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Cancer stem cells are responsible for breast cancer initiation, metastasis, and relapse. Targeting breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) using phytochemicals is a good strategy for the treatment of cancer. A silica gel, a reversed-phase C18 column (ODS), a Sephadex LH-20 gel, thin layer chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used for compound isolation from Saururus chinensis extracts. The isolated compound was identified as machilin D by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Machilin D inhibited the growth and mammosphere formation of breast cancer cells and inhibited tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Machilin D reduced the proportions of CD44+/CD24- and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1)-positive cells. Furthermore, this compound reduced the nuclear localization of the NF-&kappa, B protein and decreased the IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in mammospheres. These results suggest that machilin D blocks IL-6 and IL-8 signaling and induces CSC death and thus may be a potential agent targeting BCSCs.

To discover antimicrobial agents from higher fungi, mannonerolidol (3), a new nerolidol mannoside, together with known schizostatin (1) and nerolidol (2) were isolated from an antimicrobial fraction of the culture broth of Schizophyllum commune. Structures of these compounds were determined through spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1 and 3 exhibited antimicrobial activities against plant pathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani, Diaporthe sp., Botrytis cinerea, and Alternaria solani and bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus.

Inflammation is an aggregate of different pathologic responses in body that leads to life threatening conditions if not combated at early stages. A variety of chemical medications from low quality to high quality are available in market for treatment of inflammation. However the side effects posed by these medications cannot be ignored. Here in our study we have shown for the first time, the anti-inflammatory effects of SBF compound that is obtained from wild mushroom species that are Acremonium sp. HKI 0230 and Coprinus echinosporus. We employed Nitric oxide determination, cell viability assay, RT-PCR and western blot analysis to check the anti-inflammatory effects of SBF. The antioxidant activity of this compound has been studied in detail in past, but our results have shown that SBF potently suppressed the Nitric oxide production (NO) without any cytotoxicity to the model cell line; RAW 264.7 cells. It also inhibited the production of major proinflammatory mediators and cytokines i.e. iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. SBF elicited its anti-inflammatory effects via the canonical NF-κB and MAPK pathway. Taken together, our results have shown that SBF exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and further experimentations may warrant its application as a commercial herbal remedy for inflammation related anomalies.

Two new sesquiterpenes (1 and 2) together with one known compound (3) were isolated from the culture broth of Coprinus rhizophorus. Chemical structures of these compounds were deduced by spectroscopic methods. Compound 1 exhibited free-radical-scavenging activity against the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited antimicrobial activities against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Propionibacterium acnes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

The root-knot nematode (

Ginseng damping-off, caused by the fungal pathogens Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium sp., is a critical disease in ginseng seedling. In a continuing effort to find microorganisms with the potential of acting as a biocontrol agent against Rhizoctonia damping-off, we found that a Streptomyces sp. A501 showed significant antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani. In field experiment to test the efficacy of Streptomyces sp. A501 in controlling ginseng damping-off, the incidence of damping-off disease was meaningfully reduced when ginseng seeds were soaked in the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. A501 before sowing. To perform characterization of the antifungal compound, we isolated it from the culture broth of strain A501 through Diaion HP-20 and silica gel column chromatographies and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The structure of the antifungal compound was assigned as fungichromin by spectroscopic methods, mainly nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization-mass analysis.

The culture filtrate of Lentinula edodes shows potent antimicrobial activity against the plant pathogenic bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum. Bioassay-guided fractionation was conducted using Diaion HP-20 column chromatography, and the insoluble active compound was not adsorbed on the resin. Further fractionation by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) suggested that the active compounds were organic acids. Nine organic acids were detected in the culture filtrate of L. edodes; oxalic acid was the major component and exhibited antibacterial activity against nine different phytopathogenic bacteria. Quantitative analysis by HPLC revealed that the content of oxalic acid was higher in the water extract from spent mushroom substrate than in liquid culture. This suggests that the water extract of spent L. edodes substrate is an eco-friendly control agent for plant diseases.

Synbiotics, a combination of prebiotics and probiotics, produce synergistic effects to promote gastrointestinal health. Herein, we investigated the synbiotic interaction between the Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG (LGG; a probiotic strain) and tagatose (a prebiotic) in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis murine model. Initially, body weight, food intake, and clinical features were dramatically decreased after treatment with DSS, and the addition of LGG, tagatose, or both ameliorated these effects. In our pyrosequencing analysis of fecal microbiota, DSS treatment increased the abundance of Proteobacteria and decreased that of Firmicutes. When LGG and tagatose were administered as synbiotics, the gut microbiota composition recovered from the dysbiosis caused by DSS treatment. In particular, the abundance of Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia was significantly associated with probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic treatments. Taken together, our results suggest that LGG and tagatose as synbiotics can alleviate colitis, and synbiotics could be applied as dietary supplements in dairy foods such as yogurt and cheese.

