVP (molecular weight, 17,478 Da) from fermented mycelium powder. This CVP was composed of mannose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose, and fucose at a molar ratio of 22:1:8:15:10:3. Methylation, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses indicated that the CVP backbone consisted of →1)-β-D-Man-(6,4→1)-α-D-Gal-(3→1)-α-D-Man-(4→1)-α-D-Gal-(6→, with branches of →1)-α-D-Glc-(6→1)-α-D-Man-(4,3→1)-β-D-Xyl-(2→1)-β-D-Glc on the O-6 position of →1)-β-D-Man-(6,4→ of the main chain. The secondary branches linked to the O-4 position of →1)-α-D-Man-(4,3→ with the chain of →1)-α-D-Fuc-(4→1)-α-D-Man. Further, CVP treatment alleviated the symptoms of NAFLD in an HFD-induced mice model. CVP altered gut microbiota, predominantly suppressing microbes associated with bile acids both in the serum and cecal contents. In vitro data showed that CVP reduced HFD-induced hyperlipidemia via farnesoid X receptor. Our results improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the cholesterol- and lipid-lowering effects of CVP and indicate that CVP is a promising candidate for NAFLD therapy.

Chemical analysis and antitubercular activity evaluation of the dried mycelial powders of the basidiomycete Ganoderma australe TBRC-BCC 22314

The isolation of lanostane triterpenoids possessing significant anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) activity from mycelial cultures of the basidiomycete Ganoderma australe strain TBRC-BCC 22314 was previously reported. To demonstrate the potential of the dried mycelial powder for utilization in anti-TB medicinal products, its authentic chemical analysis was performed. Considering the possibility of the changes in the lanostane compositions and anti-TB activity by sterilization, both autoclave treated and non-autoclaved mycelial powder materials were chemically investigated. The study led to the identification of the lanostanes responsible for the activity of the mycelial extract against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra. The anti-TB activity of the extracts from autoclaved and non-autoclaved mycelial powders were the same (MIC 3.13 μg/mL). However, the analytical results revealed several unique chemical conversions of the lanostanes under the sterilization conditions. The most potent major lanostane, ganodermic acid S (1), was shown to be significantly active also against the extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of M. tuberculosis.

Ganoderma lucidum mitigates gamma radiation-induced oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice

ObjectiveRadiotherapy is well established in cancer therapeutics. Though radiation targets tumor cells, they damage normal tissues by bystander effect. The present study aimed to evaluate the radioprotective efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum (GL) mycelium powder on gamma radiated swiss albino mice. Materials and methodQualitative phytochemical tests and in-vitro antioxidant activity of GL were carried out using standard protocols. Institutional animal ethical committee clearance was obtained. The pre and post-treated mice were irradiated using Gamma chamber 2000 (CARRT), Mangalore University. Biochemical estimations (TAC, SOD, NO, GPx, MDA, reduced glutathione), hematological markers (RBC, WBC, Hb, Platelet), lipid profile, inflammatory markers (Il-2, TNF-alpha, IF-gamma) and genotoxic markers (micronucleus and comet assay) were performed using standard protocols and commercially available kits. ConclusionThe pre and post-treatment groups showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) compared to radiation control in hematological parameters, lipid profile, micronucleus, and comet formation. In pre-treatment and post-treatment groups, Ganoderma lucidium mycelium extracts mitigated radiation-induced hematological, oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, and genotoxic changes.

Preparation of the sphingolipid fraction from mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis and its immunosuppressive activity

