Poria Cocos Polysaccharide Research Articles

Preparation and exploration of anti-tumor activity of Poria cocos polysaccharide gold nanorods

With the continuous advancement of nanotechnology, the application of gold nanorods (AuNRs) functionalized with polysaccharides in the realm of cancer photothermal therapy is garnering increasing attention. To harness photothermal therapy for cancer treatment, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs were successfully synthesized in this study for the first time, utilizing Poria cocos polysaccharides (FLP), mercaptophenylboronic acid (MPBA), and gold nanorods (AuNRs). FLP-MPBA-AuNRs are a nanomaterial characterized by a unique rod-shaped structure, featuring a long diameter of 29.3 nm and a short diameter of 6.5 nm, which conferred exceptional photothermal stability and remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency. Under near-infrared light irradiation, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs elicited significant photothermal effects, effectively curtailing the proliferation of various cancer cells. Additionally, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs impeded cancer progression by inducing cell apoptosis and releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs suppressed the metastasis and growth of cancer cells in zebrafish models. In summary, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs showcased immense potential in cancer therapy by inhibiting tumor cell growth through photothermal and photodynamic mechanisms.

Research Note: Poria cocos polysaccharide alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier damage in broiler chickens

This study aimed to explore the impact of dietary supplementation of Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP) on the lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced intestinal inflammation, morphology, and barrier damage in broilers. A total of 240 1-day-old male Arbor Acre broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups in a 2 × 2 factorial design comprising PCP supplementation (0 or 2 g/kg PCP from d 1 to 23) and LPS challenge (intraperitoneal injection of 1.5 mg/kg body weight of LPS or the same volume of sterile saline at d 22). Our results showed that compared to the non-LPS-treated groups, the treated birds showed a decrease in the ADG, VH, V/C, and the expression of ZO-1, occludin, claudin 1, and mucin2 in the duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05). However, dietary PCP supplementation significantly mitigated these effects (P < 0.05) except for mucin2 in the duodenum. Furthermore, LPS treatment increased the levels of sIgA and upregulated the mRNA abundances of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, TLR-4, and MyD88 both in the duodenal and jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05). Whereas, PCP supplementation significantly reversed the LPS-induced effects on these genes (P < 0.05) except for the TLR-4 and MyD88. However, LPS did not impact the expression of anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the duodenal and jejunal mucosa (P > 0.05). Briefly, this study implied that dietary PCP supplementation could ameliorate intestinal inflammation and mucosal damage of LPS-challenged broilers, improving broiler performance.

Screening of Poria cocos polysaccharide with immunomodulatory activity and its activation effects on TLR4/MD2/NF-κB pathway

PCP-W1, the Poria cocos polysaccharide with the strong immunomodulatory activity, was isolated through column chromatography and screened for in vitro immune activity in RAW 264.7 cells in this study. The structure analysis results revealed that the PCP-W1 were composed of galactose, glucose, fucose and mannose in a molar percentage of 35.87: 28.56: 21.77: 13.64. And it exhibited a random coil and branched conformational features with a molecular weight of 18.38 kDa. The main chain consisted of residues→3)-β-D-Glcp-(1 → 3,6)-β-D-Glcp-(1 → 3)-β-D-Glcp-(1 → 6)-β-D-Glcp-(1 → 6)-α-D-Galp-(1 → 6)-α-D-Galp-(1 → 2,6)-α-D-Galp-(1→6)-α-D-Galp-(1 → 6)-α-D-Galp-(1 → , while branching occurred at β-D-Glcp-(1→, α-D-Manp-(1→, and α-L-Fucp-(1 → 3)- α-L-Fucp-(1→. The pharmacodynamic studies demonstrated that PCP-W1 activated the release of NO, IL-6, IL-β, TNF-α, CD86, and ROS to induce polarization of RAW 264.7 murine macrophages towards M1-type through modulation of the TLR4/MD2/NF-κB pathway. The molecular docking results showed that PCP-W1 could primarily dock onto the hydrophobic binding site of TLR4/MD2 complex via its galactose chain. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation displayed stable modeling for TLR4-MD2-PCP-W1 complex. Overall, we screened the most immunoactive components of the polysaccharide, analyzed its structure, demonstrated its impact on TLR4/MD2/NF-kB pathway, and studied the interaction between TLR4/MD2 and the polysaccharide fragments. These results provide further support for the structure-activity relationship study of the immunomodulatory effects of Poria cocos polysaccharide.

