Search

Tato bakalářská práce se zabývá adaptogeny. Jedná se o rostliny, které snižují stres a jeho negativní vlivy na lidský organismus, včetně civilizačních chorob. První kapitola pojednává o obecném účinku adaptogenů, druhá část této práce se zaměřuje již na konkrétní příklady adaptogenů, jejich chemické složení a obecné účinky. Závěrečná část této práce je zaměřena na klinické studie, které se zabývají účinky těchto rostlin a jejich fungování v lidském těle., This bachelor thesis deals with adaptogens. Adaptogens are plants that reduce stress and its negative effects on the human body, including diseases of civilization. The first chapter deals with effect of adaptogens, the second part of this work focuses on certain examples of adaptogens, their chemical composition and general effects. The end of the work is focused on clinical studies deal with effects of these plants and their function in the human body., Fakulta chemicko-technologická, 1. Prezentace výsledků baklářské práce. 2.Diskuze k posudku vedoucího bakalářské práce. 3. Studentka zodpověděla všechny dotazy a připomínky k BP., Dokončená práce s úspěšnou obhajobou

Medicinal mushrooms, Coriolus versicolor and Lentinus edodes are extremely attractive as nutraceuticals. Here we used fruiting bodies to prepare novel kombucha beverage. Microbiological, physicochemical and chemical properties were monitored for eleven days, while the immunological properties of kombucha polysaccharide extracts were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures. FTIR analysis of polysaccharide extracts showed dominant presence of polysaccharides, in addition to phenols, lipids and proteins. C. versicolor kombucha extract displayed more complex polysaccharides, and a higher content of total polysaccharides, phenols and flavonoids compared to L. edodes kombucha extract. The extracts were not cytotoxic for PBMC in vitro up to 500 µg/ml, while immunomodulatory effects depended on their chemical compositions. The most prominent effect was on the reduction of Th2 cytokines and IL-10 in PBMC cultures. Based on these results, novel kombucha products could be recommended as functional beverages or nutraceuticals with potentially beneficial immunomodulatory effects in allergies.

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

Crude polysaccharide extracts derived from Agaricus bisporus (A), A. brasiliensis (B), and Phellinus linteus (P) were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs, labeled AAgNP, BAgNP, PAgNP, respectively) UV and FT-IR spectra, size distribution, and zeta potential of the respective particles were recorded, and TEM and SEM-EDS characterization was done. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed maximum absorbance at 415 mu for A, at 400 nm for P, and at 420 nm for B. SEM-EDS analysis showed BAgNP to consist of almost 90% of silver, while silver content in AAgNP and PAgNP was much lower, 46.5 and 52.3%, respectively. Individual extracts as well as the Ag-NPs were tested against a panel of clinically isolated and ATCC derived pathogens. In almost all cases minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was significantly lower than those of antibiotics, suggesting up to 100 times more effectivity. BAgNP, PAgNP, and AAgNP appeared very active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (MIC: 0.19, 0.19, 0.97 mu g/mL, respectively). The same nanoparticles were also very effective toward Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (MIC: 0.39, 0.78, 0.97 mu g/mL, respectively). Our study indicates that the bactericidal effect of PAgNP, AAgNP, BAgNP on E. coli 25922 ATCC (MBC: 1.56, 0.97, 6.25 mu g/mL, respectively) is significantly more pronounced than that of amoxicillin. A pure solution of colloidal silver nanoparticles showed significantly weaker microbiostatic/microbiocidal potential than all tested mushroom extracts' AgNPs, as well as amoxicillin. Silver nanoparticles made with extracts of A, B, and P seem welcome as an addition to the inventory of antimicrobial compounds used in clinical medicine against bacterial and yeast infection.

Crude Trametes versicolor exopolysaccharides (cEPS) were used for antioxidative activity testing. Obtained results revealed high ability of cEPS for DPPH free radical scavenging and high chelating ability at the highest tested concentration (20 mg/mL), while the reducing power was significantly lower. However, based on the EC50 values, antioxidative activities of the cEPS decreased in the following order reducing power > DPPH scavenging ability > chelating ability. Due to the high carbohydrate and beta-glucan content it is assumed that they are the main carriers of cEPS antioxidative activities. D-glucose was the main monosaccharide (87.18 +/- 0.27%) while the dominant amino acids were L-lysine (L-glutamic and L-aspartic acid), which are amino acids with taste similar to the monosodium glutamate. In addition, content of sweet tasting amino acids compared with the group of bitter tasting amino acid was 2.1 times higher, indicating favorable composition of cEPS protein fraction for food industry applying.

Kombucha is a nonalcoholic beverage traditionally made by fermenting black tea using a combination of yeast and acetic acid bacteria (AAB) cultures. Ganoderma lucidum hot water extract (HWE) was used-to our knowledge for the first time-to prepare a novel, health-promoting kombucha product. During the 11-day fermentation, pH, total acidity, and the numbers of yeasts and AAB were monitored. It was found that sweetened G. lucidum HWE was a good medium for yeast and AAB growth. The desired acidity for the beverage was reached on the second day (3 g/L) of the fermentation process; the maximum established acidity was 22.8 +/- 0.42 g/L. Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed that the vacuum-dried beverage is a mixture of various compounds such as polysaccharides, phenols, proteins, and lipids. Total phenolic content of the liquid sample was 4.91 +/- 0.2338 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, whereas the vacuum-dried sample had a smaller amount of phenolics (2.107 +/- 0.228 mg gallic acid equivalents/g). Established half-maximal effective concentrations for DPPH scavenging activity and reducing power were 22.8 +/- 0.17 and 10.61 +/- 0.34 mg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial testing revealed that activity does not originate solely from synthesized acetic acid. The liquid G. lucidum beverage was the most effective against the tested bacteria, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (0.04 mg/ml,) against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Rhodococcus equi, and a minimum bactericidal concentration (0.16 mg/mL) against Bacillus spizizenii, B. cereus, and R. equi. The vacuum-dried sample was less effective, with the lowest minimum bactericidal concentration against the Gram-positive bacteria R. equi (1.875 mg/mL) and against the Gram-negative bacteria Proteus hauseri (30 mg/mL).