Yeast biosurfactants have potent applications in medical, cosmeceutical, and food industries due to their specific modes of action, low toxicity, and applicability. In this study, biosurfactant-producing yeasts were screened for various industrial applications. Among them, Aureobasidium pullulans strain A11211-4-57 with potent surfactant activity from fleabane flower, Erigeron annus (L.) pers., was selected. From culture supernatant of strain A11211-4-57, five new low-surface-tension chemicals designated as pullusurfactans A–E were identified through consecutive chromatography steps, involving ODS, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and ODS Sep-pak cartridge columns. Based on mass and NMR measurements, structures of pullusurfactans A–E were determined as myo-inositol lipids with molecular formulae of C20H35O9, C18H32O8, C20H35O9, C24H42O9, and C18H32O8, respectively. These compounds exhibited potent biosurfactant activities (22.90, 22.40, 32.28, 25.28, and 22.44 mN/m, respectively). These results suggest that these novel biosurfactants have potential use as biosurfactants in industrial aspect.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) as a subpopulation of cancer cells are drug-resistant and radiation-resistant cancer cells to be responsible for tumor progress, maintenance and recurrence of cancer, and metastasis. This study isolated and investigated a new cancer stem cell (CSC) inhibitor derived from lactic acid fermentation products using culture broth with 2% aronia juice. The anti-CSC activity of aronia-cultured broth was significantly higher than that of the control. Activity-guided fractionation and repeated chromatographic preparation led to the isolation of one compound. Using nuclear magnetic resonance and ESI mass spectrometry, we identified the isolated compound as catechol. In this study, we report that aronia-fermented catechol has a novel inhibitory effect on human breast CSCs. Catechol inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation and mammosphere formation in a dose-dependent manner. This compound reduced the CD44high /CD24low subpopulation, ALDH-expressing cell population and the self-renewal-related genes nanog, sox2, and oct4. Catechol preferentially reduced mRNA transcripts and protein levels of Stat3 and did not induce c-Myc degradation. These findings support the novel utilization of catechol for breast cancer therapy via the Stat3/IL-6 signaling pathway. Our results suggest that catechol can be used for breast cancer therapy and that Stat3 expression is a marker of CSCs. Catechol inhibited Stat3 signaling by reducing Stat3 expression and secreted IL-6, a CSC survival factor. These findings support the novel utilization of catechol for breast cancer therapy via Stat3/IL-6 signaling.

Davallialactone (DAVA) is a hispidin analogue derived from the medicinal fungus Phellinus baumii. We examined the effect of DAVA on in vitro fertilization (IVF) of pigs. Boar spermatozoa were incubated in fertilization medium with varying concentrations of DAVA, then sperm motility and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were evaluated. Higher sperm motility was found following the addition of 0.5 or 1 µM DAVA after incubation than addition of other concentrations or controls. ROS level decreased significantly with the addition of DAVA. The rate of normal fertilization was higher in the presence of 1 µM DAVA (65.1%) than were those of other concentrations or controls (45.4~59.4%), and the highest total fertilization rate (mono- and polyspermic oocytes) was observed at 1 µM DAVA (83%). In conclusion, addition of DAVA to fertilization medium improved sperm motility, and reduced ROS level so as to potentially improve sperm-oocyte binding in IVF, suggesting the potential of a compound isolated from mushrooms in assisted reproductive technology for humans and animals.

The active constituents of Korean Papaver rhoeas bee pollen conferring neuraminidase inhibitory activities (H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1) were investigated. Six flavonoids and one alkaloid were isolated and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data. These included kaempferol-3-sophoroside (1), kaempferol-3-neohesperidoside (2), kaempferol-3-sambubioside (3), kaempferol-3-glucoside (4), quercetin-3-sophoroside (5), luteolin (6), and chelianthifoline (7). All compounds showed neuraminidase inhibitory activities with IC50 values ranging from 10.7 to 151.1 µM. The most potent neuraminidase inhibitor was luteolin, which was the dominant content in the ethyl acetate fraction. All tested compounds displayed noncompetitive inhibition of H3N2 neuraminidase. Furthermore, compounds 1-7 all reduced the severity of virally induced cytopathic effects as determined by the Madin-Darby canine kidney cell-based assay showing antiviral activity with IC50 values ranging from 10.7 to 33.4 µM (zanamivir: 58.3 µM). The active compounds were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the total amount of compounds 1-7 made up about 0.592 g/100 g bee pollen, contributing a rich resource of a natural antiviral product.

A Gram-stain-negative, halotolerant and alkalitolerant bacterium, designated strain BH103T, was isolated from saltern soil in Gomso, Korea. Cells of strain BH103T were strictly aerobic, motile, straight rods and grew at pH 7.0–10.8 (optimum, pH 8.5), at 10–55 °C (optimum, 28 °C) and at salinities of 0–23 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 14 % NaCl). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain BH103T belongs to the genus Halomonas, showing highest sequence similarity to Halomonas boliviensis LC1T (97.7 %), Halomonas neptunia Eplume1T (97.7 %), Halomonas variabilis IIIT (97.7 %), Halomonas alkaliantarctica CRSST (97.7 %), Halomonas olivaria TYRC17T (97.5 %), Halomonas titanicae BH1T (97.2 %) and Halomonas sulfidaeris Esulfide1T (96.2 %). The predominant ubiquinone was Q-9. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH, C16 : 0 and C12 : 0 3-OH. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, aminophospholipid and an unknown phospholipid. The DNA G+C content of this novel isolate was 54.7 mol%. DNA–DNA relatedness between strain BH103T and H. boliviensis KACC 16615T, H. neptunia KCTC 2888T, H. variabilis KCTC 2889T, H. alkaliantarctica KCTC 22844T, H. olivaria DSM 19074T, H. titanicae JCM 16411T and H. sulfidaeris DSM 15722T was 45, 41, 39, 32, 38, 45 and 35 %, respectively. On the basis of polyphasic analysis from this study, strain BH103T represents a novel species of the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas salicampi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BH103T ( = KACC 17609T = NBRC 109914T = NCAIM B 02528T).