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCordyceps sinensis (CS) is an herbal tonic in traditional Chinese medicine and is used to treat a wide range of disorders, including immune, kidney, respiratory, lung and cardiovascular diseases, in China. Most studies are focused mainly on nucleotides and polysaccharides from CS and consider them to be the main active ingredients, while other ingredients are often disregarded. Hundreds of sphingolipids have been identified from CS and showed inhibitory effects on mouse splenic lymphocytes. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to establish a method for preparing a fraction of sphingolipids from the mycelial powder of CS and evaluate its immunosuppressive activity. Materials and methodsFraction of sphingolipids (Fr-SPLs) were prepared by silica gel chromatography and reversed-phase chromatography. Its components were identified and quantified by Quadrupole-Orbitrap UHPLC–MS/MS. PBMCs were prepared from human blood, and splenic lymphocytes, B cells, and T cells were prepared from mouse spleens. The inhibitory effect of Fr-SPLs on cell viability was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. PBMC apoptosis and the ratio of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were quantified by flow cytometry analysis. The expression of IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α in PBMCs was detected by ELISA kits. ResultsA fraction containing 84.83% of sphingolipids (SPLs) was prepared from the mycelia of CS and named Fr-SPLs. 15 SPLs were identified from the Fr-SPLs. Fr-SPLs significantly inhibited the viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with an IC50 value of 9.82 μg/mL and promoted PBMC apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, Fr-SPLs inhibited the viability of mouse splenocytes, as well as that of B cells and T cells derived from splenocytes. Furthermore, Fr-SPLs reduced the production of IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α in PBMCs. ConclusionsFr-SPLs show immunosuppressive activity, and this study will be useful for preparing immunosuppressive components from CS and its mycelia for hyperimmune disease.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant properties of medicinal mushroom Ganoderma P. Karst

Ganoderma species have been known all over the world as highly medicinal mushrooms. Antimicrobial activity of it is an attractive approach which raises the global interests from the scientific community. In this study, the antimicrobial assay of ethanol and methanol extracts of Ganoderma were prepared by using the dried mycelial powder obtained from five different liquid media; was performed against seven plant pathogenic fungi viz., Alternaria macrospora, Aspergilus niger, A. flavus, Colletotrichum falcatum, Fusarium oxysporum, Pestalotiopsis mangiferae and Penicillium sp. and two plant pathogenic bacteria Xanthomonas oryzae and Ralstonia solanacearum. The extracts of mycelia obtained from Yeast Wine Media exhibited the highest inhibition percentage as compared to rest. At concentration 1000ppm, there was complete inhibition of mycelial growth for Alternaria macrospora, Aspergilus niger and A. flavus while for Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillum sp. complete inhibition was observed at 500ppm but for Colletotrichum falcatum and Pestalotiopsis mangiferae, more than 80% mycelial inhibition at concentration 1000ppm in both ethanol and methanol extracts. In the case of Xanthomonas oryzae and Ralstonia solanacearum, at concentration 1000ppm, methanol extract showed the highest inhibition zone (3.50mm, 3.75mm). Ganoderma exhibited antagonistic effect against plant pathogenic fungi could add to the interest of developing Ganoderma as a successful bioagent in the near future. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by using DPPH radical scavenging assay and Metal chelating activity on ferrous ions. The DPPH radical scavenging effect was detected in methanol extract (Inhibition% = 27.312%) was higher than that of the ethanol extract (Inhibition% = 24.79%) and also Ferrous ion chelating ability of methanol extract (Inhibition% =22.27%) was higher than the ethanol extract (Inhibition% =12.55%). It is clearly indicated that both methanol and ethanol extract of the Ganoderma show antioxidant properties and Ganoderma extracts act as an effective antioxidant agents.

Solid-State Fermentation Production of Chitosanase by &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Streptomyces&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; with Waste Mycelia of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Aspergillus niger&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;

Solid-state fermentation was carried out using mycelium powder of Aspergillus niger as substrate for the production of chitosanase of Streptomyces. Results of the experiments indicated that the optimal medium consisted of wheat bran and mycelium powder of Aspergillus niger with initial moisture content of 60% - 70%. The enzyme activity reached 41.33 U per gram dry medium after cultured for 5 days at 28&#176C - 30&#176C and an initial pH 6.5. Chitosanase was detected on the second day of incubation and had maximal activity at 5 days and decreased gradually within a 1 month period. Solid-state fermentation is maybe an economic alternative in the production.

