Search Results (94)

Over the years, macromycete fungi have been used as a source of food, part of religious rites and rituals, and as a medicinal remedy. Species with strong health-promoting potential include Hericium erinaceus, Cordyceps militaris, Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus, Flammulina velutipes, and Inonotus obliquus. These species contain many bioactive compounds, including β-glucans, endo- and exogenous amino acids, polyphenols, terpenoids, sterols, B vitamins, minerals, and lovastatin. The level of some biologically active substances is species-specific, e.g., hericenones and erinacines, which have neuroprotective properties, and supporting the production of nerve growth factor in the brain for Hericium erinaceus. Due to their high health-promoting potential, mushrooms and substances isolated from them have found applications in livestock nutrition, improving their welfare and productivity. This phenomenon may be of particular importance in the nutrition of laying hens and broiler chickens, where an increase in pathogen resistance to antibiotics has been observed in recent years. Gallus gallus domesticus is a key farm animal for meat and egg production, so the search for new compounds to support bird health is important for food safety. Studies conducted to date indicate that feed supplementation with mushrooms has a beneficial effect on, among other things, bird weight gain; bone mineralisation; and meat and egg quality, including the lipid profile and protein content and shell thickness, and promotes the development of beneficial microbiota, thereby increasing immunity. Full article

Cordyceps takaomontana is a medicinal fungus with significant pharmacological value, but how soil microbes promote its growth remains unclear. We established a solid-state co-culture system involving C. takaomontana synnemata and its native soil fungi of Fusarium paeoniae and Bjerkandera minispora. Both F. paeoniae and B. minispora significantly promoted synnematal growth and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. Total triterpenoid content increased substantially. F. paeoniae markedly elevated levels of ergosterol peroxide, whereas B. minispora boosted accumulation of L-arabinose, ergotamine, and euphol. Metabolomics revealed that both fungi activated key metabolic pathways (including ABC transporters, mineral absorption, and protein digestion/absorption). F. paeoniae uniquely upregulated phenylalanine metabolism. This work elucidates the metabolic mechanisms underlying growth promotion of C. takaomontana mediated by F. paeoniae and B. minispora as well as deciphers potential pharmacologically active metabolites. These findings provide a foundation for strategically improving artificial cultivation and developing functional microbial inoculants. Full article

Cordyceps sinensis (C. sinensis) is widely recognized for its bioactive compounds and associated health benefits. However, due to its delicate nature, conventional chilled storage often results in the rapid degradation of valuable compounds, leading to loss of nutritional value and overall quality. This study integrated and evaluated comprehensive strategies: three gas-conditioning and two light-based preservation methods for maintaining both quality and nutritional integrity during 12-day chilled storage at 4 °C. The results revealed that vacuum packaging significantly inhibited weight loss (3.49%) compared to in the control group (10.77%) and preserved sensory quality (p < 0.05). UV-based interventions notably suppressed polyphenol oxidase and tyrosinase activities by 36.4% and 29.7%, respectively (p < 0.05). Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with 80% N₂ and 20% CO₂ (MAP-N₂CO₂) maintained higher levels of cordycepin (1.77 µg/g) and preserved energy charge above 0.7 throughout storage. The results suggest that MAP-based treatments are superior methods for the chilled storage of C. sinensis, with diverse advantages and their corresponding shelf lives associated with different gas compositions. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is considered one of the main pathologies of our time, whose incidence and prevalence are suggested to be strongly underestimated. AD presents as a complex neurodegenerative condition characterized by marked neuroinflammation and a significant decline in the cognitive and mnemonic functions of affected patients. Recognized AD pathological hallmarks include amyloid beta plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation, synaptic dysfunction with considerable apoptosis of cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons, and high levels of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. The available pharmacological treatments are represented by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to treat the mild to moderate form of the disease and N-methyl-D-aspartate inhibitors alone or in combination with the previously cited ones in the late stage of the neurodegenerative condition. Furthermore, emerging drug therapies such as monoclonal antibodies are promising agents in AD management. Although scientific evidence highlights these chemicals as effective in slowing down disease progression, significant limitations behind their employment derive from the notable dose-dependent side effects and the single-target mechanism of action. In this context, two well-studied phytotherapeutics, W. somnifera (W. somnifera) and fungi belonging to the genus Cordyceps, have gained attention for their chemical composition regarding their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Ashwagandha (obtained principally from the roots of W. somnifera) is an adaptogen that relieves stress and anxiety. It contains several ergostane-type steroidal lactones—such as withanolides and withaferin A—and various alkaloids, contributing to its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Likewise, cordycepin is the main bioactive principle found in Cordyceps fungi. This natural nucleoside has been reported to possess therapeutic potential as an anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory agent, with some studies suggesting a beneficial role in AD treatment. The purpose of the present review is to investigate the pharmacological properties of W. somnifera and Cordyceps species in the context of AD treatment and explore the therapeutic potential of the constitutive bioactive molecules in preclinical models mimicking this neurodegenerative condition. Full article