Medicinal mushrooms have had applications for centuries as an alternative treatment of various ailments. Their nutritional value adds to their popularity and has been extensively studied as a healthy source of food which are rich in protein. Two medicinal mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum and Hericium erinaceus have been scrutinized in recent years due to the presence of bioactive compounds. Although a non-edible mushroom, G. lucidum is considered to possess the most medicinal properties and cultivation may have the potential of providing animal feed. The edible H. erinaceus is currently scrutinized as it may have application as a natural alternative to treat the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. This study focused primarily on highlighting the advantages both mushrooms hold for humankind and pave the way for alternative medicinal applications. In chapter 2, the optimum growth conditions for the cultivation of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus have been investigated in order to allow exploitation of their medicinal and economic benefits. In this chapter, pure cultures of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus were required with the need for a single medium allowing cultivation of both species being imperative. Sorghum agar was developed and found to be a superior growth medium compared to MEA or YMA. For cultivation of G. lucidum, the encroaching tree species, Acacia mellifera, were used as substrate for cultivation in order to provide animal feed. Various factors, such as improved lighting and different lighting cycles, humidity control and CO2 regulation were taken in consideration and modified to improve yields. Cultivation of H. erinaceus was conducted on both A. mellifera wood and pecan nut shells, which proved to be a sustainable method for removal of these waste products. Factors such as humidity control resulted in high yields of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies. As running costs were reduced, both G. lucidum and H. erinaceus were used for the development of

This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal, antioxidative, and genoprotective potentials of various extracts of Daedaleopsis confragosa fruiting bodies and mycelia. The extracts exhibited weak fungistatic and an absence of any fungicidal activities against 7 important animal and human pathogens. Although mycelial extracts, especially the hot water extract, were more effective antifungal agents than basidiocarp extracts, they were significantly weaker than the commercial antimycotic ketoconazole. The tested extracts reduced DPPH radicals to various extents, depending on the material used for extraction and the solvent. The mycelial hot water extract was the best DPPH radical scavenger (half-maximal effective concentration, 3.42 mg mL-1), whereas the 96% ethanol extract of basidiocarps was the weakest one (half-maximal effective concentration, 5.36 mg mL-1). Phenols were the main carriers of activity, and their proportions in the tested extract mainly depended on the type and concentration of the solvent; the effect of the material used for extraction was negligible. The largest amount of phenols was detected in the 70% ethanol extract of basidiocarps (126.40 mu g gallic acid equivalents mg-1) and the lowest in the basidiocarp methanol extract (19.93 mu g gallic acid equivalents mg-1). Aqueous extracts of basidiocarp and mycelial extracts were not genotoxic agents but exhibited significant protective activity against hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage during use in leukocytes' pre-and post-treatments.

Mushrooms health benefit was recognized in the Orient from several thousand years ago as globally consumption and has third largest commercially production. The genus Pleurotus (oyster mushroom) is an organoleptic fast growing fungus which belongs to basidiomycota group. Although 70 species is discovered until now for this genus, but only few of them are available in market such as Pleurotus florida, P. sajor-caju and P. ostreatus. They have been used in human diet throughout the world due to their rich nutrients such as protein, fiber carbohydrate, minerals, vitamins and lipid. It should be noted that low amount calories, Sodium, fat and cholesterol is reported in this genus. Many pharmaceutical companies in the Far East and China are viewing the medicinal mushrooms as a rich source of innovative biomedical molecules. These molecules can be extracted from different part of oyster mushroom such as fruiting body, mycelia and culture broth. Mainly they are biopolymers including polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids as they are more variable to carry biological information. The medicinal properties of Pleurotus spp studied by several authors, as a result antitumor, immunomodulating, antiviral, antibacterial, antigenotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolamic, antihypertensive, antiinociceptive, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-platelet-aggregating, antihepatoma, anti poliferative and antiatherosclerotic. In this chapter, biodivertsity of genus Pleurotus will be discussed regarding nutritional and bioactive compounds. Furthermore the prospective of oyster mushroom for therapeutic application and concept will be highlighted.

The objective of this research was to test whether selenium-yeast (Se-yeast) is a better source of selenium than sodium selenite for accumulation in mycelia and immunoactive cell wall polysaccharides. Culture media were enriched in selenium to a concentration of 20 mu g/mL. Selenium was added to the medium either in the form of sodium selenite or in form of Se-yeast (Sel-Plex; Alltech Inc., Lexington, KY). The total selenium concentrations in the mycelium biomass and in the isolated crude polysaccharides were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. We found that selenium accumulated more efficiently in cultures enriched with Se-yeast. A higher concentration of selenium was also found in the crude polysaccharide fractions isolated from the mycelium grown in Se-yeast-enriched media. With the use of the needle trap gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method, we found that there are significant differences in the composition of the volatile aroma and flavor compounds secreted by the mycelia cultivated in different media.