Poria cocos polysaccharides improve alcoholic liver disease by interfering with ferroptosis through NRF2 regulation.

The active ingredient in Poria cocos, a parasitic plant belonging to the family Polyporaceae, is Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP). PCP exhibits liver protection and anti-inflammatory effects, although its effect on alcoholic liver disease (ALD) remains unstudied. This study investigated the mechanism of PCP in improving ALD by regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. After daily intragastric administration of high-grade liquor for 4 hours, each drug group received PCPs or the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1. The Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 (100 mg/kg/day) group was intraperitoneally injected, after which PCP (100 mg/kg/day) was administered by gavage. Samples were collected after 6 weeks for liver function and blood lipid analysis using an automatic biochemical analyzer. In the alcoholic liver injury cell model established with 150 mM alcohol, the drug group was pretreated with PCP, Fer-1, and ML385, and subsequent results were analyzed. The results revealed that PCP intervention significantly reduced liver function and blood lipid levels in alcohol-fed rats, along with decreased lipid deposition. PCP notably enhanced Nrf2 signaling expression, regulated oxidative stress levels, inhibited NF-κβ, and its downstream inflammatory signaling pathways. Furthermore, PCP upregulated FTH1 protein expression and reduced intracellular Fe2+, suggesting an improvement in ferroptosis. In vitro studies yielded similar results, indicating that PCP can reduce intracellular ferroptosis by regulating oxidative stress and improve alcoholic liver injury by inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors.

The Effect of Poria cocos Polysaccharide PCP-1C on M1 Macrophage Polarization via the Notch Signaling Pathway.

The homogeneous galactoglucan PCP-1C extracted from Poria cocos sclerotium has multiple biological activities. The present study demonstrated the effect of PCP-1C on the polarization of RAW 264.7 macrophages and the underlying molecular mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy showed that PCP-1C is a detrital-shaped polysaccharide with fish-scale patterns on the surface, with a high sugar content. The ELISA assay, qRT-PCR assay, and flow cytometry assay showed that the presence of PCP-1C could induce higher expression of M1 markers, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-12 (IL-12), when compared with the control and the LPS group, and it caused a decrease in the level of interleukin-10 (IL-10), which is the marker for M2 macrophages. At the same time, PCP-1C induces an increase in the CD86 (an M1 marker)/CD206 (an M2 marker) ratio. The results of the Western blot assay showed that PCP-1C induced activation of the Notch signaling pathway in macrophages. Notch1, ligand Jagged1, and Hes1 were all up-regulated with the incubation of PCP-1C. These results indicate that the homogeneous Poria cocos polysaccharide PCP-1C improves M1 macrophage polarization through the Notch signaling pathway.

Poria cocos Polysaccharide Ameliorated Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Mice via Regulating the Homeostasis of the Gut Microbiota and Intestinal Mucosal Barrier.

Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP) have been validated for several biological activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective and modulation on gut microbiota. In this research, we aim to demonstrate the potential prebiotic effects and the therapeutic efficacies of PCP in the treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and confirm the beneficial effects of PCP on gut dysbiosis. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea mice models were established by treating them with broad-spectrum antibiotics in drinking water for seven days. Mice in two groups treated with probiotics and polysaccharide were given Bifico capsules (4.2 g/kg/d) and PCP (250 mg/kg/d) for seven days using intragastric gavage, respectively. To observe the regulatory effects of PCP on gut microbiota and intestinal mucosal barrier, we conducted the following experiments: intestinal flora analysis (16S rDNA sequencing), histology (H&E staining) and tight junction proteins (immunofluorescence staining). The levels of mRNA expression of receptors associated with inflammation and gut metabolism were assessed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The study revealed that PCP can comprehensively improve the clinical symptoms of AAD mice, including fecal traits, mental state, hair quality, etc., similar to the effect of probiotics. Based on histology observation, PCP significantly improved the substantial structure of the intestine of AAD mice by increasing the expression levels of colonic tight junction protein zonula-occludens 1 (ZO-1) and its mRNA. Moreover, PCP not only increased the abundance of gut microbiota, but also increased the diversity of gut microbiota in AAD mice, including alpha diversity and beta diversity. Further analysis found that PCP can modulate seven characteristic species of intestinal flora in AAD mice, including Parabacteroides_distasonis, Akkermansia_muciniphila, Clostridium_saccharolyticum, Ruminoc-occus_gnavus, Lactobacillus_salivarius, Salmonella_enterica and Mucispirillum_schaedleri. Finally, enrichment analysis predicted that PCP may affect intestinal mucosal barrier function, host immune response and metabolic function by regulating the microbiota. RT-PCR experiments showed that PCP can participate in immunomodulatory and modulation on metabolic by regulating the mRNA expression of forkhead-box protein 3 (FOXP3) and G protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41). These results indicated that Poria cocos polysaccharide may ameliorate antibiotic-associated diarrhea in mice by regulating the homeostasis of the gut microbiota and intestinal mucosal barrier. In addition, polysaccharide-derived changes in intestinal microbiota were involved in the immunomodulatory activities and modulation of the metabolism.

