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Functional Evaluation of Edible Mushrooms and Their Active Materials

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 10298

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Prof. Dr. Di Wang

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Guest Editor

1. Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
2. School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
Interests: fungi; natural compounds; pharmacological efficacy
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Dr. Chunyue Wang

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Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Interests: fungi; natural compounds; pharmacological efficacy; brain diseases

Dr. Yang Liu

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Guest Editor

Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Interests: active polysaccharide; fungi

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, edible mushrooms have been increasingly studied due to the various effects they can have on human health. Mushrooms, such as Ganoderma sichuanense and Lentinula edodes, have been applied in clinical settings. However, many edible mushrooms are not well-known, and their properties have not yet been thoroughly studied. Additionally, the mechanisms involved in their effects, including their target cells and molecules, remain unclear.

The goal of this Special Issue is to explore the function of mushrooms and their active compounds and to clarify their mechanism of action and targets. Submitted manuscripts should adhere to the following requirements and scope:

The studied active materials must include an edible mushroom (including wild or cultivated fungi) or its active ingredient(s), which should have strong application prospects;
The pharmacological effects of the mushroom(s) or their active material(s) should be described, which includes, but is not limited to, immune-regulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegeneration, antioxidative and antitumor properties. Data obtained from in vitro experiments must be confirmed using animal models or, preferably, through clinical trials;
The study must clarify the mechanisms of action of the studied compounds, with a clear delineation of the targets, such as cells and cytokines associated with the identified efficacies.

Prof. Dr. Di Wang
Dr. Chunyue Wang
Dr. Yang Liu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

edible mushroom
active materials
efficacies
animal models
clinical trials
target cells/molecules

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 4320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bondarzewia dickinsii Against Colitis-Associated Cancer Through the Suppression of the PI3K/AKT/COX-2 Pathway and Inhibition of PGE2 Production in Mice

by Junliang Chen, Shuai Liu, Xin Zhang, Xiaojing Dai, Yu Li, Yonglin Han and Lanzhou Li

Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4048; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234048 - 26 Nov 2024

Viewed by 423

Abstract

Background: Bondarzewia dickinsii (BD) is a newly discovered edible mushroom with rich nutritional components. This study presents a thorough analysis of the components of BD, examining its inhibitory effects and the underlying mechanisms by which BD influences colitis-associated cancer (CAC). Methods: AOM/DSS-induced CAC mice (male C57BL/6) were used, and a histopathological analysis, intestinal microbiota assessment, and metabolomics profiling were carried out, as well as an evaluation of relevant proteins and factors, to investigate the CAC-inhibitory effects of BD. Results: BD is rich in nutritional components, including a total sugar content of 37.29% and total protein content of 24.9%. BD significantly diminished colon inflammation, as well as the size and quantity of tumors. In addition, BD modified the diversity of intestinal microbiota and changed the levels of 19 serum metabolites, including arachidonic acid. BD significantly reduced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in colon tissue. Furthermore, it was found to inhibit the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/COX-2 signaling pathway. Conclusions: In general, BD inhibited the onset and progression of CAC by modulating the composition of intestinal microbiota and metabolite levels, suppressing the PI3K/AKT/COX-2 pathway, and decreasing PGE2 expression. This study provides a significant reference for the development of BD as a dietary supplement and pharmaceutical agent in the treatment of CAC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Evaluation of Edible Mushrooms and Their Active Materials)

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16 pages, 1497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Wound Healing Potential of Hispidin

by Yi-Shan Liu, Mei-Chou Lai, Tang-Yao Hong and I-Min Liu

Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3161; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183161 - 19 Sep 2024