Kaolinite and the modified natural zeolite minazel plus (M+) were used as supplements in substrate used for the production of the medicinal mushroom Grifola frondosa. Growth stimulation, expressed as yield and biological efficiency, was observed when M+ (1%) was added. The production cycle was shortened by half as a result of the zeolites' ion-exchange ability, stimulation of enzyme activity, and water retain capacity. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry of fruiting bodies showed the absence of heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, and lead), whereas the concentration of calcium increased greatly and the concentrations of iron, magnesium, and zinc increased moderately under the influence of M+. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance showed a positive impact on the beta-glucanratio, which could have been caused by the epimerization reaction stimulated by zeolites. The functionality of the mushroom was evaluated through several antioxidant activity assays, and in all cases a positive effect was established: M+ was statistically more effective in comparison with kaolinite. A strong correlation was established between the antioxidative activity of cultivated fruiting bodies and the tested compounds (total phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, and minerals).

У оквиру ове докторске дисертације испитан је хемијски састав и биолошке активности ЕtOH, H2Oи CHCl3 екстраката четири врсте гљива рода Ganoderma (Basidiomycota): G. applanatum, G. lucidum,G. pfeifferi, G. resinaceum са територије Војводине.Хемијски састав анализираних врста је одређен применом: ААЅ методе (састав макро- имикроелемената у сувим остацима гљива) и LC-MS/MS технике (квантитативни састав фенолних једињења и флавоноида) при чему је детектовано 12 једињења. Спектрофотометријским методама је одређен садржај протеина, шећера, укупних фенола и флавоноида, код којих је највећи садржај протеина утврђен за ЕtOH екстракте G. applanatum и G. pfeifferi. Испитивања биолошких активности екстраката обухватила су: одређивање in vitro и in vivo антиоксидантне, антимикробне, антиинфламаторне, антипролиферативне и антијабето гене aктивности. Антиоксидантна активност (способност неутрализације слободних радикала и редукциони потенцијал) је одређена спектрофотометријским методама, при којој су најбољу активност остварили Н2О екстракти G. applanatum. Антимикробнa активност анализираних екстраката одређена је испитивањем антибактеријског, антифунгалног и антивиралног потенцијала где се издвојила G. pfeifferi врста. Антиинфламаторни потенцијал EtOH и CHCl3 екстраката одређен је ex vivo методом мерењем способности инхибиције продукције медијатора инфламације (продукти метаболизма арахидонске киселине) при којој су бољу активност испољили CHCl3 екстракти. Ефекат EtOH и H2O екстраката врста рода Ganoderma на раст MCF ћелијске линије испитан је MTT тестом, а посебно су се издвојили EtOH екстракти врста после 72h. Остварена антидијабетогена активност EtOH и Н2О екстраката врста G. pfeifferi и G. resinaceum код алоксан-индукованог D. mell itus-a на експерименталним животињама праћена je регенерацијом ß- ћелија Лангерхансових острваца панкреаса. Као потенцијални нефро- и хепатопротективни агенси се издвајају екстракти G. resinaceum., U okviru ove doktorske disertacije ispitan je hemijski sastav i biološke aktivnosti EtOH, H2Oi CHCl3 ekstrakata četiri vrste gljiva roda Ganoderma (Basidiomycota): G. applanatum, G. lucidum,G. pfeifferi, G. resinaceum sa teritorije Vojvodine.Hemijski sastav analiziranih vrsta je određen primenom: AAЅ metode (sastav makro- imikroelemenata u suvim ostacima gljiva) i LC-MS/MS tehnike (kvantitativni sastav fenolnih jedinjenja i flavonoida) pri čemu je detektovano 12 jedinjenja. Spektrofotometrijskim metodama je određen sadržaj proteina, šećera, ukupnih fenola i flavonoida, kod kojih je najveći sadržaj proteina utvrđen za EtOH ekstrakte G. applanatum i G. pfeifferi. Ispitivanja bioloških aktivnosti ekstrakata obuhvatila su: određivanje in vitro i in vivo antioksidantne, antimikrobne, antiinflamatorne, antiproliferativne i antijabeto gene aktivnosti. Antioksidantna aktivnost (sposobnost neutralizacije slobodnih radikala i redukcioni potencijal) je određena spektrofotometrijskim metodama, pri kojoj su najbolju aktivnost ostvarili N2O ekstrakti G. applanatum. Antimikrobna aktivnost analiziranih ekstrakata određena je ispitivanjem antibakterijskog, antifungalnog i antiviralnog potencijala gde se izdvojila G. pfeifferi vrsta. Antiinflamatorni potencijal EtOH i CHCl3 ekstrakata određen je ex vivo metodom merenjem sposobnosti inhibicije produkcije medijatora inflamacije (produkti metabolizma arahidonske kiseline) pri kojoj su bolju aktivnost ispoljili CHCl3 ekstrakti. Efekat EtOH i H2O ekstrakata vrsta roda Ganoderma na rast MCF ćelijske linije ispitan je MTT testom, a posebno su se izdvojili EtOH ekstrakti vrsta posle 72h. Ostvarena antidijabetogena aktivnost EtOH i N2O ekstrakata vrsta G. pfeifferi i G. resinaceum kod aloksan-indukovanog D. mell itus-a na eksperimentalnim životinjama praćena je regeneracijom ß- ćelija Langerhansovih ostrvaca pankreasa. Kao potencijalni nefro- i hepatoprotektivni agensi se izdvajaju ekstrakti, Whitin this doctoral thesis the chemical composition and biological activity of EtOH, H 2 O and CHCl3 extracts of four fungal species which belong to genus Ganoderma (phylum Basidiomycota) : G. applanatum, G. lucidum, G. pfeifferi, G. resinaceum were determinated. The samples were collected from different localities in Vojvodina. Chemical characterization included: AAS methods (compositon of macro- and microelements in d.w. of fungi) and LC-MS/MS technique (quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds and flavonoids) wherein the 12 selected phenolic compounds were detected. The total proteins, sugars, phenolics and flavonoids content were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The highest protein content was determined in EtOH extracts of G. applanatum and G. pfeifferi species. In order to assess the biological potential, the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antidiabetic activities of the extracts were investigated. The antioxidant activity (the ability of neutralizing free radicals and reduction potential) estimated byspectrophotometric methods. The highest antioxidant potential was noticed in H2O extracts of G. applanatum. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity included the estimation of antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity, whereby the species G. pfeifferi showed the highest potential The anti-inflammatory activity of EtOH and CHCl3 extracts was determined by ex vivo method measuring the ability of production inhibition of inflammation mediators (products of arachidonic acid metabolism), where the CHCl3 extracts were exhibited better activity. The effect of EtOH and H2O extracts of Ganoderma species on the growth of the cell line MCF-7, has been examined using MTT assay (stand out ethanolic extracts of analyzed species after 72h incubation period). Achieved antidiabetic activity of EtOH and H2O extracts of G. pfeifferi and G. resinaceum at alloxan-i n