This study was carried out to identify phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from Allium hookeri root (AHR). A methanol extract of AHR was sequentially fractionated and separated based on solvent polarity (methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol) using column chromatography (Sephadex LH-20 and Kiesel gel 60). The antioxidant activity of AHR was investigated by assessing the 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH RSA), superoxide quenching activity (SQA), and superoxide radical scavenging activity (SRSA) of the isolated fractions. Based on the DPPH RSA results and yield of each fraction, the n-butanol fraction (8.4-85.2% and 3.9%) was selected for further analysis. There was no significant difference between the EC50 value for SRSA of compound 1 purified from the n-butanol fraction and ascorbic acid. We identified compound 1 using mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as ferulic acid-4-O-β-Dglucopyranoside (FAG). Thus, this is the first report of a FAG isolated from AHR.

Medicinal mushrooms have been used worldwide to treat cancer and modulate the immune system. Over the last several years, there has been increasing interest in isolating bioactive compounds from medicinal mushrooms and evaluating their health beneficial effects. Fomes fomentarius is used in traditional oriental medicine and is known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antitumor effects. In the present study, we isolated fomentariol from Fomes fomentarius and investigated its anti-inflammatory effect in murine macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) stimulated with lipopolysaccharides. Fomentariol inhibited the production of nitric oxide and intracellular reactive oxygen species triggered by lipopolysaccharides. Interestingly, fomentariol differentially regulated cytokine production triggered by lipopolysaccharides. Fomentariol effectively suppressed the production of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 but not tumor necrosis factor-α. The inhibitory effect of fomentariol against nitric oxide, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 production was possibly mediated by downregulation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway. Taken together, our results suggest that fomentariol differentially modulated inflammatory responses triggered by lipopolysaccharides in macrophages and is one of the bioactive compounds that mediate the physiological effects of Fomes fomentarius.

Fomes fomentarius is a fungus of the Polyporaceae family and is used in traditional oriental therapies. Although the anti-inflammatory activities of this species have been previously reported, the identity of the bioactive compounds responsible for this activity remains unknown. Here, we investigated whether methyl 9-oxo-(10E,12E)-octadecadienoate (FF-8) purified from F. fomentarius exerts anti-inflammatory activity in murine macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). FF-8 suppressed secretion of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 through downregulation of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression induced by LPS. In addition, pretreatment of cells with FF-8 led to a reduction in levels of secreted inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in macrophages stimulated with LPS. Conversely, FF-8 did not affect nuclear factor κB, p38, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways. Instead, FF-8 specifically interfered with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation induced by LPS. Collectively, this study demonstrated that FF-8 purified from F. fomentarius suppresses inflammatory responses in macrophages stimulated with LPS by inhibiting STAT3 activation. Further studies will be required to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effect of FF-8 in vivo.

Five polyphenols were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the fruiting bodies of Phellinus baumii. These compounds were identified by various spectroscopic methods as hispidin, hypholomine B, inoscavin A, davallialactone, and phelligridin D. All compounds inhibited noncompetitively H1N1, H5N1, and H3N2 neuraminidase activity and reduced the amount of virally-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) according to an MDCK cell-based assay.

A Gram-stain-negative, halophilic bacterium, designated strain BH195T, was isolated from the sediment of the solar saltern pond located in Gomso, Republic of Korea. Strain BH195T was a strictly aerobic, non-motile rod, which grew at pH 3.5–10.5 (optimum, pH 7.5), at 4–55 °C (optimum, 30 °C) and at salinities of 0.5–11 % (w/v) NaCl [optimum, 2–3 % (w/v) NaCl]. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, indicated that strain BH195T belongs to the genus Idiomarina , showing the highest sequence similarity to Idiomarina salinarum ISL-52T (97.4 %), Idiomarina homiensis PO-M2T (96.8 %), Idiomarina aestuarii KYW314T (96.7 %), and Idiomarina tainanensis PIN1T (96.7 %). The major cellular fatty acids of strain BH195T were iso-C11 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C11 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 51.3 mol% and the major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 8. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an unknown phospholipid. DNA–DNA relatedness between strain BH195T and I. salinarum KCTC 12971T was 33 %. On the basis of this polyphasic analysis, strain BH195T represents a novel species of the genus Idiomarina for which the name Idiomarina halophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BH195T ( = KACC 17610T = NCAIM B 02544T).

The medicinal fungus Phellinus linteus, in the family Hymenochaetaceae, has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In this study, the chemical constituents of the culture broth of P. linteus were investigated. P. linteus was cultured in potato dextrose broth medium, and the culture broth was extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate-soluble portion was concentrated and subjected to ODS column chromatography, followed by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Six compounds (1~6) were purified by preparative reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Spectroscopic methods identified their structures as caffeic acid (1), inotilone (2), 4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-buten-2-one (3), phellilane H (4), (2E,4E)-(+)-4'-hydroxy-γ-ionylideneacetic acid (5), and (2E,4E)-γ-ionylideneacetic acid (6). Compounds 1, 2, and 3 exhibited potent dose-dependent antioxidant activity.

Two new glabretal triterpenes, pancastatins A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the immature fruits of Poncirus trifoliata. Their chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses including one- and two-dimensional NMR and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited selective cytotoxicity against PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells under low-glucose stress conditions.

