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Wild edible mushrooms are important as a source of nutraceuticals and for the discovery of bioactive metabolites as pharmaceuticals. In this work, 10 rare 2,5-diarylcyclopentenone derivatives were isolated from the wild edible mushroom Paxillus involutus (Batsch) Fr., including eight novel compounds termed involutenone A-H (1-8) and two previously identified compounds (9-10). Their structures were established using high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance data. The absolute configurations of compounds 1-3 and 6-8 were assigned based on the comparison of the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism data. The antioxidant activities of 1-8 were tested through DPPH free radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and superoxide anion radical scavenging assays. Compounds 3, 5, 6, and 7 demonstrated significant antioxidant activity compared to the positive control (tert-butylhydroquinone). These compounds could be effective natural antioxidants with considerable pharmaceutical value.

A chemical study on the fruiting bodies of cultivated edible mushroom Inonotus hispidus resulted in 14 metabolites including three new hispolon congeners, named inonophenols A-B and one new lanostane triterpenoid, named inonoterpene A. These structures were identified by NMR, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data analysis. All metabolites were assessed for neurotrophic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative activities. Among them, inonophenols B and C were the most active in promoting PC-12 cell neurite outgrowth at a concentration of 10 μM. The phenolic derivatives reduced NO generation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 microglial cells by suppressing the expression of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and the nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway as well as the inflammatory mediators including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Moreover, the phenolics showed antioxidant effects in DPPH scavenging assay with the IC50 values of 9.82-21.43 μM. These findings showed that I. hispidus may be a new source of neurotrophic and protective agents against neurodegenerative disorders.

The fragrant bolete, Suillus punctipes (Peck) Singer, is an edible mushroom with a unique aroma reminiscent of mushroom and citrus peel with an undertone of apricot. Thirty-five odorants were identified using solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Fourteen odorants including those with flavor dilution (FD) factors ≥64 were quantitated using stable isotope dilution assays (SIDA). Some odorants with high OAVs included 1-octen-3-one (OAV 164368), 1-octen-3-ol (OAV 3421), linalool (OAV 812), and nonanal (OAV 487). An odor simulation model was prepared closely matching the aroma of the mushroom. Omissions experiments revealed that 1-octen-3-one, 1-octen-3-ol, (2E)-oct-2-enal, linalool, δ-dodecalactone, and a mixture of three aldehydes, octanal, nonanal, and decanal, were essential odorants for the aroma profile. Enantiomeric ratios were determined for several odorants employing chiral chromatography. The results from this study lay the groundwork for future studies in the aroma chemistry of S. punctipes and other mushrooms from the Suillus genus.

Employing isotope incubation studies, the biosynthetic pathway leading to a series of benzylic derivatives was elucidated in the fermentation broth of the edible mushroom Ischnoderma resinosum (P. ...

Ganoderma mushrooms have been widely used as functional food in China, Japan, and Korea. Ganoderma triterpenoids are deemed to be the main functional constituents. The structures of Ganoderma triterpenoids are complex but quite similar, which makes their analyses markedly limited. In this study, we developed a general 2D NMR method to differentiate Ganoderma triterpenoids, which classifies them into six types (A-F). Then, by the NMR-based isolation of A-F type triterpenoids from the fruiting bodies of G. resinaceum, four new compounds (1-4) and eight known compounds (5-12) were obtained. Moreover, combined with spiking experiments in 1D and 2D NMR spectra, compounds 5, 7, and 8, which belong to triterpenoids of A and B types, were identified. At the end, to achieve a more extensive application for this NMR method, a qNMR method for the absolute quantification of 5, 7, and 8 in the gross triterpenoids from G. resinaceum was set up. The results showed that this NMR method is reliable for the NMR-guided isolation and quantification of triterpenoids in G. resinaceum.

