Bioupdate Research-Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushroom

[#2025-03] Maitake Konno, Sensuke et al. Hypoglycemic Effect of Mushroom Extract (SXF) on Type 2 Diabetes Patients and Its Possible Mechanism

mushroom — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:32:12 +0000

It has been long demanded that a better treatment modality for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) needs to be established, but few suitable regimens have yet been found. We came across the bioactive mushroom extract, SX-fraction (SXF), which appeared to have a hypoglycemic effect. Hence, we investigated if SXF would actually have such an effect, as well as its possible hypoglycemic mechanism. A small-scale clinical study including ten volunteered T2DM patients was conducted. They took a SXF tablet (500 mg) three times a day for 4 weeks, as the fasting blood glucose (FBG) values were measured periodically. The hypoglycemic mechanism of SXF was explored, focusing on the insulin signal transduction (IST) pathway, using skeletal muscle L6 cells in vitro . We found that all 10 patients demonstrated the significant decreases in their FBG levels, from an average of 205 mg/dL to 116 mg/dL, in 4 weeks. This ~42% decline in FBG is remarkable and none of participants presented adverse effects. We then found that the glucose-suppressed IST pathway in L6 cells was significantly activated with SXF. The three key parameters, insulin receptor (IR), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), and protein kinase B (Akt), were all highly phosphorylated and activated. Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) was subsequently translocated (to the plasma membrane), and glucose uptake resulted in a ~1.9-fold greater than that of glucose-suppressed cells or 21% higher than that of control (vehicle) cells. In conclusion, SXF demonstrates its hypoglycemic effect on T2DM patients, significantly (~42%) lowering their FBG levels in 4 weeks. Such a hypoglycemic mechanism appears to be associated with insulin sensitization through activation of the IST pathway. Thus, SXF could be a natural, safe, and alternative agent for treatment of T2DM patients, improving their diabetic conditions.

[#2025-02] Maitake Konno, Sensuke et al. Anticancer Activity of Maitake D-Fraction

mushroom — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:53:40 +0000

We have been studying anticancer effect of Maitake D-fraction (PDF), isolated from maitake mushroom, on various cancer cells in the past 24 years. PDF was highly effective on those cells, profoundly reducing their cell viability. However, we have not yet examined PDF on other cancer cells, particularly pancreatic, cervical, and small-cell lung cancer cells, which had been known to be
dismal and deadly. Hence, we investigated if PDF alone or its combination with vitamin C (VC) might have a significant anticancer effect against those cancer cells. Pancreatic cancer AsPC-1, cervical cancer HT-3, and small-cell lung cancer H69AR cells, were treated with PDF or the combination of PDF and VC for 72 or 96 h and cell viability was determined to assess anticancer effect. The potential anticancer mechanism was also explored, focusing on glycolysis, chromatin structure, and apoptosis. A dose-dependent study showed that ≥30 μg/ml, ≥50 μg/ml, and ≥50 μg/ml of PDF led to the significant reduction in cell viability of AsPC-1, HT-3, and H69AR cells, respectively – the greater cell viability reduction is indicative of the greater anticancer effect.
When these cancer cells were treated with the combination of PDF and VC with their ineffective/negligeable concentrations, their cell viability was more profoundly reduced , demonstrating a synergistic potentiation. Moreover, such a potentiation was rimarily associated with increased oxidative stress (OXS), glycolysis inhibition, chromatin modifications, and ultimate apoptosis. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates anticancer effect of PDF and its synergistic potentiation with VC against AsPC-1, HT-3, and H69AR cells. Particularly, the enhancement of anticancer effect with the PDF/VC combination is rather extraordinary, accompanied by alterations in the essential cellular events. Therefore, PDF alone or its combination with VC may have some clinical implications in patients with various cancers.

[#2025-01] Maitake Ding, Yin-Yi et al. Structure characterization of Grifola frondosa polysaccharide….insulin resistance in HFD-fed mice

mushroom — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:31:40 +0000

Polysaccharide extracted from Grifola frondosa (GFP) was selected in this study. After preliminary separation, four factions were collected, named GFP-F1, GFP-F2, GFP-F3 and GFP-F4. GPF-F2 was further separated into two fractions, namely GFP-N1 and GFP-N2. The molecular weight of GFP-N1 and GFP-N2 was 3.323×103kDa and 10.8 kDa, respectively. GFP-N1 was composed of glucose and galactose and 1→3, 1→4, and 1→6 glycosidic bonds. GFP-N2 was composed of glucose, galactose and mannose and 1→2, 1→3, 1→4, and 1→6 glycosidic bonds. GFP could significantly relieve the insulin resistance induced by HFD. GFP significantly alleviated gut microbiota disturbance caused by HFD and increased the production of short-chain fatty acids, and further reduced the expression of LPS/TLR4 inflammatory pathway. GFP significantly reduced the oxidative stress induced by HFD, increased the expression of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. These results indicated that GFP could be developed as a potential ingredient for the management of insulin resistance.