The water-soluble metabolites in 5 mushrooms were identified and quantified using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and software for targeted metabolite detection and quantification. In total, 35 compounds were found in Agaricus brasiliensis, 25 in Taiwanofungus camphoratus, 23 in Ganoderma lucidum (Taiwan) and Lentinus edodes, and 16 in G. lucidum (China). Total amounts of all identified metabolites in A. brasiliensis, T. camphoratus, G. lucidum, G. lucidum (China), and L. edodes were 149,950.51, 12,834.18, 9,549.09, 2,788.41, and 111,726.51 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. These metabolites were categorized into 4 groups: free amino acids and derivatives, carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, and nucleosides. Carbohydrates were the most abundant metabolites among all 4 groups, with mannitol having the highest concentration among all analyzed metabolites (848-94,104 mg/kg dry weight). Principal components analysis (PCA) showed obvious distinction among the metabolites of the 5 different kinds of mushrooms analyzed in this study. Thus PCA could provide an optional analytical way of identifying and recognizing the compositions of flavor products. Furthermore, the results of this study demonstrate that NMRbased metabolomics is a powerful tool for differentiating between various medicinal mushrooms.

The medicinal mushroom Trametes versicolor has been well recognized for its activity in maintaining the general health of the population and in managing and treating human diseases in various cultures. Its use has been recently gaining acceptance and popularity in Western countries. The reported health benefits of T. versicolor led to a search for the identity of its bioactive ingredients. These efforts have resulted in the isolation of the polysaccharopeptide PSP from cultured mycelia of strain Cov-1, which expresses large amounts of PSP. The availability of highly purified PSP was followed by studies of its biological activities using tissue culture models and limited human clinical trials. In this review we summarize recent advances in the antitumorigenic and immunomodulatory effects of PSP, elimination of prostate cancer stem cells and control of the intestinal microbiome, and its interplay with host cells as a prebiotic. These findings may have implications for widening and repurposing the use of PSP.

Cyclohexane, dichloromethane, and methanol extracts of the medicinal mushroom Laetiporus sulphureus were tested for their antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and radical scavenging activities. Total polyphenol content was also determined. Regarding the amount of the phenolic compounds in the methanol extract, there were 14.1 +/- 0.6 mg gallic acid/g dry extract and a concentration of 0.66 +/- 0.15 mg/mL resulted in the removal of 50% of the DPPH radicals (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50]) . The average minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against a select panel of microorganisms were between 125 and 250 mu g/mL, and the methanolic extract significantly inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC, 31.25 mu g/mL). Also, cyclohexane and dichloromethane extracts inhibited the growth of Helicobacter pylori (MIC, 62.5 mu g/mL). Cyclohexane and dichloromethane extracts showed higher antiproliferative action compared with the methanol extract. The lowest IC50 was induced on HeLa cells by dichloromethane extract (IC50,67.20 +/- 5.49 mu g/mL), followed by cyclohexane extract (IC50 75.91 +/- 1.57 mu g/mL). The tested cyclohexane and dichloromethane extracts possessed moderate antibacterial and significant cytotoxic activity against both malignant (HeLa and N87) and healthy (MRC5) cell lines. Methanol extracts exhibited promising anti-Helicobacter activity without cytotoxicity against N87 and MRC5 cell lines.