Viewed by 846

Abstract

Background: Hispidin, a polyphenol component mainly derived from the medicinal mushroom species Phellinus and Inonotus, shows promise for biomedical applications, yet its potential in wound healing remains largely unexplored. This research investigates the wound healing effects of hispidin through in vitro and in vivo experiments, while also evaluating its antimicrobial properties and safety profile. Methods: In vitro scratch assays were conducted to evaluate the impact of hispidin on the migration of NIH-3T3 cells. The wound healing potential of hispidin was assessed in rats using excision wounds, dead space wounds, and linear incisions, treated with various topical ointments including a simple ointment, 2.5% (w/w) and a 5% (w/w) hispidin ointment, and a 0.2% (w/w) nitrofurazone ointment, administered at 0.2 g daily for 14 days. Results: Hispidin demonstrated antimicrobial properties and was particularly effective against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Hispidin enhanced NIH-3T3 cell viability, and promoted wound closure in scratch assays, correlating with increased levels of FGF21, TGF-β1, EGF, and VEGF. In excision wound models, the 5% (w/w) hispidin ointment improved wound contraction, epithelialization, tissue regeneration, fibroblast activity, and angiogenesis. In the granulation tissue from dead space wound models, hispidin reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and lipid peroxidation, while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) and antioxidant activities (SOD, GPx, CAT), along with connective tissue markers like hydroxyproline, hexosamine, and hexuronic acid. Hispidin also enhanced wound breaking strength in incision models. Acute dermal toxicity studies indicated no adverse effects at 2000 mg/kg. Conclusions: These findings highlight hispidin’s potential in wound care, demonstrating its antimicrobial, regenerative, and safety properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Evaluation of Edible Mushrooms and Their Active Materials)

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17 pages, 69108 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides Ameliorate Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis along the Nrf2 Pathway

by Nan Zhang, Zhongming Han, Rui Zhang, Linling Liu, Yanliang Gao, Jintao Li and Meixia Yan

Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1859; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121859 - 13 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1353

Abstract

The excessive employment of acetaminophen (APAP) is capable of generating oxidative stress and apoptosis, which ultimately result in acute liver injury (ALI). Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) exhibit hepatoprotective activity, yet the protective impact and potential mechanism of GLPs in relation to APAP-induced ALI remain ambiguous. The intention of this research was to scrutinize the effect of GLPs on APAP-induced ALI and to shed light on their potential mechanism. The results demonstrated that GLPs were capable of notably alleviating the oxidative stress triggered by APAP, as shown through a significant drop in the liver index, the activities of serum ALT and AST, and the amounts of ROS and MDA in liver tissue, along with an increase in the levels of SOD, GSH, and GSH-Px. Within these, the hepatoprotective activity at the high dose was the most conspicuous, and its therapeutic efficacy surpassed that of the positive drug (bifendate). The results of histopathological staining (HE) and apoptosis staining (TUNEL) indicated that GLPs could remarkably inhibit the necrosis of hepatocytes, the permeation of inflammatory cells, and the occurrence of apoptosis induced by APAP. Moreover, Western blot analysis manifested that GLPs enhanced the manifestation of Nrf2 and its subsequent HO-1, GCLC, and NQO1 proteins within the Nrf2 pathway. The results of qPCR also indicated that GLPs augmented the expression of antioxidant genes Nrf2, HO-1, GCLC, and NQO1. The results reveal that GLPs are able to set off the Nrf2 signaling path and attenuate ALI-related oxidative stress and apoptosis, which is a potential natural medicine for the therapy of APAP-induced liver injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Evaluation of Edible Mushrooms and Their Active Materials)

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14 pages, 3116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties and Prebiotics Function of a Bioactive Pleurotus eryngii Aqueous Extract Powder Obtained by Spray Drying

by Jianqiu Chen, Mengling Zhou, Liding Chen, Chengfeng Yang, Yating Deng, Jiahuan Li and Shujing Sun

Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1555; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111555 - 21 May 2024

Viewed by 1147

Abstract

A bioactive Pleurotus eryngii aqueous extract powder (SPAE) was obtained by spray drying and its performance in terms of physicochemical properties, in vitro digestion, inflammatory factors, and modulation of the intestinal microbiota was explored. The results indicated that the SPAE exhibited a more uniform particle size distribution than P. eryngii polysaccharide (PEP). Meanwhile, a typical absorption peak observed at 843 cm⁻¹ in the SPAE FTIR spectra indicated the existence of α-glycosidic bonds. SPAE exhibited higher antioxidant abilities and superior resistance to digestion in vitro. In addition, SPAE supplementation to mice significantly reduced the release of factors that promote inflammation, enhanced the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors, and sustained maximum production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Additionally, it significantly enhanced the relative abundance of SCFAs-producing Akkermansia and reduced the abundance of Ruminococcus and Clostridiides in intestines of mice. These results show the potential of SPAE as a novel material with prebiotic effects for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Evaluation of Edible Mushrooms and Their Active Materials)

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15 pages, 6560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intestinal Microbiota and Metabolomics Reveal the Role of Auricularia delicate in Regulating Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer

by Lanzhou Li, Honghan Liu, Jinqi Yu, Zhen Sun, Ming Jiang, Han Yu and Chunyue Wang

Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 5011; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15235011 - 4 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2178