Sea weeds have been used since ancient times in Asian countries, especially in Korea, Japan, and China, as both edible sea vegetables and traditional medicinal tonics due to their health benefits. Eisenia bicyclis has been studied for anti-allergic and anti-cancer effects; however, its effects on the cardiovascular system, especially on platelet function, are yet to be explored. Therefore, we examined the effect of E. bicyclis on platelet function.E. bicyclis extract (EBE) was prepared and in vitro effects on ADP-induced platelet aggregation, granule secretion, intracellular calcium ion ([CaEBE markedly inhibited in vitro ADP-induced platelet aggregation, granule secretion (ATP release and P-selectin expression), [CaE. bicyclis inhibits agonist-induced platelet activation and thrombus formation through modulation of the P

We investigated a total of 335 samples of Korean native mushroom extracts as part of our lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitor screening program. Among the mushroom-methanolic extracts we investigated, 35 exhibited an inhibitory activity greater than 30% against LOX at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. Especially, Collybia maculata, Tylopilus neofelleus, Strobilomyces confusus, Phellinus gilvus, P. linteus, P. baumii, and Inonotus mikadoi exhibited relatively potent LOX inhibitory activities of 73.3%, 51.6%, 52.4%, 66.7%, 59.5%, 100.0%, and 85.2%, respectively. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of inoscavin A from the methanolic extract of P. baumii, which showed the most potent activity and was identified by spectroscopic methods. Specifically, inoscavin A exhibited potent LOX inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 6.8 µM.

Aureosurfactin and 3-deoxyaureosurfactin, novel biosurfactants produced by Aureobasidium pullulans L3-GPY

New p -terphenyls from the fruiting bodies of Pseudomerulius curtisii and their antioxidant activity

Mushrooms are ubiquitous in nature and have high nutritional attributes. They have demonstrated diverse biological effects and therefore have been used in treatments of various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, bacterial and viral infections, and ulcer. In particular, polysaccharides, including β-glucan, are considered as the major constituents responsible for the biological activity of mushrooms. Although an overwhelming number of reports have been published on the importance of polysaccharides as immunomodulating agents, not all of the healing properties found in these mushrooms could be fully accounted for. Recently, many research groups have begun investigations on biologically active small-molecular weight compounds in wild mushrooms. In this mini-review, both structural diversity and biological activities of novel bioactive substances from Korean native mushrooms are described.

A total of 62 bacterial isolates were obtained from Gomsohang mud flat, Mohang mud flat, and Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Among them, the isolate CNU114001 showed significant antagonistic activity against pathogenic fungi by dual culture method. The isolate CNU114001 was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by morphological observation and molecular data analysis, including 16SrDNA and gyraseA (gyrA) gene sequences. Antifungal substances of the isolate were extracted and purified by silica gel column chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and high performance liquid chromatography. The heat and UV ray stable compound was identified as iturin, a lipopeptide (LP). The isolate CNU114001 showed broad spectrum activity against 12 phytopathogenic fungi by dual culture method. The semi purified compound significantly inhibits the mycelial growth of pathogenic fungi (Alternaria panax, Botrytis cinera, Colletotrichum orbiculare, Penicillium digitatum, Pyricularia grisea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) at 200 ppm concentration. Spore germ tube elongation of Botrytis cinerea was inhibited by culture filtrate of the isolate. Crude antifungal substance showed antagonistic activity against cucumber scleotiorum rot in laboratory, and showed antagonistic activity against tomato gray mold, cucumber, and pumpkin powdery mildew in greenhouse condition.

Mushrooms possess untapped source of enormous natural compounds showing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-platelet activities. Paxillus curtisii, wild mushroom, is a rich source of curtisian E (CE) reported for neuroprotective effects; however, its anti-platelet effect was unknown. Here, therefore, we investigated the anti-platelet activity of CE in rat platelets. Curtisian E (12.5-200μM) attenuated collagen (2.5μg/ml), thrombin (0.1U/ml) and ADP (10μM) induced platelet aggregation in vitro. Likewise, CE diminished intracellular calcium and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release in collagen activated platelets. Fibrinogen binding and fibronectin adhesion to platelets were also inhibited. While CE downregulated c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and Akt dose dependently in collagen stimulated platelets, it upregulated intraplatelet cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and vasodilator-stimulated-phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation. Protein kinase A inhibitor (H-89) markedly inhibited p-VASP(157) protein expression, suggesting that cAMP-PKA-VASP(157) pathway may mediate its anti-platelet effect and thus CE could be considered as a potential anti-thrombotic agent.

Oxidative stress is closely associated with acetaminophen (APAP)-induced toxicity. Davallialactone (DAVA), a hispidin analog derived from the mushroom Inonotus xeranticus, has antioxidant properties. This study evaluated whether DAVA plays protective roles against APAP hepatotoxicity in mice. Pretreatments with DAVA (10 mg/kg) prior to exposures of mice to a hepatotoxic dose of 600 mg/kg APAP significantly increased survival rate compared to APAP alone. To verify this effect, mice were treated with 400 mg/kg APAP 30 min after DAVA administration and were then sacrificed after 0.5, 1, 3, and 6 h. APAP alone caused severe liver injuries as characterized by increased plasma GOT and GPT levels, ATP and GSH depletion, and peroxynitrite and 4-HNE formations. These liver damages induced by APAP were significantly attenuated by DAVA pretreatments. The GSH/GSSG ratio nearly recovered to the levels observed in non-APAP-treated mice at 6 h after APAP treatment in DAVA-pretreated mice. Furthermore, while hepatic ROS levels were increased by APAP exposures, pretreatments with DAVA completely blocked ROS formation. In addition, APAP-induced sustained activations of JNK and ERK were remarkably reduced by DAVA pretreatment. In conclusion, these results suggest that DAVA plays protective roles against APAP-mediated hepatotoxicity through function as ROS scavenger.