Ganoderma lucidum is traditionally used in Eastern medicine to preserve vitality, promote longevity, and treat disease. It possesses immunomodulatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, and antiaging activities, among others, but one of the most important is its antioxidant property, which is the basis for other effects, because free radicals trigger many diseases. The substrate commonly used for commercial cultivation of G. lucidum is not environmenwas to analyze the effect of substrate composition on the bioactivity of G. lucidum basidiocarps. G. lucidum was cultivated on 2 different substrates: (1) a mixture of wheat straw, grapevine branches, and wheat bran, and (2) wheat straw. Commercial fruiting bodies, cultivated on oak sawdust, were used as the control. 1,1- diphenyl- 2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) The comet test was performed to detect the degree of DNA damage in the cells that were exposed to G. lucidum extracts before and after the effect of oxidants. Higher antioxidative potential was observed for the extract of G. lucidum basidiocarps cultivated on wheat straw compared with that from the mixed substrate and especially with commercial ones. The alternatively cultivated basidiocarps also showed stronger antigenotoxic potential compared with commercial ones. The study showed that fruiting bodies produced on wheat straw, one of the most accessible and cheapest crop residues, are more potent antioxidant and antigenotoxic agents than commercially cultivated ones.

Fungal lectins constitute excellent ligands for development of affinity adsorbents useful in affinity chromatography. In this work, a lectin was purified from Pycnoporus sanguineus (PSL) mycelium using 3 procedures: by affinity chromatography, using magnetic galactosyl-nanoparticles or galactose coupled to Sepharose, and by ionic exchange chromatography (IEC). The highest lectin yield was achieved by IEC (55%); SDS-PAGE of PSL showed 2 bands with molecular mass of 68.7 and 55.2 kDa and IEC displayed 2 bands at pI 5.5 and 5.2. The lectin agglutinates rat erythrocytes, exhibiting broad specificity toward several monosaccharides, including galactose. The agglutination was also inhibited by the glycoproteins fetal calf fetuin, bovine lactoferrin, bovine transferrin, and horseradish peroxidase. The lectin was then used to synthesize an affinity adsorbent (PSL-Sepharose) and the interaction with glycoproteins was evaluated by analyzing their chromatographic behaviors. The strongest interaction with the PSL-derivative was observed with transferrin, although lower interactions were also displayed toward fetuin and lactoferrin. These results indicate that the purified PSL constitutes an interesting ligand for the design of affinity adsorbents to be used (i.e., in glycoprotein purification).

The birch polypore Piptoporus betulinus was among two mushrooms that were found in the Iceman's bag. Recent studies indicated that P. betulinus was probably used as a religious and medicinal item. In order to examine the medicinal potential of P. betulinus, hot water (HW), partially purified (PP), and alkali extract (HA) were prepared and tested for antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. All tested samples exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity, and HW appeared as the most effective (IC50 = 0.8 +/- 0.1 mg/ml for HeLa cells). HA proved to be a good 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenger and exhibited the strongest ferric-reducing power (EC50 = 0.07 +/- 0.3 mg/ml). The same extract (HA) also expressed the strongest ferric-reducing power (EC50 = 0.99 +/- 0.1 mg/ml). Hot alkali extraction contributed significantly to ACE inhibitory activity (EC50 = 0.06 +/- 0.00 mg/ml) and to antimicrobial activity, especially against highly resistant Enterococcus faecalis (minimum inhibitory concentration: 0.156 +/- 0.000 mg/ml; and minimum bactericidal concentration: 1.25 +/- 0.00 mg/ml).

This study aimed to research the antifungal, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential of Ganoderma applanatum and Ganoderma lucidum mycelial extracts as well as the possible effect of Se enrichment on these activities. Both Se-enriched and nonenriched extracts of G. applanatum and G. lucidum showed fungi static activity, while a fungicidal effect was not noted. The extracts exhibited significant 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil radical scavenging capacity, while the effect of Se on this potential was stimulatory in G. applanatum (1.3%-33.9% without Se and 3.1%-67.1% in Se enrichment) and inhibitory in G. lucidum (1.4%-71.6% and 1.3%-48.6% without and with Se, respectively). Only phenols in G. applanatum and phenols and flavonoids in G. lucidum were holders of antioxidant activity. Cytotoxic activity against both HeLa and LS174 cell lines was very low in comparison with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the possible protective activity of Agaricus brasiliensis (=A. blazei sensu Murrill) ethanol extract against thymol-induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes. Before we studied the possible interaction of thymol and A. brasiliensis extract, each component was tested in the comet assay. Thymol significantly increased DNA damage in human lymphocytes at higher concentrations (20, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mu g/mL), whereas no genotoxic effect of A. brasiliensis ethanol extract was observed. In simultaneous treatment with thymol (200 mu g/mL) and A. brasiliensis ethanol extract (50, 100, 150, and 200 mu g/mL), the latter failed to reduce a thymol-induced DNA damaging effect regardless of the applied concentrations. To confirm that thymol induces DNA damage via reactive oxygen species, we performed cotreatment with quercetin. Cotreatment with quercetin (100 and 500 mu g/mL) significantly reduced DNA damage caused by thymol (200 mu g/mL), indicating that thymol exhibits genotoxicity mainly through induction of reactive oxygen species.