Acetylsalicylic acid-like analgesic effects of Trametes versicolor in Wistar rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the analgesic effects and mechanism of action of Trametes versicolor (Tv) mycelium powder. Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following three or four groups: i) Saline group, fed saline; ii) Tv 500 group, fed 500 mg/kg Tv; iii) ASA 50 group, fed 50 mg/kg acetylsalicylic acid (ASA); and iv) ASA 100 group, fed 100 mg/kg ASA. Chemical formalin tests and thermal hot plate tests were used to investigate the analgesic effects of each group. ELISAs were performed to detect cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plasma levels, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for quality control the active component, oleanolic acid (OA) in Tv that had the analgesic effect. The OA content in aqueous Tv extract was found to be 11.92 % by HPLC assays. The licking frequencies in the early phase and late phase of the formalin test were significantly lower in the Tv 500 and ASA 100 groups than the saline group. The licking time in the late phase were also significantly lower in the Tv 500 and ASA 100 groups than the saline group. The plasma levels of COX-2 and PGE2 were decreased significantly in the Tv 500 and ASA 100 groups compared with that of the saline group at 60 min in the formalin test. In addition, oral feeding with 500 mg/kg Tv may effectively reduce physical pain triggered by hot plates in Wistar rats.Taken together, the acetylsalicylic acid-like analgesic effects of Tv in Wistar rats may be associated with the reduction of the plasma COX-2 and PGE2 levels.

Neutral Lipid Content in Lipid Droplets: Potential Biomarker of Cordycepin Accumulation in Cordycepin-Producing Fungi.

To clarify the relationship between neutral lipid content and cordycepin accumulation in Cordyceps militaris, mutants were generated from mixed spores of two C. militaris strains with varying cordycepin-producing capacities. Fifteen stable mutants producing from 0.001 to 2.363 mg/mL cordycepin were finally selected. The relative fluorescence intensities of the 15 mutants, two C. militaris strains and an Aspergillus nidulans strain at different concentrations of lyophilized mycelium powder were then investigated using the Nile red method. The mutant CM1-1-1 with the highest relative fluorescence intensity among the eighteen strains was selected for optimizing the Nile red method. Relative fluorescence intensity was linearly correlated with cordycepin concentration in liquid broth (R2 = 0.9514) and in lyophilized mycelium powder (R2 = 0.9378) for the 18 cordycepin-producing strains under identical culture conditions and with cordycepin concentration in liquid broth (R2 = 0.9727) and in lyophilized mycelium powder (R2 = 0.9613) for CM1-1-1 under eight different sets of conditions. In addition, the cordycepin content in lyophilized mycelium powder measured by the Nile red method was linearly correlated with that determined by an HPLC method (R2 = 0.9627). In conclusion, neutral lipids in lipid droplets are required during cordycepin accumulation; these neutral lipids are potential biomarkers of cordycepin biosynthesis.

Preparation, uranium (VI) absorption and reuseability of marine fungus mycelium modified by the bis-amidoxime-based groups

Abstract Bis-amidoxime-based claw-like-functionalized marine fungus material (ZZF51-GPTS-DCDA-AM) was prepared for study to absorb the low concentration uranium (VI) from aqueous solution. A series of characterization methods such as SEM, TGA and FT-IR were applied for the functionalized materials before and after modification and adsorption. The experimental results suggested that the amidoxime groups were successfully grafted onto the surface of mycelium powder and provided the special binding sites for the absorption of uranium (VI). In the absorption research, uranium (VI) initial concentration, pH and equilibrium time were optimized as 40 mg L−1, 6.0, and 110 min by L4 3 orthogonal experiment, respectively, and the maximum absorption capacity of the prepared material was 370.85 mg g−1 under the optimum batch conditions. After five cycling process, the desorption rate and regeneration efficiency of the modified mycelium were found to be 80.29 % and 94.51 %, respectively, which indicated that the material had an adequately high reusability property as a cleanup tool. The well known Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm adsorption model fitting found that the modified materials had both monolayer and bilayer adsorption to uranium (VI) ions. Simultaneously, the pseudo-second-order model was better to illustrated the adsorption kinetics process. The enhanced adsorption capacity of uranium (VI) by the modified fungus materials over raw biomass was mainly owing to the strong chelation of amidoxime groups and uranium (VI) ions.

Identification of Ophiocordyceps sinensis and Its Artificially Cultured Ophiocordyceps Mycelia by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Orbitrap Fusion Mass Spectrometry and Chemometrics.