Mushrooms are both food and a source of natural compounds of biopharmaceutical interest. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether davallialactone from mushroom extract affected the pathogenesis of hyperglycemia oxidative stress and the aging process in human diploid fibroblast (HDF) cells. The high-glucose state with glucose oxidase resulted in glucose oxidative stress, induction of inflammatory molecules, dysfunction of antioxidant molecules, and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) and its downstream signaling in old HDF cells. The exposure of glucose oxidative stress in middle-stage cells led to stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) via senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA β-gal) activity and displayed replicative senescence phenomena. However, davallialactone reduces the pathogenesis of glucose oxidative stress and the aging process through down-regulation of SA β-gal activity. These results strongly suggest that natural compounds, especially mushroom extract davallialactone, improve the pathogenesis of glucose oxidative stress and the aging process. Hence, davallialactone has potential in the treatment of diabetes mellitus or age-related disease complications.

We isolated a sesquiterpene lactone from the methanol extract of the roots of Cosmos bipinnatus, namely, MDI (a mixture of dihydrocallitrisin and isohelenin). The anti-inflammatory activity of MDI was evaluated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. MDI significantly inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. Consistent with these results, the production of NO and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was suggested to be suppressed by MDI in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 value was 0.94 and 2.88 µg mL(-1) for NO and PGE2, respectively). In addition, MDI significantly inhibited the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α. Furthermore, MDI attenuated DNA-binding activity of NF-κB by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IκB. These results indicate that MDI isolated from the roots of C. bipinnatus shows anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated murine macrophages by modulating the NF-κB pathway.

The use of a microorganism, or its secretions, to prevent plant disease offers an attractive alternative or supplement to synthetic fungicides for the management of plant disease without the negative effects of chemical control mechanisms. During a screening for microorganisms with the potential to be used as microbial fungicides, Bacillus sp. BS061 was isolated from a plant leaf. The strain BS061 potently inhibited the mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea, and significantly reduced disease incidence of powdery mildew in cucumber and strawberry. We also found that the culture filtrate of BS061 inhibited the mycelial growth of various plant pathogens.

In this study, we determined 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities as well as the reducing power for screening of antioxidant activity of bieckols in Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellamn) Setchell (E. bicyclis). The compounds 6,6′-bieckol, 6,8′-bieckol and 8,8′-bieckol are representative members of the phlorotannins family. The isolated bieckols displayed markedly strong DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging effects when compared to those of positive controls (BHA and Trolox). These bieckols were also found to have significant reducing power. The isolated bieckols (6,6′-bieckol, 6,8′-bieckol and 8,8′-bieckol) were found to effectively suppress the detrimental effects of 1O2 on type-II photosensitization. The concentrations required to exert a 50 % quenching effect on 1O2 (QC50) were found to be 30.7, 35.7 and 49.4 μM for 6,6′-bieckol, 6,8′-bieckol and 8,8′-bieckol, respectively. Interestingly, all these bieckols were found to be superior to histidine (5.9 mM), a well-known 1O2 quencher. These results suggested that brown algae phlorotannins, and bieckols in particular, may play an important role in protecting marine organisms against sunlight damage by eliminating 1O2. This knowledge may contribute to the development of natural bioactive products with potential applications in reducing photo-produced oxidative damage involving reactive oxygen species in living organisms.

Introduction The cytotoxicity of resin-based sealer is influential on the inflammatory reaction and cell survival for oral periapical cells. In this study, pachymic acid as an antioxidant was investigated for the improvement of bone disturbance against AH Plus (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany)–induced inflammation in MC-3T3 E1 cells. Methods AH Plus was prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. Using mouse osteoblast cells (MC-3T3 E1), a specimen of AH Plus was eluted with the culture medium for 1 day and was diluted by 30%. The cellular cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species formation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate with fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The secretion of proinflammatory cytokines was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of inflammatory and osteogenic molecules was determined by immunoblotting. Results Cells with AH Plus elutes showed a decrease of cell viability and ALP activity. However, pachymic acid and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (control antioxidant) restored cell viability and ALP activity damaged by AH plus. The secretion of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin-1β were increased in AH Plus–stimulated MC-3T3 E1 cells, but pachymic acid suppressed its production. Furthermore, pachymic acid reduced the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, increased bone morphogenetic protein-2 and -7, and runt-related transcription factor 2 despite AH Plus stimuli. In addition, pachymic acid affected the removal effect of reactive oxygen species formation as did N-acetyl-L-cysteine. More importantly, pachymic acid inhibited nuclear factor-κB translocation. Conclusions The property of pachymic acid can mitigate the unfavorable conditions induced by AH Plus stimuli. Therefore, the use of pachymic acid is suggested to prevent the complications of oral diseases such as inflammation and alveolar destruction of the oral cavity.