Fomitopsis pinicola (Sw. Ex Fr.) Krast has been commonly used as a health food source and antitumor agent. To uncover bioactive key composition of F. pinicola, in our study, we investigated the chemical constituents of a methanol extract of F. pinicola and thirty-five lanostane-type tritetpenoids; 13 new compounds (1-13) and twenty-two known analogues (14-35) were isolated. Among them, compounds 1-9 were C30 lanostane triterpenoids and triterpene sugar esters, while compounds 10-13 were C31 triterpenoids and triterpene sugar esters. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive 1D, 2D NMR, MS, and IR spectra. Furthermore, cytotoxic activities of all isolates against five human tumor cell lines (HL-60, A549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7, and SW480) were evaluated. The results showed that compounds 12, 14, 17, 18, 22, and 23 displayed cytotoxic effects against five human tumor cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 3.92-28.51 μM. Meanwhile, compounds 9 and 35 exhibited selected inhibitory activities against HL-60, SMMC-7721, and MCF-7 with IC50 values in the range of 13.57-36.01 μM. Furthermore, the flow cytometry analysis revealed that compounds 17, 22, and 35 induced apoptosis in HL-60 cell lines. Their structure-activity relationships were preliminarily reported. These findings indicate the vital role of triterpenoids and their glycosides in explaining antitumor effects of F. pinicola and provide important evidence for further development and utilization of this fungus.

A chemical study on the peels of the cultivated edible mushroom Wolfiporia cocos led to the isolation and identification of 47 lanostane triterpenoids including 16 new compounds (1-16). The structures of the new compounds were determined by analysis of the NMR, MS, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. Compounds 1 and 2 represent new members of the family of 4,5-secolanostane triterpenes. Compound 3 is a new aromatic lanostane triterpene with an unusual methyl rearrangement from C-10 to C-6. The absolute configurations of 1 and 8 were assigned by ECD spectra calculation. All compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity (K562, SW480, and HepG2) and glucose-uptake-stimulating effects. Compounds 23, 25, 29, and 31 showed weak inhibition on the K562 cells with IC50 in the range of 25.7 to 68.2 μM, respectively. Compounds 21, 28, and 30 increased the glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells by 25%, 14%, and 50% at 5 μM, respectively. In addition, compounds 14, 23, 29, 35, and 43 showed insulin-sensitizing activity by increasing the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake at 2.5 μM in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. A preliminary structure-activity relationship analysis indicates that the 6/6/6/5 ring skeleton and the double bond between C-8 and C-9 are beneficial for the glucose-uptake-stimulating and insulin-sensitizing activities. Furthermore, the alkaline-insoluble fraction mainly containing compounds 22, 24, 28, and 31 were confirmed to have hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity on high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. This work confirms the potential of the peels' extracts of W. cocos as a functional food or dietary supplements.

Eighteen odorants were identified by applying aroma extract dilution analysis in the liquid fermentation broth of the edible mushroom Ischnoderma resinosum (P. Karst). Eight compounds with flavor dilution factors ≥16 were quantitated in a 16-day sample using stable isotope dilution assays. Odor activity values (OAV) revealed anise-smelling 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (OAV; 1639), vanilla-smelling 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde (OAV; 51), and cherry-smelling benzaldehyde (OAV; 14) as key contributors to the pleasant "candy-like" odor of the fermentation broth. Odor simulation experiments revealed a mixture of five compounds in their natural concentrations mimicked the odor of a 16-day-old fermentation broth. A 30-day time course study was conducted to monitor the production of three odorants in the fungal fermentation broth, where it was revealed that both 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde (10.7 ± 1.0 mg/kg) and benzaldehyde (4.5 ± 0.1 mg/kg) peaked on day 16, whereas 4-methoxybenzaldehyde peaked on day 24 (104.9 ± 4.9 mg/kg).