Abstract

Background: The edible fungus Auricularia delicate (ADe) is commonly employed in traditional medicine for intestinal disorders; however, its inhibitory effect on colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) and the underlying mechanisms remain unexplored. (2) Methods: The inhibitory effect of ADe on CAC was investigated using a mouse model induced by azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium. Results: ADe effectively suppressed the growth and number of intestinal tumors in mice. Intestinal microbiota analyses revealed that ADe treatment increased Akkermansia and Parabacteroides while it decreased Clostridium, Turicibacter, Oscillospira, and Desulfovibrio. ADe regulated the levels of 2′-deoxyridine, creatinine, 1-palmitoyl lysophosphatidylcholine, and choline in serum. Furthermore, the levels of these metabolites were associated with the abundance of Oscillospira and Paraacteroides. ADe up-regulated the free fatty acid receptor 2 and β-Arrestin 2, inhibited the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, and significantly attenuated the levels of inflammatory cytokines, thereby mitigating the inflammatory in CAC mice. Conclusions: The protective effect of ADe in CAC mice is associated with the regulation of intestinal microbiota, which leads to the inhibition of NF-kB pathway and regulation of inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Evaluation of Edible Mushrooms and Their Active Materials)

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16 pages, 5683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chroogomphus rutilus Regulates Bone Metabolism to Prevent Periodontal Bone Loss during Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Osteoporotic Rats

by Ying Zhou, Yanfeng Zhu, Xinghui Jin, Yongfeng Zhang, Jiyu Song, Zhina Wu, Yutong Li, Jingzheng Yi, Di Wang and Min Hu

Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 4906; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234906 - 24 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1680

Abstract

Osteoporosis (OP) leads to the acceleration of tooth movement and aggravation of periodontal bone loss during orthodontic treatment. Chroogomphus rutilus (CR) is abundant in nutrients and demonstrates remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, the components of CR, including 35.00% total sugar, 0.69% reducing sugar, 14.40% crude protein, 7.30% total ash, 6.10% crude fat, 0.51% total flavonoids, 1.94% total triterpenoids, 0.32% total sterol, 1.30% total saponins, 1.69% total alkaloids, and 1.02% total phenol, were first systematically examined, followed by an investigation into its regulatory effects on bone metabolism in order to mitigate bone loss during orthodontic tooth movement in osteoporotic rats. The results of the imaging tests revealed that CR treatment reduced periodontal bone loss and normalized tooth movement in the OP. In conjunction with analyses of intestinal flora and metabolomics, CR enhances the prevalence of anti-inflammatory genera while reducing the production of inflammatory metabolites. Meanwhile, CR reduced the levels of periodontal inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and promoted periodontal bone formation. These findings imply that CR is a potent supplementary therapy for controlling periodontal bone remodeling in patients with OP undergoing orthodontic treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Evaluation of Edible Mushrooms and Their Active Materials)

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17 pages, 5806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pleurotus abieticola Polysaccharide Alleviates Hyperlipidemia Symptoms via Inhibition of Nuclear Factor-κB/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3-Mediated Inflammatory Responses

by Yongfeng Zhang, Yingjie Lin, Keyi Wu, Ming Jiang, Lanzhou Li and Yang Liu

Nutrients 2023, 15(23), 4904; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234904 - 23 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1578

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a metabolic syndrome induced by obesity, which has been widely recognized as a significant threat to human health. Pleurotus abieticola, an edible lignin-degrading fungus, remains relatively understudied in terms of its bioactivity and medicinal properties. In this study, the lipid-lowering effect of Pleurotus abieticola polysaccharide (PAPS1) was systematically explored in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced HLP mice. The findings demonstrated that the administration of PAPS1 significantly inhibited bodyweight gain, ameliorated blood glucose and lipid levels, reduced fat accumulation, and mitigated hepatic injury in HLP mice. In addition, PAPS1 demonstrated the capability to increase the levels of three distinct fecal metabolites while simultaneously reducing the levels of eight other fecal metabolites in HLP mice. According to biological detection, PAPS1 reduced the hepatic level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β, -6, -17A, -22, and -23, and increased the expression of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. Combined with proteomics, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis showed that PAPS1 exerted suppressive effects on inflammation and oxidative damage by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in HLP mice. These findings offer evidence supporting the effectiveness of PAPS1 as a therapeutic agent in reducing lipid levels through its targeting of chronic inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Evaluation of Edible Mushrooms and Their Active Materials)

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