UPLC-QTOF-MS-Based Metabolomics Reveal the Effect of Polysaccharides from Danggui-Shaoyao-San in Type 2 Diabetic Male and Female Rats

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is currently one of the most prominent and global chronic conditions. In recent years, it has been found that macromolecular polysaccharide has a significant effect on T2DM, various polysaccharides such as Angelica Sinensis Polysaccharide (ASP), Poriacocos polysaccharide and Atractylodesmacrocephala polysaccharide in DSS have effects on T2DM, but mechanism of polysaccharides of DSS(p-DSS) at the metabolic level is still unclear. The purpose of this work is to study the male and female mechanisms of p-DSS in treating T2DM based on metabolomics. Materials and Methods: In this study, metabolomics was used to elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of DSS in T2DM. Urinary samples were collected from male and female rats with T2DM, induced by a high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with Streptozotocin (STZ), to measure the levels of biochemical markers. Urinary metabolomics-based analysis using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was conducted to evaluate the differential metabolites from multiple metabolic pathways. Results: After treatment with p-DSS for 4 weeks, biochemical indicators, including Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), Fasting Insulin (FINS), Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT) and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), were significantly improved. Metabolomics results revealed that p-DSS regulated the biomarkers, such as PC, 2-oxoglutarate, NAAG in TCA cycle and alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism for male rats, on the contrary, leukotriene B4, cholic acid in arachidonic acid metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis for female rats. Conclusions: Based on metabolomics, the mechanisms of p- DSS in male and female rats are not identical.

Poria cocos polysaccharide prevents alcohol-induced hepatic injury and inflammation by repressing oxidative stress and gut leakiness.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major worldwide chronic liver disease accompanied by hepatic inflammation, gut leakiness, and abnormal oxidative stress. Our previous study demonstrated substantial hepatoprotective activity of the active Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP-1C). The present study explored whether PCP-1C protects against ALD among hepatic inflammation, gut leakiness, and abnormal oxidative stress. The results showed that PCP-1C significantly improved alcohol-induced liver injury by decreasing serum biochemical parameters, alleviating hepatic steatosis, and reducing lipid accumulation caused by ALD. Moreover, PCP-1C treatment reduced hepatic inflammation by inhibiting the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and also improved hepatocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1)/reactive oxygen species (ROS)/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway. Regarding intestinal protection, PCP-1C could repair the intestinal barrier and reduce lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leakage. Generally, PCP-1C exerts a positive therapeutic effect on ALD, which may play a pivotal of decreasing inflammatory factor release, inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis, and improving intestinal barrier injury.

Theabrownin and Poria cocos Polysaccharide Improve Lipid Metabolism via Modulation of Bile Acid and Fatty Acid Metabolism.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent worldwide, while no pharmaceutical treatment has been approved. Natural herbs are promising for their amelioration effect on lipid metabolism. Theabrownin (TB) and Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP) have been reported to have effect on hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Here, we compared the effect of individual TB or PCP and the combination of TB and PCP (TB + PCP) on NAFLD phenotypes and the alteration of metabolism in the mice with high-fat diet. The results showed that TB, PCP, and TB + PCP reduced serum and hepatic lipid levels, among which TB + PCP was the most effective. Serum metabolomic profile and liver mRNA analyses revealed that the treatments altered metabolic pathways involved in fatty acid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, and tricarboxylic acid cycle, which was also most significant in the TB + PCP group. This study demonstrated that TB, PCP, especially the combination of TB and PCP could be potential therapeutic formula for NAFLD that promoted lipid utilization and inhibited lipid synthesis and absorption.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Different Edible Fungi Polysaccharide Complex on RAW264.7 Macrophages