A novel water-soluble polysaccharide-protein complex (PRW1) isolated from the sclerotia of an edible mushroom Polyporus rhinocerus which was purified by membrane ultrafiltration could significantly activate murine macrophages RAW264.7 in vitro. PRW1 had a molecular weight of less than 50 kDa and was found to be a highly branched heteropolysaccharide-protein complex composed of 45.7 ± 0.97% polysaccharide and 44.2 ± 0.41% protein. Based on the results of total acid hydrolysis, methylation analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the carbohydrate moiety of PRW1 was found to be a β-d-mannoglucan with its backbone containing →1)-d-Glcp-(4→, →1)-d-Glcp-(6→, and →1)-d-Manp-(2→ residues (molar ratio of 5:4:6) and having terminal d-Glcp as side chain (degree of branching of 0.62). In vitro studies showed that PRW1 significantly induced NO production and enhanced the release of a variety of cytokines including G-CSF, GM-CSF, IL-6, IL12p40/70, MCP-1, MCP-5, MIP-1-α, MIP-2, RANTES, sTNFRI, and TNF-α. Mechanistically, PRW1 treatment triggered ERK phosphorylation to activate macrophages within 15 min and significantly increased the expression level of inducible NOS after 6 h. In summary, this study indicates that PRW1 derived from the sclerotia of P. rhinocerus is a potential immunomodulatory agent for cancer immunotherapy.

Pleurotus ostreatus, P. eryngii, and P. nebrodensis were cultivated on nonconventional substrates containing grape marc (GMC) or olive mill byproducts (OMB); wheat straw (WHS) served as control. GMC-based media demonstrated equal/better mushroom productivity than WHS for P. eryngii and P. nebrodensis, while the cultivation performance of P. eryngii was improved in OMB-based media. Both GMC and OMB substrates led to large increase of fruit-bodies content in phenolic acids, resveratrol, triterpenic compounds, and ergosterol; in particular, P. eryngii mushrooms presented significantly more total phenolics and exhibited much higher antioxidant activity (2- to 8-fold increase). Furthermore, substrates containing GMC or OMB presented up to 27% increase in mushroom β-glucans. Overall, Pleurotus species responded in a different and mostly substrate-specific manner by selectively absorbing organic compounds. Phenolics and squalene content of substrates correlated very well with mushrooms antioxidant activity and ergosterol, respectively; the same was observed for triterpenics' content of substrates and mushrooms.

This study features the isolation and identification of 12 lanostane-type triterpenoids, namely lepiotaprocerins A–L, 1–12, from the fruiting bodies of the Poland-collected edible mushroom Macrolepiota procera. The structures and the absolute configurations of the new compounds were ambiguously established by extensive spectroscopic analyses, ECD calculation, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Structurally, lepiotaprocerins A–F, 1–6, are distinguished by the presence of a rare “1-en-1,11-epoxy” moiety which has not been previously described in the lanostane class. Biologically, lepiotaprocerins A–F, 1–6, displayed more significant inhibitions of nitric oxide (NO) production than the positive control L-NG-monomethyl arginine (L-NMMA) (IC50 47.1 μM), and lepiotaprocerins G–L, 7–12, showed various cytotoxicity potencies against a panel of human cancer cell lines. Compound 9 also displayed antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC...

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the chronic infectious diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that causes about 2-3 million deaths per year. Isoniazid and rifampicin are examples of first line drugs used for TB treatment; however, they are potentially hepatotoxic. More effective and safer drugs are urgently needed, especially from natural products. Basidiomycete mushrooms are known as important sources of pharmaceutically active metabolites including an anti-TB agent. In this work, the chemical constituents of the edible mushroom Astraeus odoratus were isolated and investigated for antibacterial activity against M. tuberculosis H(37)Ra. The cytotoxic activity against cancerous cell lines was also evaluated. Four new lanostane triterpenes, astraodoric acids A-D, and new 5-hydroxyhypaphorine have been isolated together with four known compounds. The structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopic methods, HR-ESI-MS results, and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Astraodoric acids A and B exhibited moderate antibacterial (MICs of 50 and 25 μg/mL) and cytotoxic activities (IC(50) values of 34.69 and 18.57 μg/mL against KB and 19.99 and 48.35 μg/mL against NCI-H187), respectively. The results of this study show that A. odoratus could be a significant natural source for safer antitubercular and anticancer agents.