Torilin, a sesquiterpene isolated from the fruits ofTorilis japonica,has shown antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, data on the mechanism of torilin action against inflammation is limited. This study aimed at determining the anti-inflammatory property of torilin in LPS-induced inflammation using in vitro model of inflammation. We examined torilin’s effect on expression levels of inflammatory mediators and cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The involvement of NF-kB and AP-1, MAP kinases, and adaptor proteins were assessed. Torilin strongly inhibited LPS-induced NO release, iNOS, PGE2, COX-2, NF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and GM-CSF gene and protein expressions. In addition, MAPKs were also suppressed by torilin pretreatment. Involvement of ERK1/2,P38MAPK, and JNK1/2 was further confirmed by PD98059, SB203580, and SP600125 mediated suppression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins. Furthermore, torilin attenuated NF-kB and AP-1 translocation, DNA binding, and reporter gene transcription. Interestingly, torilin inhibited TAK1 kinase activation with the subsequent suppression of MAPK-mediated JNK, p38, ERK1/2, and AP-1 (ATF-2 and c-jun) activation and IKK-mediated I-κBαdegradation, p65/p50 activation, and translocation. Together, the results revealed the suppression of NF-κB and AP-1 regulated inflammatory mediator and cytokine expressions, suggesting the test compound’s potential as a candidate anti-inflammatory agent.

Mushrooms have a long history of dietary benefits in Asia due to their health-promoting effects. Phellinus baumii, a wild mushroom, has been reported to have anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and free radical scavenging activities. However, its anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) property remains poorly understood. Hence, we investigated the protective effect of Phellinus baumii ethyl acetate extract (PBEAE) against bovine collagen type II induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1 mice. PBEAE (50 and 150 mg/kg) reduced the CIA score and leukocyte count in draining lymph nodes (DLNs) and inflamed joints. PBEAE also attenuated the expressions of CD3 ? (T cells), CD19 ? (B cells), CD4 ? (T-helper), CD8 ? (T-cytotoxic), MHC class II/CD11c ? (antigen-presenting cells), double posi- tives (B220 ? /CD23 ? and CD3 ? /CD69 ? : early lymphocyte activation markers) and CD4 ? /CD25 ? (activated T-helper) leukocyte subpopulations in DLNs. Likewise, CD3 ? and Gr-1 ? CD11b ? (neutrophil) counts in inflamed joints were also decreased. Furthermore, PBEAE reduced the serum levels of anti-collagen type immunoglobulin G, tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin (IL)-1b and IL-6. Taken together, PBEAE impaired cellular recruitment to the inflamed joint and alleviated CIA, and thus could be con- sidered as a potential agent against rheumatoid arthritis

Aims To clarify the effects of Phellinus baumii ethanol extract (PBE) on Brucella abortus pathogenesis in phagocytes focusing on the phagocytic and intracellular trafficking pathway. Methods and Results The effects of PBE on Br. abortus infection in macrophages were evaluated through an adherence and infection assays and an analysis of LAMP-1 staining. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and the F-actin polymerization associated with PBE during Br. abortus uptake were detected by immunoblotting and FACS, respectively. The survival of Br. abortus in pure culture was remarkably reduced by PBE in a dose-dependent manner. PBE-treated cells showed significantly decreased uptake, intracellular replication and adherence of Br. abortus. The declines of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and F-actin polymerization following Br. abortus entry were apparent in PBE-treated cells compared with the control. Moreover, the co-localization of Br. abortus-containing phagosomes with LAMP-1 was elevated in PBE-treated cells compared with the control during intracellular trafficking. Conclusion Phellinus baumii ethanol extract may possess the modulatory effect on pathogenesis of Br. abortus through disrupting the phagocytic and intracellular trafficking pathway in phagocyte. Significance and Impact of the Study The potential modulation of PBE to Br. abortus pathogenesis could provide an alternative approach to control of brucellosis, contributing to attenuate Br. abortus manifestation in hosts.

The culture filtrate of Lentinula edodes shows potent antimicrobial activity against the plant pathogenic bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum. Bioassay-guided fractionation was conducted using Diaion HP-20 column chromatography, and the insoluble active compound was not adsorbed on the resin. Further fractionation by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) suggested that the active compounds were organic acids. Nine organic acids were detected in the culture filtrate of L. edodes; oxalic acid was the major component and exhibited antibacterial activity against nine different phytopathogenic bacteria. Quantitative analysis by HPLC revealed that the content of oxalic acid was higher in the water extract from spent mushroom substrate than in liquid culture. This suggests that the water extract of spent L. edodes substrate is an eco-friendly control agent for plant diseases.

Torilin, a sesquiterpene isolated from the fruits of Torilis japonica, has shown antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, data on the mechanism of torilin action against inflammation is limited. This study aimed at determining the anti-inflammatory property of torilin in LPS-induced inflammation using in vitro model of inflammation. We examined torilin's effect on expression levels of inflammatory mediators and cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The involvement of NF-kB and AP-1, MAP kinases, and adaptor proteins were assessed. Torilin strongly inhibited LPS-induced NO release, iNOS, PGE2, COX-2, NF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and GM-CSF gene and protein expressions. In addition, MAPKs were also suppressed by torilin pretreatment. Involvement of ERK1/2, P38MAPK, and JNK1/2 was further confirmed by PD98059, SB203580, and SP600125 mediated suppression of iNOS and COX-2 proteins. Furthermore, torilin attenuated NF-kB and AP-1 translocation, DNA binding, and reporter gene transcription. Interestingly, torilin inhibited TAK1 kinase activation with the subsequent suppression of MAPK-mediated JNK, p38, ERK1/2, and AP-1 (ATF-2 and c-jun) activation and IKK-mediated I-κBα degradation, p65/p50 activation, and translocation. Together, the results revealed the suppression of NF-κB and AP-1 regulated inflammatory mediator and cytokine expressions, suggesting the test compound's potential as a candidate anti-inflammatory agent.