Objective: The present study was carried on to assess the immunoregulatory effects of complexes obtained by any 3 polysaccharides from five kinds of different edible fungi polysaccharides, including Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, Poriacocos polysaccharide, Lentinan, Hericium edodes polysaccharide and Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharide. Methods: Effects of different concentrations of complexes on the proliferation of RAW264.7 were explored using cell counting kit (CCK)-8, the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the culture medium were detected after complexes treatment by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, flow cytometry was employed to analyze the effect of complexes on RAW 264.7 phagocytic capacity. Results: Compared with normal control group, ten kinds of complexes exerted better positive effects on the proliferation of macrophages. Meanwhile, the complexes obviously enhanced phagocytic capacity as well as increased the TNF-α level. Furthermore, 10 µg/mL complex of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, Poriacocos polysaccharide and Dictyophora indusiata polysaccharide exhibited the best effect on the proliferation of macrophages, 160 µg/mL complex of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, Poriacocos polysaccharide and Lentinan showed the best effect on enhancing both secretion of TNF-α and phagocytic ability of RAW264.7. Conclusion: The complexes of polysaccharides from these five kinds of edible fungi displayed excellent effect on regulating immunity of macrophage RAW 264.7. The results could provide data reference for the development of immunomodulatory polysaccharide products.

Protective Role of Poria Cocos Polysaccharide Induced Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Chronic Kidney Disease

The progressive loss of renal function and accumulation of collagen leads to CKD. Human BM-MSCs are considered as an ideal therapeutic strategy for renal regeneration in the CKD. Polysaccharides extracted from Poria cocos, an edible medicinal mushroom, have been in use in the traditional Chinese herbal medicine as they exhibit antidiabetic, antioxidative, antitumor, and other pharmacological effects. Whether the polysaccharides of P. cocos could ameliorate the CKD via induction of BM-MSC differentiation remains to be explored. The data presented here show that the polysaccharides of P. cocos not only induced BM-MSC proliferation and differentiation, but also reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and improved renal morphology.

Poria cocos polysaccharide attenuates damage of nervus in Alzheimer's disease rat model induced by D-galactose and aluminum trichloride.

Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP) is a compound from Poria cocos, and which is used as a classical tonic agent. This article aims to investigate the effects of PCP on neuronal damage of hippocampus and cognitive function in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease induced by D-galactose and aluminum trichloride. Oxiracetam (ORC) was used as a positive drug in this experiment. The rats were treated with PCP at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg/day for 30 days and ORC at dose of 346 mg/kg/day after modeling. The results of behavioral test showed that PCP could prevent cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease rats as assessed by Y-maze test and Morris water maze test. Results of hippocampus slices showed that neurons were integrated and regularly arranged in the groups, which were administered along with PCP. Moreover, PCP could reduce neuronal apoptosis in hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease rats. Furthermore, the activities of superoxide dismutase in the hippocampus were elevated by PCP administration, while acetyl cholinesterase, reactive oxygen, malondialdehyde and inflammatory factors levels were reduced. In addition, we found PCP could attenuate MAPK/NF-κB signal pathway in the hippocampus. All results illustrated that PCP could exert neuroprotective effects at least partly through alleviating oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation and inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB pathway in Alzheimer's disease rats induced by D-galactose and aluminum trichloride.

Carbon dots derived from Poria cocos polysaccharide as an effective “on-off” fluorescence sensor for chromium (VI) detection

Chromium is a harmful contaminant showing mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. Therefore, detection of chromium requires the development of low-cost and high-sensitivity sensors. Herein, blue-fluorescent carbon quantum dots were synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method from alkali-soluble Poria cocos polysaccharide, which is green source, cheap and easy to obtain, and has no pharmacological activity due to low water solubility. These carbon quantum dots exhibit good fluorescence stability, water solubility, anti-interference and low cytotoxicity, and can be specifically combined with the detection of Cr(VI) to form a non-fluorescent complex that causes fluorescence quenching, so they can be used as a label-free nanosensor. High-sensitivity detection of Cr(VI) was achieved through internal filtering and static quenching effects. The fluorescence quenching degree of carbon dots fluorescent probe showed a good linear relationship with Cr(VI) concentration in the range of 1–100 μM. The linear equation was F0/F = 0.9942 + 0.01472 [Cr(VI)] (R2 = 0.9922), and the detection limit can be as low as 0.25 μM (S/N = 3), which has been successfully applied to Cr(VI) detection in actual water samples herein.