Lekovita svojstva gljiva baziraju se na prisustu velikog broja bioaktivnih jedinjenja kao što su polТsaСarТНТ, tОrpОnoТНТ, ОsОnМТУalnО amТno kТsОlТnО, nuklОotТНТ, nuklОТnskО kТsОlТnО, stОrolТ, nОгasТćОnО masnО kТsОlТnО Т НrugТ, kao Т гnačaУnog saНržaУa makro- i mikroelemenata i vitamina. Imaju sposobnost usvajanja neorganskog selena, njegove transformacije u organske, bolje iskoristljive, forme i akumulacije. CТlУОvТ ТstražТvanУa su bТlТ: (1) praćenje prinosa biomase micelije 8 vrsta makromiceta i efikasnosti apsorbcije selena pri kultivaciji u selenitom obogaćenom medijumu, (2) proučavanje efekta visokih koncentracija selena na produkciju micelije, morfologiju i ultrastrukturu hifa, kao i na kapacitet apsorpcije i akumulacije kod Pleurotus ostreatus i (γ) oНrОđТvanУО antioksidativnog, antifungalnog i citostatičkog potencijala ekstrakata nОobogaćОnО Т sОlОnom obogaćОnО micelije odabranih vrsta. NaУvТšТ prТnos bТomasО гabОlОžОn УО u mОНТУumu bОг sОlОna, Нok УО u nУОgovom prТsustvu Т sa povОćanУОm konМОntraМТУО uočОn lТnОarnТ paН proНukМТУО. Ganoderma applanatum УО Тmala naТvТšТ prТnos (27.8 g/L), dok je najmanja produkcija izmerena kod Lenzites betulinus (5.2 g/L). Vrednosti apsorbovanog selena su se kretale u opsegu od 1.4 μg/g (Pleurotus eryngii) do 20.3 μg/g (P. ostreatus). Produkcija biomase P. ostreatus УО bТla naУvОća u oНsustvu sОlОna (11.8 g/L), koncentracije od 5.0, 10.0 i 20.0 mg/L nТsu ТmalО ОПОkat na rast mТМОlТУО, vТšО konМОntraМТУО su гnačaУno ТnСТbТralО prТnos biomase, a koncentracija od 1000.0 mg/L je bila MIC. KolТčТna apsorbovanog sОlОna sО kretala u opsegu od 251.2 μg/g (pri koncentraciji u medijumu od 5.0 mg/L) do 938.9 μg/g (20.0 mg/L), a procenat usvajanja od 3.6% (100.0 mg/L) do 53.3% (5.0 mg/L). Pri koncentracijama od 100.0 mg/L i 500.0 mg/L uočОna УО poУava МТgla-crvenkaste boje micelije sa гnačaУnТm morПološkТm Т ultrastrukturnТm promОnama u porОđОnУu sa kontrolom: manУa gustТna СТПa, tanak ćОlТУskТ гТН sa ТгražОnТm ОkstraМОlularnТm matrТkso, Medicinal properties of mushrooms are based on presence of numerous bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, essential amino acids, nucleotids, necleic acids, sterols, unsaturated fatty acids etc., as well as on significant content of micro- and macroelements and vitamins. Mushrooms have ability to absorb inorganic selenium, to transform it to organic and better bio-available forms and to accumulate it. The aims of the researche: (1) study of mycelial biomass production and efficiency of selenium absorption during cultivation in selenite-enriched medium, (2) study of effect of high selenium concentration on mycelium production, morphology and ultrastructure of hyphae, as well as capacity of its absorption and acumulation in Pleurotus ostreatus and (3) determination of antioxidant, antifungal and cytotoxic potential of non-amended and selenium-amended mycelia of selected species. The highest biomass yield was noted in the non-amended medium, while in the selenium presence and with increase of its concentration linear decrease of production was observed. Ganoderma applanatum was characterized by the best yield (27.8 g/L), while the lowest production was measured in Lenzites betulinus (5.2 g/L). Values of absorbОН sОlОnТum аОrО rangОН bОtаООn 1.4 μg/g (Pleurotus eryngii) anН β0.γ μg/g (P. ostreatus). Biomass production in P. ostreatus was the highest in selenium absence (11.8 g/L), concentrations of 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 mg/L had no any effect on mycelium growth, higher concentrations significantly inhibited yield, and concentration of 1000.0 mg/L was MIC. Amount of absorbed selenium was in range from β51.β μg/g (at medium concentration of 5.0 mg/L) to 938.9 μg/g (20.0 mg/L), and percentage of absorption from 3.6% (100.0 mg/L) to 53.3% (5.0 mg/L). Appearance of mycelium of brick-red colour with significant morphological and ultrastructural changes in comparison with the control was observed at the concentrations of 100.0 mg/L and 500.0 mg/L. Hyphal densit

Extracts from medicinal mushrooms were prepared and tested for anti-microbial activity against food pathogens and food spoilage microorganisms. The inhibitory activity was measured using a disk diffusion assay and with optical density (OD). For OD, 7 fractions were collected using HPLC for 4 (A. blazei Murrill, G. lucidum, G. frondosa, I. obiquus) medicinal mushrooms and 6 fractions from L. edodes and 8 fractions from P. linteus. The results from disk diffusion assay showed that most mushrooms displayed significant inhibition compared to the ethanol. The exceptions were: A. blazei Murrill, I. obliquus, and L. edodes against E. coli O157:H7; I. obliquus against L. monocytogenes V7; I. obliquus against S. cerevisiae Y99; L. edodes against Z. bailii Y03; and I. obliquus against Z. bailii/bisporus Y108. Inhibition was more effective in yeasts than bacteria. The result from Bioscreen C showed that against L. monocytogenes V7, fraction 7 in A. blazei Murrill; fraction 1, 4 and 5 in G. lucidum; fraction 4 in G. frondosa; and fraction 4 and 5 in I. obliquus significantly inhibited the growth compared to ethanol. Against Z. bailii Y03, fraction 7 in A. blazei Murrill; all fractions from G. lucidum, G. frondosa, and P. linteus; fraction 1, 2, 3, and 6 from I. obliquus; and fraction 4 and 6 from L. edodes significantly inhibited growth compare to ethanol. The results indicated that there is significant antimicrobial activity against food pathogens and spoilage organisms in the medicinal mushrooms studied.