The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), such as Cordyceps javanica, to reduce insect pest populations is gaining traction since it is an environmentally safe approach that can control many pests at different life stages. Here, we focus on the histopathology of the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei, infected by C. javanica. Morphological observation revealed that C. javanica conidia germinated within 12 h following inoculation according to light microscopic and ultrastructural levels. The fungus thoroughly penetrated the fat body and muscular tissue between 84 and 120 h post-inoculation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the hyphal invasion of the cuticle at 12 h post-inoculation, with progressive tissue disruption and organelle degeneration, especially mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum in adipocytes. All organelles were completely degenerated at 96 h post-inoculation. There was evidence of a connection between C. javanica activity and the coffee berry borer that might cause histopathological changes in the host defense against the pathogen, pointing to increased mortality and potential control of coffee berry borer in natural populations. Additionally, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) confirmed that apoptotic cells were slightly increased in the adipose tissue and integument of the coffee berry borer. The ability of C. javanica to fatally infect the coffee berry borer suggests that it could be deployed as a biological control agent in the field. Full article

The striped flea beetle (SFB), Phyllotreta striolata, is a significant pest of cruciferous crops. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) hold great promise for the integrated pest management (IPM) of the SFB. However, the lack of understanding of the different interactions between the SFB and EPF restricts the development of mycoinsecticides. This study aims to elucidate the interaction performance of the SFB with three EPF—Beauveria bassiana BbPs01 (Bb), Metarhizium robertsii MrCb01 (Mr), and Cordyceps javanica IjH6102 (Cj). The bioassay results indicated that the virulences of EPF to the SFB adults were recorded as Bb > Mr > Cj. Then, the EPF with distinct infection pathways were observed, in which Bb penetrated the SFB cuticle via germ-tubes and appressoria, Mr typically invaded using appressoria, while Cj employed germ-tubes. Moreover, the SFB with different symptoms following infection by the EPF species were recorded. Bb primarily caused SFB adults to lose their appetite, become sluggish, and die rapidly. In contrast, SFB adults infected with Mr often experienced shivering, uncoordinated movement, and slower death. Cj-infected larvae frequently displayed dendrite-like melanization originating from the spiracles, while infected adults exhibited weak shivering and slow death, which seems similar to Mr. Our findings provide novel insights into the interactions between EPF and insects and offer valuable materials for enhancing the application of mycoinsecticides in the control of the SFB. Full article

The whitefly is among the main pests of crops, especially solanaceous and cucurbitaceous plants. The massive use of pesticides for its control has led to an increase in the pest’s resistance to different groups of insecticides and to environmental contamination. The use of biopesticides for its control is a sustainable alternative for the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of two biopesticides based on entomopathogenic fungi against eggs, nymphs, and adults of whitefly in eggplant in a greenhouse. The treatments consisted of Cordyceps javanica, Beauveria bassiana, a commercial insecticide (i.e., Spirotetramat), and a control (no application). A completely randomized design was used with 16 repetitions per treatment, and the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test was applied. Mortality was recorded on five dates after application (DAA). The sampling data were transformed to efficiency (%). The biopesticides were found to be effective in controlling whiteflies in all developmental stages during the evaluation days. Full article