Since the cost of Ophiocordyceps sinensis, an important fungal drug used in Chinese medicine, has increased dramatically, and the counterfeits may have adverse health effects, a rapid and precise marker using the peptide mass spectrometry identification system could significantly enhance the regulatory capacity. In this study, we determined the marker peptides in the digested mixtures of fungal proteins in wild O. sinensis fruiting bodies and various commercially available mycelium fermented powders using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/Orbitrap Fusion mass spectrometry coupled with chemometrics. The results indicated the following marker peptides: TLLEAIDSIEPPK (m/z 713.39) was identified in the wild O. sinensis fruiting body, AVLSDAITLVR (m/z 579.34) was detected in the fermented O. sinensis mycelium powder, FAELLEK (m/z 849.47) was found in the fermented Ophiocordyceps mycelium powder, LESVVTSFTK (m/z 555.80) was discovered in the artificial Ophiocordyceps mycelium powder, and VPSSAVLR (m/z 414.75) was observed in O. mortierella mycelium powder. In order to verify the specificity and applicability of the method, the five marker peptides were synthesized and tested on all samples. All in all, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that mass spectrometry has been employed to detect the marker peptides of O.sinensis and its related products.

A 90-day subchronic toxicity study of submerged mycelial culture of Cordyceps militaris in rats.

Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) is a parasitic fungus that grows on the larvae of Lepidoptera. It is a well-known fungus with immunomodulatory activity. The study was conducted to clarify the edible safety of C. militaris mycelium for long term use. Eighty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups (10 males and 10 females in each group). Rats were orally administrated with reverse osmosis water or 2000, 3000 and 4000 mg per kg BW per day freeze dried C. militaris mycelium powder for 90 consecutive days. Clinical observation was carried out daily. The body weight and feed intake of the rats were recorded weekly. At the end of the study, all rats were sacrificed and the blood and organs were collected for hematology, clinical biochemistry and histopathological examination. All animals survived until the end of the study. During the study period, no abnormality occurred in clinical signs, body weight, feed intake, ophthalmological examination and urinalysis. There were no significant differences upon gross necropsy between the treatment and control group. Hematology, clinical biochemistry parameters and histopathological examination showed no treatment-related change. According to the results, the no-observed-adverse-effect level of C. militaris mycelium is 4000 mg per kg BW per day for male and female SD rats.

Immunomodulatory Effects of the Stout Camphor Medicinal Mushroom, Taiwanofungus camphoratus (Agaricomycetes)-Based Health Food Product in Mice.

Taiwanofungus camphoratus is a unique medicinal mushroom endemic to Taiwan, and it is used as a folk medicine in East Asian countries. The aim of the present study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of "leader Antrodia cinnamomea capsule" (LAC), a health food product containing solid-state cultivated mycelial powder of T. camphoratus. For the in vivo studies, mice were orally administered LAC (76, 250, and 760 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 days, and its effects on cell-mediated humoral immune function were examined. The results of the concanavalin A-induced splenic lymphocyte proliferation test showed that LAC significantly increased splenic lymphocyte proliferation compared with the control. In addition, serum hemolysin analysis showed that LAC treatment significantly increased the half value of serum hemolysin (HC50) in mice compared with the control. Moreover, treatment with LAC significantly increased the phagocytic index as measured by carbon clearance and natural killer cell activity. Taken together, these findings provide strong evidence that LAC can modulate immune function.

Improving insulin resistance with Antrodia cinnamomea mycelium powder to induce a hypoglycemic effect in dexamethasone‑induced insulin‑resistant rats.

Insulin resistance is a major factor in typeII diabetes development, occurring when insulin levels are normal, but do not have normal interactions with adipose, muscle or liver tissue. The present study aimed to explore the hypoglycemic effect of Antrodiacinnamomea (AC) mycelium powder by evaluating its impact on insulin resistance and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels in steroid‑induced insulin‑resistant (SIIR) rats. Male Wistar rats were administered dexamethasone for 5days to induce insulin resistance. The SIIR rats were subsequently randomly assigned into three experimental groups (EGs) and a control group (CG), where saline was orally administered. The EGs were orally administered different doses of AC (100, 200 or 500mg/kg) and an optimal dose for further study was determined. Changes in plasma insulin and glucose levels were calculated to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of AC. To evaluate insulin resistance, the homeostasis model assessment‑estimated insulin resistance of the SIIR rats was determined. Changes in plasma FFA levels were detected and levels of insulin signal proteins (IRS‑1, GLUT‑4 and PI3K) were analyzed by western blot to elucidate AC's mechanism of action. The SIIR rats exhibited significantly decreased plasma glucose levels in the first 30min, with plasma FFA levels displaying a marked downward trend (P<0.05) when they were administered the optimal dose of AC (200mg/kg). The decrease in plasma glucose and FFA levels was significantly larger in the EG compared to the CG, and insulin signal protein levels were also significantly increased (P<0.05). The hypoglycemic effect observed may be due to decreased plasma FFA levels and increased expression of intracellular insulin signal proteins. Furthermore, insulin sensitivity was enhanced, indicating that AC acts as an insulin sensitizer in insulin resistant animal models.