In this study the protective effects of davallialactone (1), isolated from Inonotus xeranticus, have been examined against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄-induced acute liver injury. Mice received subcutaneous injection of 1 (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) for three days before CCl₄ injection (1 mg/kg). Protection from liver injury by 1 was confirmed by the observation of decreased serum transaminases and diminished necrosis of liver tissue. Reduced hepatic injury was very similar to that observed with silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug used in this work for comparison. The groups treated with 1 had reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced serum malonyldialdehyde levels, and increased levels of liver Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, as compared to the CCl₄ control group. The expression of heme oxygenase-1 in the liver tissue was increased and the activity of liver cytochrome P4502E1 was restored in the mice treated with 1. In addition, levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), numbers of macrophage, and cleaved caspase-3-positive hepatocytes were reduced in the groups treated with 1. These findings suggest that davallialactone has protective effects against CCl₄-induced acute liver injury, and this protection is likely due to the suppression of ROS-induced lipid peroxidation and inflammatory response.

Mushrooms collected from Deogyu mountain, Korea, in 2011, were identified as four classes, four orders, 13 families, 22 genera, and 33 species. In particular, agaricales was most abundant and comprised more than 70%. Their antioxidant activities were estimated using three different bioassay methods, the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and reducing power assay. As a result, the methanol extracts of Stereum ostrea, Laetiporus sulphureus var. miniatus, and Tyromyces sambuceus exhibited potent antioxidant activity in all bioassays tested.

Adriamycin is an anti-cancer drug, effective against a wide range of cancers. However, its clinical application is limited by its cardiotoxicity. A number of reports suggest that adriamycin induces bodyweight loss also. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adriamycin on adipogenesis as bodyweight chancges can be directly correlated with adipocytes. Fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes, as a result of adipogenesis was detected using oil red O staining. We performed western immunoblot for the expression of adipocyte differentiation related genes to analyze the molecular mechanism of adriamycin-mediated inhibition of adipogenesis. Over-expression of target gene was done by using recombinant adenoviruses. Adriamycin inhibited adipogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. It was observed that adriamycin down-regulated the expression of PPARγ. Moreover, up-stream elements of PPARγ were also found to be down-regulated by adriamycin. Adriamycin might prevent bodyweight gain through inbibition of adipogenesis by the down-regulation of PPARγ and its up-stream transcriptional regulators like C/EBPβ and KLF4. To reverse the adriamycin-mediated inhibition of adipogenesis, PPARγ was over-expressed by adenoviral mediated gene delivery. Over-expression of PPARγ partially restored adipogenesis. Moreover, the early regulators of adipogenesis were also found to be restored after the over-expression of PPARγ. Adriamycin down-regulates the expression of PPARγ which leads to prevention of bodyweight gain through inhibition of adipogenesis. Activation of PPARγ by either adenoviral mediated gene delivery or by using PPARγ agonist may be useful in controlling the bodyweight loss.

인삼의 뿌리썩음병 방제를 위하여 다양한 식물 근권 토양으로부터 유용방선균을 분리하였으며 이들의 생물활성을 조사하였다. 93종의 분리 방선균 중 콜로니가 상이하고 항균활성이 우수한 방선균 8종을 선발하였다. 이들 방선균(A75, A501, A515, A523, A704, A03-1444, A3265, A3283)은 siderophore를 생산하며 cellulase...

This study investigated the inhibitory effects of oligoporin A on platelet aggregation and the mechanism of its action on downstream signaling molecules. Oligoporin A was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Oligoporus tephroleucus (Polyporaceae). The anti-platelet activities of oligoporin A were studied using rat platelets. The effects of oligoporin A on intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization, ATP release, production of the cyclic nucleotides cAMP and cGMP, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 2 phosphorylation, and fibrinogen binding to active integrin α(II)(b)β(3) were assessed. Oligoporin A, but not oligoporins B and C, inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner. Interestingly, oligoporin A did not affect ADP- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregations, which act on different types of membrane receptors. Granule secretion analysis demonstrated that oligoporin A significantly and dose-dependently reduced collagen-induced ATP release and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization. Additionally, oligoporin A induced the dynamic increase in cAMP and cGMP. Increased cGMP production was further confirmed by the simultaneous production of nitric oxide. Pretreatment with oligoporin A significantly blocked collagen-induced ERK2 phosphorylation. Finally, oligoporin A vaguely diminished the binding of fibrinogen to its cognate receptor, integrin α(II)(b)β(3). The results indicate that oligoporin A inhibits only collagen-induced platelet aggregation mediated through the modulation of downstream signaling molecules. Oligoporin A may be beneficial against cardiovascular disease provoked by aberrant platelet activation.

In this study, a new lanostane triterpene glycoside (fomitoside-K) having biologically active molecules was isolated from a mushroom Fomitopsis nigra to test its anticancer activity on human oral squamous cell carcinomas (YD-10B). We focused on the effect of fomitoside-K on apoptosis, the mitochondria-mediated death pathway and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in YD-10B cells. Fomitoside-K could induce a dose and time-dependent apoptosis in YD-10B cells as characterized by cell morphology, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of survivin, activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), caspase-3, -9 and an increased expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. The mitochondria membrane potential loss and cytochrome c (Cyt C) release from mitochondria to cytosol were observed during the induction. Moreover, fomitoside-K caused dose-dependent elevation of intracellular ROS level and increase phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in YD-10B cells. To further investigate the mechanisms, we examined the effects of ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and selective inhibitors for mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways on the cell death. The fomitoside-K induced cell death by ROS was significantly inhibited by NAC, ERK (PD98059) and JNK inhibitor (SP600125). In addition, fomitoside-K has a synergistic effect with adriamycin in suppressing the growth of YD-10B cells. These data suggest that fomitoside-K induces apoptosis in YD-10B cells through the ROS-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction pathway and provides a mechanistic framework for further exploring the use of fomitoside-K against the proliferation of human oral cancer.