Thelephora aurantiotincta is an edible mushroom belonging to the genus Thelephora; it grows in symbiosis with pine trees. Recently, phytochemical investigations have revealed that the genus Thelephora is an abundant source of p-terphenyl derivatives. However, their bioactivity has not yet been well characterized. In screening for natural materials with anticancer activity, a T. aurantiotincta ethanol extract (TAE) was found to decrease cell viability in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). In this study, a new p-terphenyl derivative, thelephantin O, and a known compound, vialinin A, were isolated as the principal bioactive components of TAE. These compounds decreased cell viability in HepG2 and human colonic carcinoma cells (Caco2), but not in noncancerous human hepatocytes. This is the first report of the isolation from T. aurantiotincta of selective cytotoxic agents against cancer cells.

The antimelanosic and antioxidative properties of a hot water extract prepared from the fruiting body of the edible mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) were evaluated by dietary supplementation in Kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) for possible aquaculture application. The extract contained ergothioneine (ERT) at a level of 2.05 mg/mL. A commercial standard of l-ergothioneine (l-ERT) and the mushroom extract showed inhibitory activity against mushroom polyphenoloxidase (PPO). Feeding of the extract had no adverse effects on the immune systems of the shrimp under the present experimental conditions. Supplementation of the extract in the diet significantly suppressed PPO activities in the hemolymphs of the shrimp. Expression of the prophenoloxidase (proPO) gene decreased in the hemocyte of the Kuruma shrimp fed with the mushroom extract. Consequently, development of melanosis was significantly suppressed in the supplement fed shrimp during ice storage. Lipid oxidation was also effectively controlled in the supplement fed group throughout the storage period. In vitro experiments showed that l-ERT effectively inhibited the activation of proPO in the hemocyte lysate supernatant (HLS). The transcript of the proPO gene in the hemocyte showed lower expression in the l-ERT-treated HLS. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of the mushroom extract in shrimp could be a promising approach to control post mortem development of melanosis and lipid oxidation in shrimp muscles.

The antioxidative property of a hydrophilic extract prepared from the fruiting body of edible mushroom ( Flammulina velutipes) was evaluated. The mushroom extract contained ergothioneine (ERT) at a level of 3.03 +/- 0.07 mg/mL, showed higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and suppressed lipid oxidation of bigeye tuna meat more effectively than authentic L-ERT added at the same concentration. The authentic L-ERT had stronger total reducing power than the mushroom extract and inhibited the formation of metmyoglobin (metMb) more significantly in bigeye tuna meat. Lipid oxidation in beef and fish meats to which the mushroom extract had been added was "virtually" controlled during storage on ice. Ground beef and bigeye tuna meat with the extract added kept their natural colors unchanged for longer than 12 and 7 days of ice storage, respectively. Contrary to this, browning in meat color was observed in the control samples without the extract after 6 and 2 days of storage, respectively, when stored under similar conditions. There was significant correlation between meat color and chemical parameters, including total lipid hydroperoxides, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and metMb. However, there was no significant correlation between pH value and meat discoloration. These results suggest that ERT in the hydrophilic extract of F. velutipes plays an important role as a color stabilizer of meats.

The characteristics of Cs accumulation and localization in edible mushrooms were examined using the mycelia of Pleurotus ostreatus-Y1. Scanning electron microscope images revealed the existence of white spots, and energy dispersive X-ray microanalyzer analysis indicated the presence of larger amounts of Cs and P in these spots in mycelia cultured on medium containing 25 mM CsCl. The (137)Cs activities in the mycelia were approximately 4-6 times higher than those in water used for (137)Cs elution. Higher Cs concentrations in the sediment fraction including vacuolar pellets were obtained compared to the upper fractions. It was observed that yellowish spots caused by the fluorescence of 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI)-stained polyphosphate were localized in the mycelia. The higher fluorescence intensity of the yellowish-grained spots was measured in comparison with other regions in the mycelium. These results suggested that Cs in the mycelia was trapped by polyphosphate in vacuoles or other organelles.