High molecular weight genomic DNA mini-prep for filamentous fungi

Purification of high quality genomic DNA (gDNA) from filamentous fungi suitable for whole genome sequencing has previously involved many steps. Here, we report a simple and easy-to-follow mini-preparation protocol for high molecular weight (∼20kb) gDNA from filamentous fungi including Aspergillus and Eurotium. This comprehensive protocol includes graphic step-by-step instructions for inoculation, homogenization, and purification of gDNA. The most critical step is a thorough 3–5min homogenization of the freeze-dried mycelium using a motorized hand-held homogenizer with a mini spatula inserted. Approximately 20mg of the fine mycelial powder is then subjected to a modified procedure for the DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen). This Qiagen spin column protocol avoids precipitation, dryness, and resuspension of gDNA, which can cause shearing and loss of gDNA. Final gDNA yields from ∼20mg of fine mycelial powder are 8 to 20μg with a consistent 260/280nm absorbance ratio of ∼1.9. All 30 gDNA samples we purified using our method were of high molecular weight (∼20kb). Whole genome sequencing of these DNA samples resulted in 160–260 X coverage with 2×150 reads using NextSeq 500. These gDNAs are also of a suitable quality for Southern blotting and PCR-based amplification of various genes in filamentous fungi.

Clinical Evaluation of Blood Glucose Regulation and Safety of Cordyceps cicadae Mycelium

Cordyceps cicadae (C. cicadae) is one of the most valued traditional Chinese medicines and have been used for about 1600 years in China. It is edible and is used traditionally for vision improvement, renal protection, cancer treatment and regulation of blood cholesterol and blood glucose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and to determine the effects of Cordyceps cicadae (C. cicadae) mycelium on hyperglycemic patients or type 2 diabetic patients by a single-blind, randomized, parallel-group, and placebo-controlled trial. In the treatment group, 22 subjects ingested a supplement containing freeze-dried C. cicadae mycelium powder (1050 mg/day) in hard capsule form, every day for 3 months. In the placebo group, 18 subjects ingested placebo capsules. Before supplementation, subjects completed a questionnaire to assess for personal data (age, medical history, medication record, physical activity). Subjects underwent blood pressure reading, anthropometric measurements, biochemical investigations, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and urinalysis at baseline, the end of treatment period, and the end of follow-up period. Based on the results, freeze-dried C. cicadae mycelium powder could maintain blood glucose level in hyperglycemic patient or type 2 diabetic patients. Besides, no toxicity observed in kidney and liver. Results from the study do not raise concern with respect to possible use as a functional food ingredient. This study provides support for the use of C. cicadae fermentation product as a safe agent in functional food.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of endhopitic fungi Chaetomium sp. isolated from Phyllanthus niruri Linn: in vitro and in silico studies