{#2024-04} Cordyceps Steven, Lawrence et al. – Cordycepin generally inhibits growth factor signal

mushroom — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 19:17:18 +0000

Cordycepin (30 deoxyadenosine) has been widely researched as a potential cancer therapy, but many diverse mechanisms of action have been proposed. Here, we confirm that cordycepin triphosphate is likely to be the active metabolite of cordycepin and that it consistently represses growth factor-induced gene expression. Bioinformatic analysis, quantitative PCR and western blotting confirmed that cordycepin blocks the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and/or MEK/ERK pathways in six cell lines and that AMPK activation is not required. The effects of cordycepin on translation through mTOR pathway repression were detectable within 30 min, indicating a rapid process. These data therefore indicate that cordycepin has a universal mechanism of action, acting as cordycepin triphosphate on an as yet unknown target molecule involved in growth factor signalling.

[#2024-03) Cordyceps Ontawang, Atcharaporn et al. A randomized controlled clinical trial examining the effects of Cordyceps militaris beverage on the immune response in healthy adults

mushroom — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 19:25:37 +0000

Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link (C. militaris) contains various beneficial substances, including polysaccharides (galactomannan), nucleotides (adenosine and cordycepin), cordycepic acid, amino acids, and sterols (ergosterol and beta-sitosterol). It also contains other essential nutrients, such as protein, vitamins (E, K, B1, B2, and B12), and minerals (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium). Due to the numerous health benefits of supplements and products containing C. militaris extract, their popularity has increased. However, the immunostimulant effect of C. militaris remains unclear. Therefore, this study developed a functional beverage from the submerged fermentation of C. militaris (FCM) and aimed to investigate the potential of FCM in healthy male and female volunteers in Phayao Province, Thailand. This study provides essential information for the development of healthy drink products. Healthy men and women were provided either FCM containing 2.85 mg of cordycepin or placebo for 8 weeks (n = 10 for each gender). The immune cell markers, immunoglobulins, and safety parameters were assessed initially at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks. The NK cell activity markedly increased in the male FCM group from baseline (p = 0.049) to 4 weeks after receiving FCM. Compared with those in the placebo group, the NK activity in women who received FCM for 8 weeks significantly increased (p = 0.023) from baseline. Within-group analysis revealed that the IL-1β levels were markedly reduced in the male FCM group (p = 0.049). Furthermore, the IL-6 levels decreased from baseline in the female FCM group (p = 0.047). The blood sugar, lipid, and safety indices were not different between the experimental groups.

[#2024-02] Lion’s Mane Wang, Tianran et al. Amyloban, extracted from Hericium erinaceus, ameliorates social deficits and suppresses the enhanced dopaminergic system in social defeat stress mice

mushroom — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:59:02 +0000

Social dysfunctions are common in various psychiatric disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and autism, and are long-lasting and difficult to treat. The development of treatments for social impairment is critical for the treatment of several psychiatric disorders. “Amyloban 3399,” a product extracted from the mushroom Hericium erinaceus, markedly improves social dysfunctions in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia and depression. However, the molecular mechanism(s) through which amyloban ameliorates social impairment remains unclear. To clarify this mechanism in this study, we aimed to establish a mouse model of social defeat stress (SDS) and investigate the effects of amyloban on social deficits. Amyloban administration ameliorated social deficits and the dopamine system activity in SDS mice. These findings suggest that there is a possibility that amyloban may improve social deficits by suppressing the hyperactivation of the dopaminergic system. Amyloban may be an effective treatment for social dysfunctions associated with various psychiatric disorders.

[#2024-01] Maitake Balogh, Gabriela Pharmacokinetic Parameters and Tissular Biodistribution of 1,3 β-Glucans