The effects of processing and cooking practices on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Portuguese wild edible mushroom species (Lactarius deliciosus, Macrolepiota mastoidea, Macrolepiota procera, and Sarcodon imbricatus) were investigated. Dried, frozen, and cooked samples were analyzed for proximate constituents (moisture, fat, crude protein, ash, and carbohydrates) and nutritional value. Fatty acid and sugar profiles were also obtained by gas-liquid chromatography/flame ionization detection and high-performance liquid chromatography/refraction index, respectively. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by several biochemical assays: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity, reducing power, inhibition of beta-carotene bleaching, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in brain tissue using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Results of this study show that mushroom species and processing and cooking practices are all effective determinants for either chemical composition or antioxidant properties. Cooked samples proved to have lower nutrient concentrations and lower antioxidant activities than either dried or frozen samples. In what concerns fatty acids and sugar individual profiles, only cooking proved to be relevant: The cooked samples presented higher monounsaturated fatty acid and lower polyunsaturated fatty acid and sugars contents.

Pleurotus citrinopileatus is a popular edible mushroom which is physiologically active in both humans and animals. In the study we investigate the effects of this mushroom on hyperlipidemic hamster rats. Four dietary forms of the mushroom were created as follows. The powdered dry fruiting body, hot-water extract, and two kinds of elutes were obtained, from ethyl acetate extract and methanol extract, respectively, in different mixed proportion solvents over silica gel column chromatography (referred to as EAE and MOE, respectively). They were tested at different dosages as a supplement to a high-fat diet in hyperlipidemic rats. Serum triglycerides and total cholesterol levels were significantly lower in groups supplemented with the highest dosages of EAE and MOE (0.5 g/kg, body weight daily) as compared with the control groups that received no mushroom additive. High-density lipoprotein levels in these same two experimental groups were also significantly higher than those in the negative control group. The tested rats that were fed with EAE had the highest serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity, and those with the MOE and EAE had the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activities and ferric-reducing abilities, tested in vitro. The major constituents of MOE and EAE were identified as ergosterol and nicotinic acid, respectively. P. citrinopileatus extracts may have a significant antihyperlipidemia effect. Furthermore, antioxidant activities and antihyperlipidemic effects of MOE and EAE seemed to display similar tendencies.

The edible mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill is considered a health food in many countries after it was reported to be a source of antitumor and immunoactive compounds. An aqueous extract (AE) from this basidiomycete significantly enhanced the expression of the c-Jun/activator protein-1 (AP1) in the human breast cancer cell line MCF7. Incubating the cells with 17-β-estradiol (E2), p-nonylphenol (NP), and the AE combined, or NP plus the AE, resulted in increased cell proliferation compared to the untreated control by 93 and 67%, respectively. However, incubating the cells with the extract alone did not enhance cell division. It is suggested that the enhanced proliferation of MCF7 cells in the presence of NP and the AE may be due to the involvement of an AP1 gene regulatory complex. This is the first report showing enhanced c-Jun/AP1 expression in MCF7 cells incubated with an aqueous fungal extract. Keywords: Agaricus blazei Murill; c-Jun; AP1; MCF7; p-nonylphenol; 17-β-estradiol

Quality control issues overshadow potential health benefits of the edible mushroom Flammulina velutipes, with the detection and isolation of polysaccharides posing particular problems. In this study, multiple-fingerprint analysis was performed using chemometrics to assess polysaccharide quality and antioxidant activity of F. velutipes fruiting bodies from different sources. The authentic source exhibited differences in both oxygen radical absorbance capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power from foreign sources. IR spectroscopic/HPLC fingerprints of polysaccharide extracts from the authentic source were established and applied to assess the polysaccharide quality of foreign sources. Analysis of IR fingerprints using Pearson correlation coefficient gave correlation coefficient r values of 0.788 and 0.828 for two foreign sources, respectively, indicating distinctness from the authentic source. Analysis of HPLC fingerprints using the supervised method by Traditional Chinese Medicine could not discriminate between sources (r > 0.9), but principal component analysis of IR and HPLC fingerprints distinguished the foreign sources.