Structure characterization and in vitro immunomodulatory activities of carboxymethyl pachymaran

Carboxymethyl pachymaran (CMP) was prepared from Poria cocos polysaccharide by carboxymethylation. Two types of CMP (CMP-1 and CMP-2) were further purified by DEAE-52 anion-exchange chromatography. The structure characteristics and immunomodulatory activities of CMP-1 and CMP-2 were investigated. CMP-1 was determined as β-(1 → 3)-d-glucan. A β-(1 → 3)-d-glucan backbone structure was also found in CMP-2, which was mainly consistent of mannose and glucose, with the mole ratio of 0.03:1. The molecular weight of CMP-1 was 126.1 kDa with a 30.4 nm irregular sphere in distilled water. However, the molecular weight of CMP-2 was 172.6 kDa in a 19.9 nm spherical structure in water solution. Both CMP-1 and CMP-2 had triple helical structure, which can promote the proliferation and the phagocytosis of macrophages. Moreover, CMP-1 and CMP-2 both could improve the secretions of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 by increasing the expression of iNOS, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA, but CMP-1 exhibited a stronger immunomodulatory ability than that of CMP-2. Our results indicated that CMP-1 and CMP-2 can act as potential immunomodulatory agents.

Poria cocos polysaccharide induced Th1-type immune responses to ovalbumin in mice.

In the present study, we evaluated adjuvant potential of Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP) on the Th1-type immune responses of C57/BL6 mice against ovalbumin (OVA). We first determined the effect of PCP on maturation of murine bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), PCP significantly upregulated surface expression of MHCII, CD40, CD80, CD86 and enhanced production of IL-6 and IL-12p40. In addition, PCP affected receptor-mediated endocytosis, but not pinocytosis in BMDCs. Furthermore, OVA + PCP immunization induced specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cell killing of OVA (257–264) peptide pulsed cell. When mice were immunized subcutaneously in a week interval with OVA + PCP. Serum were collected for measuring OVA-specific antibody and splenocytes were harvested for analyzing CD69, IFN-γ ELISpot and cytokines production. The result indicated that OVA-specific IgG, IgG2a and IgG1 antibody levels in serum were significantly elevated by PCP compared with control. PCP increased OVA-specific IFN-γ-secreting CD8+, CD4+ T cells, promoted CD8+ T cell proliferation and up-regulated Th-1 type (IFN-γ, IL-2) cytokine production. In conclusion, data suggest that PCP enhanced cellular immune response and possess potential as a vaccine adjuvant for Th1 immune response.

Optimization of Bioprocess Extraction of Poria cocos Polysaccharide (PCP) with Aspergillus niger β-Glucanase and the Evaluation of PCP Antioxidant Property.

Poria cocos mushroom is widely used as a food and an herb in East Asian and other countries due to its high nutritional value. Research has demonstrated that Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP) are the major bioactives and possess antioxidation, anti-inflammation, immunoregulation, and other health promoting properties. However, the efficient preparation of PCP has been a challenge, particularly in large scale for industry. Herein, we investigated the biotransformation of PCP from Poria cocos, catalyzed by β-glucanase from Aspergillus niger and focused on optimizing the most four influencing parameters: Temperature, time, pH, and enzyme dosage in this study. After numerous optimizations with the assistance of response surface optimization methodology, we have established that the optimal conditions for the biotransformation PCP preparation were as following: Enzymolysis temperature 60 °C, time 120 min, pH 5.0 and enzyme dose 20 mL. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of PCP reached as high as 12.8%. In addition, the antioxidant activities of PCP were evaluated by reducing power assay and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals scavenging assays. Resulting data showed that PCP presented outstanding antioxidant capacity. Thus, these findings indicate that PCP could be produced as a natural antioxidant for further development.

Research progress on stability of polysaccharides in traditional Chinese medicine

Polysaccharides are natural polymer compounds composed of monosaccharides,which are widely found in traditional Chinese medicines( TCM) and work as one of the important active ingredients in TCM. Modern pharmacological studies reported that TCM polysaccharides had many functions such as anti-tumor,immunologic enhancement,intestinal microenvironment regulation and anti-oxidation. At present,TCM polysaccharide preparations such as Astragalus polysaccharide injection,Ginseng polysaccharide injection and Poria cocos polysaccharide oral liquid have been widely applied for clinical use. Besides,Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide,Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharide,Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide and some other TCM polysaccharides also have received widespread attention and research because of their good biological activities. Meanwhile,more and more attention has been paid to the TCM polysaccharides and their preparations,illumination of mechanisms,and development of corresponding preparations which meet clinical standards. However,due to the complex structure of TCM polysaccharides,their structure analysis is difficult,with only a few reports on the stability and quality control of polysaccharides and their preparations. As a result,it will impede the development of new polysaccharide drugs and reduce the application value of polysaccharides. In order to provide an effective basis for the formulation development and quality control of TCM polysaccharides,the research progress on the stability of TCM polysaccharides and their preparations were reviewed in this paper from the classification of TCM polysaccharides,the existing application and the analytical method of TCM polysaccharides.