The purpose of this study was to resolve the question of whether various selenium concentrations affect the ability of eight species, members of five genera, to produce mycelium biomass and absorb this trace element during submerged cultivation in Na2SeO3-enriched medium. The obtained results demonstrated the ability of mycelia of all of the tested species to absorb selenium at analyzed concentrations. Thus, selenium content ranged from 1.4 mu g g(-1) (Pleurotus eryngii) to 20.3 mu g g(-1) (Pleurotus ostreatus). The potential of mycelia to absorb selenium was significant, ranging from 8.1% (Lenzites betulinus) to 62.5% (P ostreatus) of its content in the medium. It may be concluded that all tested mushroom species could be used as satisfactory selenium sources due to the fact that the absorbed concentrations ranged from 15.8% (P eryngii) to 36.9% (P. ostreatus) of the dietary selenium amount (55 mu g d(-1)) recommended by the European Scientific Committee on Food.

Partially purified polysaccharides were obtained from four medicinal mushroom species, Agaricus bisporus, Agaricus brasiliensis, Phellinus linteus and Ganoderma lucidum by hot water extraction, followed by ethanol precipitation. The four samples contained varying amounts of both alpha- and beta-glucans as determined by FT-IR and by quantitative estimation after prior partial hydrolysis (Megazyme beta-glucan assay kit). EC50 values of the DPPH scavenging activity of the polysaccharides from G. lucidum spores and P. linteus fruiting bodies were found to be particularly low, i.e. EC50 LT 0.1 mg/ml. For A. brasiliensis and A. bisporus, EC50 values were 0.27 and 2.0 mg/ml. EC50 values of the antioxidant activity were 7.07 mg/ml for G. lucidum, 13.25 mg/ml for A. brasiliensis and >20 mg/ml for A. bisporus polysaccharide, respectively. EC50 values of the chelating activity of ferrous ions ranged from 0.59 mg/ml for G. lucidum to 7.80 mg/ml for A. bisporus. The EC50 values of the extracts in the reducing power assay ranged from 0.47 to 14.83 mg/ml. A correlation was found between EC50 values of the chelating and reducing power abilities and the amount of total glucans content in the extracts. In vitro measurements of immunomodulatory capacity of polysaccharide extracts showed that A. bisporus, A. brasiliensis fruiting bodies and G. lucidum spores extracts express an immunostimulating effect on activated human PBMCs and induce synthesis of IFN-gamma. The polysaccharide extract of P. linteus fruiting bodies showed an immunosuppressive effect.

Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known medicinal mushroom species in which polysaccharides are one of the major sources of biological activity. The species was considered as a species-complex due to significant variations in morphological, biochemical, and genetic features among populations with a worldwide distribution. This fact was the basis for setting the aim of this research: to study intraspecific diversity in polysaccharide production and intracellular sugar composition among selected G. lucidum strains. The presence of intraspecific diversity among 10 G. lucidum strains, from different areas worldwide, was noted. Values of produced mycelia biomass and intracellular polysaccharides were found in wide ranges (3.1-28.2 g L-1 and 20.0-53.3 mg g(-1), respectively), while differences in extracellular polysaccharide amounts were minor (0.2-1.5 mg mL(-1)). The significant quantitative and qualitative differences in intracellular sugar composition were noted. Glucose was the predominant sugar in almost all strains except one (HAI 447), where sucrose was dominant. The potential of polysaccharide production and intracellular sugar composition could be one more taxonomic criterion for strain characterization within G. lucidum. The differences in intracellular sugar composition and proportions could be reflected in features of produced polysaccharides and also in their biological activities.

Partially purified polysaccharides were obtained from four medicinal mushroom species, Agaricus bisporus, Agaricus brasiliensis, Phellinus linteus and Ganoderma lucidum by hot water extraction, followed by ethanol precipitation. The four samples contained varying amounts of both alpha- and beta-glucans as determined by FT-IR and by quantitative estimation after prior partial hydrolysis (Megazyme beta-glucan assay kit). EC50 values of the DPPH scavenging activity of the polysaccharides from G. lucidum spores and P. linteus fruiting bodies were found to be particularly low, i.e. EC50 lt 0.1 mg/ml. For A. brasiliensis and A. bisporus, EC50 values were 0.27 and 2.0 mg/ml. EC50 values of the antioxidant activity were 7.07 mg/ml for G. lucidum, 13.25 mg/ml for A. brasiliensis and >20 mg/ml for A. bisporus polysaccharide, respectively. EC50 values of the chelating activity of ferrous ions ranged from 0.59 mg/ml for G. lucidum to 7.80 mg/ml for A. bisporus. The EC50 values of the extracts in the reducing power assay ranged from 0.47 to 14.83 mg/ml. A correlation was found between EC50 values of the chelating and reducing power abilities and the amount of total glucans content in the extracts. In vitro measurements of immunomodulatory capacity of polysaccharide extracts showed that A. bisporus, A. brasiliensis fruiting bodies and G. lucidum spores extracts express an immunostimulating effect on activated human PBMCs and induce synthesis of IFN-gamma. The polysaccharide extract of P. linteus fruiting bodies showed an immunosuppressive effect.