The striped flea beetle (SFB), Phyllotreta striolata, is a major pest of Brassicaceae crops, causing substantial yield losses worldwide. Effective biocontrol strategies, particularly the development of mycoinsecticides, require the identification of virulent entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and the establishment of reliable bioassay systems. However, establishing reliable bioassay systems for SFB has been particularly challenging, especially for larval stages due to their recalcitrant rearing requirements. This study aimed to establish a standardized bioassay protocol to evaluate EPF efficacy against SFB. A specialized larval collection apparatus was developed, and the virulence of three EPF strains (Beauveria bassiana BbPs01, Metarhizium robertii MrCb01, and Cordyceps javanica IjH6102) was assessed against both adult and larval stages using a radish slice-based rearing system. Intriguingly, BbPs01 and MrCb01 exhibited significantly higher LT₅₀ values in larvae than in adults, contrary to the typical pattern of greater larval susceptibility observed in most insect systems. We hypothesized that isothiocyanate—specifically sulforaphane, a compound abundant in radish tissues—exerts fungistatic effects that impair fungal growth and virulence. Follow-up experiments confirmed that radish-derived sulforaphane inhibited fungal activity. Through alternative host plant screening, Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis) was identified as an optimal larval diet that minimally interferes with EPF bioactivity, enabling reliable virulence assessments. This study presents critical methodological advancements for SFB biocontrol research, providing a robust framework for standardized larval bioassay and novel insights into plant secondary metabolite interactions with entomopathogens. The optimized system supports the development of targeted mycoinsecticides and contributes to a deeper understanding of tri-trophic interactions in crucifer pest management. Full article

Entomopathogenic fungus-based biopesticides are an excellent alternative to synthetic pesticides and are widely used in insect pest control. With the transformations of the agri-food system, it is important to consider the One Health approach, which recognizes that health threats are shared at the interface between people, animals, plants, and the environment. The safety and environmental impact of fungi-based insecticides should be assessed comprehensively, taking into account not only their effects on non-target organisms and human health but also their environmental fate. This includes how these substances degrade, persist, or dissipate in soil, water, and air and their potential to bioaccumulate or leach into groundwater. Such assessments are essential to ensure that their long-term use does not pose unintended risks to ecosystems or public health. This systematic review aims to identify and analyze available studies on the potential One Health hazards associated with fungal biopesticides. A total of 134 articles were selected: 84 bioassay articles (63%), 36 case reports (27%), 10 field studies (7%), and 4 other types of studies (3%). Of these articles, 59 were studies on vertebrate animals and 65 studies on invertebrate animals, 6 studies on diverse organisms, 2 studies focused specifically on risk assessment for non-target organisms in the environment, while 2 other studies looked at the toxicological hazards associated with human exposure to the metabolites of the fungus present in air. The United States had the highest number of publications (33). Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae followed by the fungi Cordyceps fumosorosea (Paecilomyces fumosoroseus) and B. brongniartii were the most prevalent fungal species in the studies. This review highlights that case reports of infections in humans and other vertebrates by fungi are not related to the use of fungal biopesticides. A predominance of studies with bees was identified due to the importance of these insects as pollinators. The findings indicate that fungal biopesticides pose minimal risks when used appropriately. Nevertheless, the necessity for standardized safety assessments is emphasized. In order to ensure greater effectiveness, it is essential to develop unified protocols and bioassays with specific risk indicators aligned with the One Health approach. This includes evaluating potential effects on pollinators, vertebrate toxicity, and the environmental persistence of metabolites. In future research, the development of integrated guidelines that simultaneously consider human, animal, and environmental health is recommended. Full article