The immunomodulatory effect of Poria cocos polysaccharides is mediated by the Ca2+/PKC/p38/NF-κB signaling pathway in macrophages

Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP), extracted from Poria cocos sclerotium, has many biological activities. The present study explored the immunomodulatory effect and the underlying molecular mechanism of PCP in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Griess reaction, ELISA assays and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that the production of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and intracellular calcium level were increased by PCP. However, this effect on cytokines was suppressed with a Ca2+ channel blocker or a p38 inhibitor, which indicates that Ca2+ and p38 are crucial to the immunomodulatory effect of PCP. We further demonstrated that PCP-treated cells also exhibited increased the activity of PKC, mRNA and protein expression levels of p38 and NF-κB, which is also reduced with a Ca2+ channel blocker. Taken together, the Ca2+/PKC/p38/NF-κB signaling pathway may involve in the immunomodulatory effects of PCP.

Molecular basis for Poria cocos mushroom polysaccharide used as an antitumor drug in China.

Poria cocos is an edible mushroom known as "Fuling" in Chinese, which belongs to the fungus family of Polyporaceae. Poria cocos has been used as a Chinese traditional medicine for >2000 years. Indications for using it include promoting urination, to invigorate the spleen function, and to calm the mind. The bioactive components in Poria cocos include polysaccharides, triterpenoids, fatty acids, sterols, enzymes, etc. Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP) accounts for 84% by weight among all constituents in the dried sclerotium. Biochemical and pharmacological studies reveal that PCP is the major bioactive component in Poria cocos and has a wide range of biological activities including antitumor, immunomodulation, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-aging, anti-hepatitis, anti-diabetes, and anti-hemorrhagic fever effects. As a result, "Poria cocos polysaccharide oral solution" was developed and sold as an over-the-counter health supplement since 1970s. In 2015, "Polysaccharidum of Poria cocos oral solution" was approved as a drug by Chinese Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) for treating multiple types of cancers, hepatitis, and other diseases alone or during chemo- or radiation therapy for cancer patients. In this article, biochemical, preclinical and clinical studies of Poria cocos polysaccharide from 74 independent studies during the past 46 years (1970-2018) based on PubMed, VIP (Chongqing VIP Chinese Scientific Journals Database), CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and Wanfang database searches are summarized. The structure, pharmacological effects, clinical efficacy, immune regulatory molecular mechanisms, and toxicity of PCP are deliberated to provide the data basis for PCP to serve as a clinically used antitumor drug.

Molecular basis for Poria cocos mushroom polysaccharide used as an antitumour drug in China.

Poria cocos is an edible medicinal fungus known as “Fuling” in Chinese and has been used as a Chinese traditional medicine for more than two thousand years. Pharmacological studies reveal that polysaccharide is the most abundant substance in Poria cocos and has a wide range of biological activities including antitumour, immunomodulation, anti‐inflammation, antioxidation, anti‐ageing, antihepatitis, antidiabetics and anti‐haemorrhagic fever effects. As a result, “Poria cocos polysaccharide oral solution” was developed and sold as an over‐the‐counter health supplement since 1970s. In 2015, “Polysaccharidum of Poria cocos oral solution” was approved as a drug by Chinese Food and Drug Administration for treating multiple types of cancers, hepatitis and other diseases alone or during chemo‐ or radiation therapy for patients with cancer. In this article, biochemical, preclinical and clinical studies of Poria cocos polysaccharide from 72 independent studies during the past 46 years (1970‐2016) based on PubMed, VIP (Chongqing VIP Chinese Scientific Journals Database), CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and Wanfang database searches are summarized. The structure, pharmacological effects, clinical efficacy, immunobalancing molecular mechanism and toxicity of Poria cocos polysaccharide are deliberated to provide a general picture of Poria cocos polysaccharide as a clinically used antitumour drug.