mushroom — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 19:17:32 +0000

This study aimed to analyze the pharmacokinetic parameters of 1,3-beta-glucans from Maitake Pro4X in BALBc mice through oral and Intra Venous (IV) administration. The objectives were to determine the following parameters: Tmax, Cmax, t1/2, ta1/2, Ke, Ka, Clearance, Vd, Cp0, and AUC. Additionally, the tissue distribution of 1,3-beta-glucans after oral and IV administration of Maitake Pro4X was examined to identify the organs involved in absorption, elimination, and distribution. The results comparison indicated that certain elimination constants were similar in both administration routes (ke3 IV and ke2 oral). Both routes showed a Tmax of 10 hours. The elimination t1/2 was comparable for both routes (12.93 hours for oral and 12.81 hours for IV). Total systemic clearance values were also similar. However, the IV route exhibited a higher volume of distribution but lower AUC Cp vs. time. The findings suggest that the gastrointestinal organs (stomach, duodenum, and colon) exhibited the highest levels of uptake for both administration routes. Conversely, the liver and kidney showed the lowest uptake for both routes. Comparatively, oral administration resulted in greater gastrointestinal accumulation, while cerebral, pulmonary, renal, and hepatic uptakes were higher after intravenous administration. The in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in murine models led to the conclusion that oral and intravenous administration had similar values for elimination rate, Maximum plasma concentration Time (Tmax), Half-Life (T1/2), total systemic clearance, and bioavailability. Both routes exhibited a Cmax peak and a high volume of distribution, indicating low binding to plasma proteins. Biodistribution studies in murine models revealed greater uptake of the compound in the gastrointestinal tract after both oral and IV administration, with gastric uptake being predominant, along with significant uptake in the duodenum and colon (in the order of millions of pg.h/ml). The presence of β-glucans in the brain suggests the ability of Maitake to cross the blood-brain barrier. The lower relative uptake observed in the hepatorenal region indicates a slower rate of inactivation and excretion of the compound, as evidenced by an extended circulation time in the body after a single administration.

[#2022-01] Poria Konno, Sensuke et al. – Anticancer Effect of Medicinal Mushroom Extract on Renal

mushroom — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 14:44:09 +0000

In the present study, the Poria mushroom extract, PE, appears to be a promising natural oral agent capable of significantly reducing cell viability and ultimately leading to ER-induced apoptosis in human RCC, ACHN cells. Thus, PE may have potential clinical implications as an adjuvant agent/supplement offering the therapeutic option for RCC, although more studies are yet required.

[#2020-04] Coriolus Jedrzejewski, Tomasz et al., Extract from the Coriolus versicolor Fungus as an Anti Inflammatory Agent.

mushroom — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:23:01 +0000

Chronic inflammation is a well-recognised tumour-enabling component, which includes bioactive molecules from cells infiltrating the tumour microenvironment and increases the risk of cancer progression. Since long-term use of the currently available anti-inflammatory drugs used in cancer therapy causes numerous side effects, the aim of this study was to investigate the effct of an extract isolated from the Coriolus versicolor fungus (CV extract) on HUVEC endothelial cells and MCF-7 breast cancer cells in a pro-inflammatory microenvironment mimicked by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The cells were simultaneously stimulated with the LPS and CV extract. After co-treatment, the cell viability, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), wound-healing assay, production of
the pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic factors (interleukin (IL) 6, IL-8, and metalloproteinase (MMP) 9)), as well as expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and phosphorylated IkB (p-IkB) were evaluated. The results showed that the CV extract inhibited IL-6, IL-8, and MMP-9 production by the LPS-stimulated cells. This effect was accompanied by a decrease in TLR4 and p-IkB expression.
The CV extract also had anti-migratory properties and induced a cytotoxic eect on the cells that was enhanced in the presence of LPS. The observed cytotoxicity was associated with an increase in ROS generation. We conclude that the CV extract possesses cytotoxic activity against cancer cells and endothelial cells and has the ability to inhibit the expression of the pro-tumorigenic factors associated with inflammation.

[#2020-03] Poria Liao, Yueh-Hsiang et al. Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Associated with Female Infertility In Taiwan, A Population Based Case Control Study

mushroom — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 17:17:40 +0000

Background. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of female infertility remains ambiguous. -e aim of the present case-control study was to examine the association between TCM treatment and successful pregnancy among infertile women. Methods. -is population-based case-control study included the data from 2,627 infertile women with successful pregnancy and 2,627 infertile women without successful pregnancy using datasets from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 of the National Health Insurance Research Database during 2000–2010. -e odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relationship between TCM use and successful pregnancy in infertility women were estimated using logistic regression. Results. Patients who received TCM treatment significantly increased in successful pregnancy (OR � 1.48; 95% CI � 1.31–1.66), compared with patients without TCM. Si-Wu-Tang (OR � 4.25; 95% CI � 2.18, 8.30), Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan (OR � 3.27; 95% CI � 2.13, 5.02), and Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (OR � 3.17; 95% CI � 2.35, 4.28) were the TCM agents that were most strongly associated with successful pregnancy among infertile women. Conclusions. Our study findings indicate that TCM is associated with higher likelihood of successful pregnancy in infertile women, which is worthy of further investigation by randomized control trial.