Twenty-six species of Phellinus sensu lato, reported as medicinal mushrooms, are enumerated in this review. The species' names were checked and revised according to contemporary taxonomy and the latest version of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (Vienna Code); two misapplied names of Phellinus baumii Pilat and Phellinus himalayensis Y.C. Dai in previous reports are also discussed. Of the 20 types of medicinal functions, the most shared functions are antitumor and improving immunity, both of which may be viewed as the basal functions of Phellinus s. l. In addition, alleviating septic shock, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidation are also a routine functions mentioned often. The main medicinal metabolites, including several kinds of polysaccharides and polyphenols, are introduced. Different methods and conditions could purify various polysaccharides with difference in activity level even from the same species, while all polyphenols are hispidin and its derivatives in general. Three aspects of mechanism contribute to antitumor activities of polysaccharides: (1) promoting an immune response, (2) inducing cell apoptosis, and (3) inhibiting metastasis. Other general mechanisms of the metabolites in antioxidant activity, and in treating diabetes, as well as complications are summarized. We also elaborate on potential scientific strategies for obtaining the medicinal metabolites from Phellinus s. l., such as artificial cultivation, the discoveries of more species with medicinal functions, the utilization of species growing quickly, and the optimization of culture conditions and media supplements in fermentation.

This study showed that cultivation conditions (medium composition, initial medium pH, aeration rate, inoculum density) affect biomass and polysaccharide production in Ganoderma lucidum strain HAI 447. The synthetic medium (pH 5.5) with maltose at the concentration of 65.0 g L-1, peptone of 0.2%, as well as in the presence of K, Na, and Mg at concentrations of 6.0, 3.0, and 2.0 mM, respectively, presented the best conditions for biomass (29.2 g L-1) and extra- and intracellular polysaccharide (2.9 mg mL(-1) and 73.3 mg g(-1), respectively) production in the analyzed strain. Constant aeration was optimal for biomass and extracellular polysaccharide production, whereas cultivation under stationary conditions was the best for intracellular polysaccharide production. A peak in biomass and polysaccharide production was observed at an inoculum density of 20.0 mL.

AIM: To determine the immunomodulatory effect of Shiitake (a mushroom extract), we tested its effect on liver-mediated immune regulation in a model of immune-mediated colitis. METHODS: Four groups of mice were studied. Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of TNBS in groups A and B. Groups A and C were treated daily with Shiitake extract, while groups B and D received bovine serum albumin. Mice were evaluated for development of macroscopic and microscopic. The immune effects of Shiitake were determined by FACS analysis of intra-hepatic and intrasplenic lymphocytes and IFN-¿ ELISPOT assay. RESULTS: Administration of Shiitake resulted in by an increased intrasplenic/intrahepatic CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratio. These effects were accompanied by a 17% increase in the number of intrahepatic natural killer T (NKT) cells. A similar effect was observed when Shiitake was administered to animals without disease induction. CONCLUSION: Shiitake extract affected livermediated immune regulation by altering the NKT lymphocyte distribution and increasing intrahepatic CD8+ T lymphocyte trapping, thereby leading to alleviation of immune-mediated colitis marked alleviation of colitis, manifested by significant improvement in the macroscopic and microscopic scores, and by reduction in IFN-¿-producing colonies in group A, compared to group B mice (1.5 pfu/mL vs 3.7 pfu/mL, respectively). This beneficial effect was associated with a significant increase in the intrahepatic CD8+ lymphocyte trapping, demonstrated

© 2017 Begell House, Inc. We show here, to our knowledge for the first time, that the brown mycelial mat of the xylotrophic shiitake medicinal mushroom, Lentinus edodes, not only performs a protective function owing to significant changes in the ultrastructure (thickening of the cell wall, increased density, and pigmentation of the fungal hyphae) but also is a metabolically ac tive stage in the development of the mushroom. The cells of this morphological structure exhibit repeated activation of expression of the genes lcc4, tir, exp1, chi, and exg1, coding for laccase, tyrosinase, a specific transcription factor, chitinase, and glucanase, which are required for fungal growth and morphogenesis. This study revealed the maximum activity of functionally important proteins with phenol oxidase and lectin activities, and the emergence of additional laccases, tyrosinases, and lectins, which are typical of only this stage of morphogenesis and have a regulatory function in the development and formation of fruiting bodies.

© 2017 Begell House, Inc. We show here, to our knowledge for the first time, that the brown mycelial mat of the xylotrophic shiitake medicinal mushroom, Lentinus edodes, not only performs a protective function owing to significant changes in the ultrastructure (thickening of the cell wall, increased density, and pigmentation of the fungal hyphae) but also is a metabolically ac tive stage in the development of the mushroom. The cells of this morphological structure exhibit repeated activation of expression of the genes lcc4, tir, exp1, chi, and exg1, coding for laccase, tyrosinase, a specific transcription factor, chitinase, and glucanase, which are required for fungal growth and morphogenesis. This study revealed the maximum activity of functionally important proteins with phenol oxidase and lectin activities, and the emergence of additional laccases, tyrosinases, and lectins, which are typical of only this stage of morphogenesis and have a regulatory function in the development and formation of fruiting bodies.