Syringaresinol exists either exclusively as one enantiomer or enantiomeric mixtures in plant foods. We found that (+)-syringaresinol, but not (-)-syringaresinol, upregulates silent information regulator two ortholog 1 (SIRT1) gene expression, and thus, Panax ginseng berry with predominantly high contents of (+)-syringaresinol exhibits higher activity in inducing SIRT1 gene expression than Acanthopanax senticosus Harms stem with almost equal proportion of the two enantiomers. These findings highlight the importance of the absolute configuration of syringaresinol for the biological activity.

In the course of search for multifunctional microbial inoculants, three Bacillus strains (BS11-1,BS11-2,BS11-3) with biological control and biofertilizing effects were selected. In this study, their ability for solubilization of insoluble phosphate, production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, and hydrolytic enzymes, and antagonism against phytopathogenic fungi were estimated. All strains produced IAA and siderophore depending on culture time and produced a visible clear zone on agar plate containing 0.5% carboxylmethyl cellulose as a carbon source. Also, these strains exhibited antifungal activities against phytopathogenic fungi, Botrytis cinerea, Cylindrocarpon destructans, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Phytophthora capsici.

Mushrooms are valuable sources of biologically active compounds possessing anticancer, antiplatelet, and anti-inflammatory properties. Phellinus baumii is a mushroom used in folk medicine for a variety of human diseases. However, its potential anti-inflammatory effect has remained unclear. Therefore, we studied the effect of P. baumii ethyl acetate extract (PBEAE) on inflammatory mediator and proinflammatory cytokine protein and/or mRNA expression levels using the nitric oxide (NO) assay, enzyme immunoassay (EIA), western blot, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage like RAW264.7 cells. PBEAE markedly inhibited NO generation and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) synthesis in a concentration-dependent pattern without any cytotoxic effect at the concentration range used. PBEAE also suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression. In addition, LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression levels were dose-dependently inhibited by PBEAE pretreatment. Furthermore, PBEAE attenuated the mRNA expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), in a concentration-dependent fashion. Our study suggests that P. baumii might exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by downregulating proinflammatory mediators. Thus, further study on compounds isolated from PBEAE is warranted to investigate the associated molecular mechanisms and identify the potential therapeutic targets.

Phellinus baumii is a mushroom that has been used as folk medicine against various diseases and is reported to have antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antihypertensive activities. However, information on the effects of P. baumii extract in platelet function is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of a P. baumii methanol extract (PBME) on platelet activation and to investigate the mechanism behind its antiplatelet activity. PBME effects on agonist-induced platelet aggregation, granule secretion, [Ca2+]i mobilization, αIIbβ3 activation, cyclic AMP release and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylations were studied using rat platelets. PBME dose-dependently inhibited collagen, thrombin and ADP-induced platelet aggregation with an IC50 of 51.0 ± 2.4, 54.0 ± 2.1 and 53.0 ± 4.3 μg/mL, respectively. Likewise, thrombin-induced [Ca2+]i and collagen-activated ATP secretions were suppressed in PBME treated platelets. Aggregation and ATP secretion were also markedly attenuated by PBME alone or in combination with PP2 (Src inhibitor) and U-73122 (PLC inhibitor) in collagen-stimulated platelets. Besides, PBME treatment elevated basal cyclic AMP levels and inhibited collagen-induced integrin-αIIbβ3 activation. Moreover, PBME attenuated extracellular-signal-regulated protein kinase 2 (ERK2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) phosphorylations. Further PD98059 (ERK inhibitor) and SP60025 (JNK inhibitor) reduced collagen-induced platelet aggregation and ATP secretion. In conclusion, the observed PBME antiplatelet activity may be mediated by activation of cyclic AMP and inhibition of ERK2 and JNK1 phosphorylations. Finally, these data suggest that PBME may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases that involve aberrant platelet function. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Members of the genera Phellinus and Inonotus, including P. linteus, P. igniarius, P. ribis, I. obliquus and I. xeranticus are well-known medicinal fungi (mushrooms) and have been used in treatment of cancer, diabetes, bacterial and viral infections and ulcer. Adverse effects of these medicinal mushrooms have not yet been reported, indicating the safe nature of these mushrooms. Polysaccharides, particularly β-glucan, are considered the compounds responsible for the biological activity of medicinal mushrooms. However, there is only a limited amount of evidence to indicate that polysaccharides are in fact responsible for the biological effects of these medicinal mushrooms. Recently, many research groups have begun identification of active low-MW compounds in medicinal mushrooms, with a focus on the yellow polyphenol pigments, which are composed of a styrylpyrone class of compounds. Interestingly, a representative group of medicinal fungi, including P. linteus, P. igniarius, P. ribis, I. obliquus and I. xeranticus were shown to produce a large and diverse range of styrylpyrone-type polyphenol pigments that exhibited various biological activities, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-diabetic, anti-dementia and anti-viral effects. Styrylpyrone pigments in mushrooms are thought to have a role similar to that of flavonoids in plants. The unique and unprecedented carbon skeleton of fused styrylpyrone might be an attractive molecular scaffold for pharmacological applications. In this review, the structural diversity, biological effects and biogenesis of styrylpyrone-class polyphenols from medicinal fungi are described.