A novel 61 kDa feruloyl esterase (FAE) was purified to homogeneity from freshly collected fruiting bodies of Panus giganteus. The isolation procedure involved chromatography on the ion exchangers DEAE-cellulose and Q-Sepharose, followed by size exclusion chromatography on Superdex 75, which produced a purified enzyme with a high specific activity (170.0 U/mg) which was 130-fold higher than that of crude extract. The purified FAE exhibited activity toward synthetic methyl esters and short-chain fatty acid nitrophenyl esters. The Km and Vmax for this enzyme on methyl ferulate were 0.36 mM and 18.97 U/mg proteins, respectively. FAE activity was attained at a maximum at pH 4 and 40 °C, respectively. The FAE activity was inhibited by metal ions to various degrees. The purified FAE could bring about the release of ferulic acid from wheat bran and corn bran under the action of the single purified FAE, and the amount released from wheat bran rose to 51.9% (of the total amount) by the synergistic action of xylanase.

Mushroom dietary fiber or nonstarch polysaccharides (NSPs) that were soluble in hot alkali and belonged to the beta-glucan type were isolated from the sclerotia of an edible mushroom, Pleurotus tuber-regium. The mushroom NSPs were further separated into a number of fractions [hot alkali extracts (HAEs)] with weight-average molecular weights (M(w)) ranging from 1 x 10(4) to 42.2 x 10(4). The HAE fractions [with M(w) of (5.8-17.1) x 10(4)] administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight to BALB/c mice implanted with solid tumor Sarcoma 180 were found to be effective in inhibiting tumor proliferation with an inhibition ratio ofor =50%. In vitro experiments using human tumor cell lines HL-60 and HepG2 had shown that HAE fractions with M(w) of (5.8-42.2) x 10(4) also had antiproliferative activity at three different concentrations (50, 100, and 200 microg/mL) toward the tumor cell lines tested. All HAE fractions did not inhibit the growth of a normal kidney cell line (Vero) from monkey. It is therefore postulated that the antitumoral effect of NSPs from the sclerotia of P. tuber-regium is probably host-mediated and cytocidal.

A convenient and sensitive method was developed to separate and detect various types of carbohydrates (polyols, mono- and disaccharides, and phosphorylated sugars) simultaneously using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The method consists of a chromatographic separation on a CarboPac PA1 anion-exchange analytical column followed by pulsed amperometric detection. In a single run (43 min) 13 carbohydrates were readily resolved. Calibration plots were linear over the ranges of 5−25 μM to 1.0−1.5 mM. The reliable and fast analysis technique, avoiding derivatization steps and long run times, was used to determine the levels of carbohydrates involved in mannitol and trehalose metabolism in the edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus. Moreover, the method was used to study the trehalose phosphorylase reaction. Keywords: HPLC method; mannitol; trehalose; edible mushroom; Agaricus bisporus

A novel single-chained ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) with a molecular weight of approximately 29 000 was purified from fruiting bodies of the edible mushroom Volvariellavolvacea with a procedure involving ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, and gel filtration on Superdex 75. The mushroom RIP, designated volvarin, exhibited a potent inhibitory action on protein synthesis in the rabbit reticulocyte lysate system with an IC(50) value of 0.5 nM. Like most plant RIPs, volvarin acted as an N-glycosidase that depurinated rRNA from rabbit reticulocyte lysate, releasing a characteristic RNA fragment after treatment with aniline. It also exerted a deoxyribonuclease activity on supercoiled SV-40 DNA and demonstrated a strong abortifacient effect in mice.

The mycelia and the caps and stalks of fruiting bodies of four edible mushrooms (Lentinus edodes, Lycophyllum shimeji, Pleurotus sajor-caju, and Volvariella volvacea) were analyzed for their total dietary fiber (TDF) content according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) method and for TDF content and composition according to the Uppsala method. The nonprotein nitrogen attributable to chitin was corrected in the fiber residue obtained with the AOAC method. The TDF contents of all of the mushrooms as measured by the AOAC method were considerably greater than those determined by using the Uppsala method. Mushroom mycelia had higher TDF values than did the fruiting bodies as measured by both methods. The TDF composition of the mycelia and the TDF composition of the caps and stalks of the mushroom fruiting bodies were similar. Sugar composition reflected that β-glucans were the major fiber polysaccharide with chitin, hemicelluloses, and polyuronides as minor ones. Notably, one-third of th...