Endophytic fungi Chaetomium sp isolated from Phyllanthus niruri Linn. Mycelium powder was extracted by using ethyl acetate. Extract was fractionated using n-hexane, dichloromethane and ethanol 96%. The antimicrobial test was carried out using disc diffusion and microdilution methods. The antioxidant activity of the fraction was determined using hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging and reducing power capacity activities. The cytotoxicity assay of the fraction against T47D breast cancer cell was carried out using dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method (MTT). The in silico prediction of chemical substances which are reported exist in Chaetomium sp. performed using AutoDockVina embedded in PyRx version 8.0. Dichloromethane fraction was found as the most active sample against Escherichia coli (IC 50 20.76 mg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus (IC 50 70.15 mg/mL), Salmonella typhi (49.13 mg/mL) and was found as the most high phenolic content with value 47.44 mg GAE/g fraction, whereas the best antioxidant activity was performed by ethanol 96% fraction (85%). Cytotoxicity assay against T47D cell line showed dichloromethane fraction have highest activity with IC 50 10.76 mg/mL. The docking studies showed that compounds bearing xanthone structure were potential for maltose binding periplasmic and human aromatase associating with their potencies as antibacteria and anticancer. Endophytic fungi Chaetomium sp. was isolated from Phyllanthus niruri using n-hexane, dichloromethane and ethanol fractions was studied its various biological activities as antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic agent against breast cancer cell.

Effect of medicinal mushrooms on blood cells under conditions of diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the third most common non-infectious disease leading to early disability and high mortality. Moreover, the number of patients is growing every year. The main symptom of DM is hyperglycemia. Increased levels of blood glucose activate polyol, hexosamine, and protein kinase metabolic pathways cause the intensification of non-enzymatic glycosylation and nitration of macromolecules. This, in turn, leads to the development of oxidative and nitrative stresses and secondary complications, such as different kinds of micro- and macroangiopathies. Metabolic disorders caused by insulin deficiency in diabetes significantly impede the functioning of a homeostasis system, which change the physical, biochemical, morphological, and functional properties of blood cells. As a result, the oxygen-transport function of red blood cells (RBCs), rheological properties of the blood, and functions of immunocompetent cells as well as the process of apoptosis are primarily affected. Modern pharmacotherapy focuses on the search for new preparations that aim to decrease blood glucose levels. Undesirable side effects and adverse reactions caused by synthetic medicines led to the search and investigation of new preparations of natural origin. Medicinal mushrooms play an important role among such new preparations. They are a source of a large number of high- and low-molecular compounds with pronounced biological effects. Our investigations show pronounced hypoglycemic and anti-anemic action of submerged cultivated mycelium powder of medicinal mushrooms Agaricus brasiliensis (A. brasiliensis) and Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) on streptozotocin-induced DM in rats. Also, we showed that mycelium powders have membrane protective properties as evidenced by the redistribution of RBC populations towards the growth of full functional cell numbers. Normalization of parameters of leukocyte formula and suppression of apoptosis of white blood cells in diabetic rats treated with A. brasiliensis and G. lucidum mycelia indicates pronounced positive effects of these strains of mushrooms. Thus, the use of medicinal mushrooms for treatment of DM and in prevention development of its secondary complications might be a new effective approach of this disease’s cure. This article is aimed at summarizing and analyzing the literature data and basic achievements concerning DM type 1 treatment using medicinal mushrooms and showing the results obtained in our research.

Acute Toxicity Study and the In Vitro Cytotoxicity of a Black Lingzhi Medicinal Mushroom, Amauroderma rugosum (Agaricomycetes), from Malaysia

Amauroderma rugosum is a wild medicinal mushroom also known as budak cendawan sawan. Members of the indigenous Malaysian Temuan community wear the fresh stipes as a necklace to prevent epileptic seizure and unremitting crying by babies. In our previous studies, A. rugosum exhibited significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to determine the toxicity (in the event that a stipe is accidentally bitten) and cytotoxicity of this mushroom on Sprague-Dawley rats and selected cell lines. A. rugosum was orally administered to test chemicals according to Organisation for Economic and Co-operation and Development guidelines (TG 425, adopted October 3, 2008). Blood samples were hematologically and biochemically analyzed and multiple tissue sections from each organ were examined using light microscopy. Cytotoxicity of various A. rugosum extracts was also determined against MCF-7 and A-549 cell lines. Our results showed that oral administration of a single dose of mycelial powder (2000 mg/kg) had no adverse effect on the growth rate or hematological and clinical biochemical parameters. Histological studies showed that the treatments did not induce any pathological changes in the organs of the tested animals. All the treated rats survived beyond the 14-day observation period. Methanol and cold and hot water extracts of the freeze-dried mycelial culture of A. rugosum exhibited no or little cytotoxic effect against the MCF-7 and A-549 cell lines.