Tricholoma matsutake, a high-class edible mushroom in Japan, has been reported to have excellent biological activities, but difficulty in cultivating the fruit bodies and limited bulk availability have restricted detailed studies. We have developed a method of culturing in tanks, enabling the bulk supply of the mycelia. The preparation (CM6271) exerts modulative effects on the immune competence of mice and rats. In this study, a sodium hydroxide extract of CM6271 was defatted followed by fractionation with a combination of ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration in order to identify the components involved in the expression of the activity, and a single peak fraction (MPG-1) was obtained with reversed phase chromatography. MPG-1 was a glycoprotein (sugar:protein ratio, 94.3:5.7) with a relative molecular mass of 360 kDa, and the sugar moiety contained about 90% glucose. NMR spectra and methylation analysis revealed that the alpha-1,4-linkage was the predominant glucan linkage with alpha-1,6- and alpha-1,2-linkages in the minority. The amino acid composition in the protein moiety was rich in glutamine, alanine, asparagine, leucine, glycine, valine, serine, threonine, isoleucine, and proline. MPG-1 was resistant to degradation with amylase or protease. The oral administration of MPG-1 promoted, in a dose-dependent manner, the recovery of the mouse natural killer cell activity and serum IL-12 level that had been reduced by the loading of restraint stress. The dose of MPG-1 (25 mg/kg) required for the expression of the effect decreases to 1/12 of that of CM6271 (300 mg/kg). Furthermore, MPG-1 formed a complex with TGF-beta1 in vitro, modulating the biological activity of TGF-beta1 by binding to its active form. These results indicate that the mycelium of T. matsutake contains a novel alpha-glucan-protein complex with immunomodulatory activities.

The edible mushroom Morchella esculenta is among the most highly prized and morphologically recognizable fungi in the world. We describe the isolation from a polar extract of M. esculenta carpophores of a high-molecular-weight galactomannan, about 1.0 million Da, that exhibits immunostimulatory activity. At 3.0 microg/mL the galactomannan polysaccharide increased NF-kappa B directed luciferase expression in THP-1 human monocytic cells to levels 50% of those achieved by maximal activating concentration (10 microg/mL) of lipopolysaccharide. This galactomannan comprises about 2.0% of the dry fungal material weight, and its glycosyl components include mannose (62.9%) and galactose (20.0%).

New polyisoprenepolyols (hypsiziprenol AA and BA) were isolated from an edible mushroom (Hypsizigus marmoreus). These polyols occur as a mixture of homologous polyisoprene derivatives with 40-70 carbon atoms. Analyses by FAB/MS in the positive and negative ion modes are complementary with each other in that the former provides information on the number of hydroxy groups present while the latter specifies the isoprenoid sequence, and thus become a powerful tool for analyzing the structures of polyisoprenepolyols. No polyisoprenepolyols obtained here were found to have antitumor activity on NCI-H292 and EL-4 cell lines.

Analyse de l'effet de ces composes sur la cinetique enzymatique in vitro, par spectrophotometrie et par polarographie (absorption d'O 2

Isolement et identification, par chromatographie gazeuse sur colonne capillaire et spectrometrie de masse, de 14 constituants volatils dont 9 sont decrits pour la premiere fois pour la truffe

Etude, par broyage de champignon frais dans des solutions aqueuses acides ou basiques (pH compris entre 4 et 9), de la formation de composes volatils sous l'effet des enzymes du champignon. On met en evidence deux systemes enzymatiques, l'un actif vers pH 5-5,5 et conduisant a la formation de composes a huit atomes de carbone, l'autre actif a pH neutre (pH 7) conduisant a la formation de composes soufres

Etude, pour des pH de 4 a 8, de la cinetique de reaction d'inhibition de l'activite enzymatique en presence de CO

Dosage du Cs 137 dans des echantillons originaires de Pologne et de 4 etats des Etats-Unis. Dans tous les cas la contamination radioactive depasse des limites reglementaires