To explore the differences in protein quality among classic medicinal entomopathogenic fungi and to evaluate their metabolic adaptability, we analyzed the amino acid composition and proteomic characteristics of Cordyceps sinensis (CS), Cordyceps militaris (CM), and Cordyceps cicadae (CC). Quantitative analysis showed CM contained the highest crude protein and lysine, methionine, threonine, and valine. CS adapted to high-altitude hypoxia and exhibited lower protein but elevated leucine, isoleucine, and histidine contents, which may contribute to membrane stabilization and oxidative stress resistance. CC displayed higher non-essential amino acids such as arginine, proline, and tyrosine, reflecting active nitrogen metabolism. Four-dimensional data-independent acquisition (4D-DIA) proteomics identified 495 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Compared with CS, CM and CC displayed upregulated glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases 2 (GOT2), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) coordinately regulate nitrogen flux through the alanine-aspartate-glutamate metabolic network and urea cycle, supporting metabolic intermediate replenishment for energy metabolism. The upregulation of branched-chain keto acid dehydrogenase E1 subunit alpha (BCKDHA) and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase short/branched chain (ACADSB) in CM and CC facilitated the integration of branched-chain amino acid catabolism with the TCA cycle, explaining species-specific differences in protein content. This study presents the first application of 4D-DIA proteomics to compare CS, CM, and CC, providing insights into quality divergence mechanisms in medicinal fungi. Full article

Postharvest Flammulina filiformis is prone to quality degradation, adversely impacting its commercial value. Cordyceps militaris, rich in antioxidant and antibacterial components, shows promise as a natural biological preservative. This study aimed to explore the potential of C. militaris extract (CME) as a preservative for F. filiformis. Through analyzing indicators such as browning, stipe elongation, and cap diameter, this study confirmed the effectiveness of CME in delaying oxidation and inhibiting microbial growth during storage. Additionally, transcriptome analysis revealed that CME modulated gene expression in F. filiformis, enhancing its antioxidant defense mechanisms. The results demonstrated that CME could effectively extend the shelf life of F. filiformis, providing valuable insights into preservation strategies for this and other edible fungi. Full article

Microbial protein represents a sustainable alternative to conventional animal protein, yet optimizing substrates for fungal cultivation remains critical. This study demonstrates the successful upcycling of chitin waste and aged rice into fungal protein through fermentation with Cordyceps militaris. Substrate formulations (0–20% chitin waste mixed with aged rice) were evaluated for their effects on fungal growth, yield, and metabolite profiles. Results revealed that aged rice alone supported fruiting body yields comparable to fresh rice (9.8 g vs. 9.8 g), with no significant differences in the morphology or growth rate. The addition of 5% chitin waste led to a 17% improvement in yield compared to the control, increasing the average fresh weight of fruiting bodies from 9.8 g to 11.5 g per bottle, while higher chitin levels (20%, T4) suppressed mycelial growth entirely. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed chitin’s structural complexity and nitrogen-rich composition, which slowed the substrate utilization but enriched secondary metabolites. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) identified 1025 metabolites, including up-regulated bioactive compounds (e.g., cordycepin and piplartine) in chitin-amended substrates, linked to amino acid and lipid metabolism pathways. Safety assessments confirmed the absence of toxins, validating the substrates’ suitability for food applications. These findings highlight chitin waste (≤5%) as a viable nitrogen supplement to aged rice, improving the fungal protein yield and bioactive compound synthesis. This approach advances sustainable biomass valorization, offering a scalable strategy to reduce agricultural waste while producing nutrient-dense fungal protein. Full article

The MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 proteins are essential for the sexual reproduction of Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Although Hirsutella sinensis has been postulated to be the sole anamorph of O. sinensis and to undergo self-fertilization under homothallism or pseudohomothallism, little is known about the three-dimensional (3D) structures of the mating proteins in the natural Cordyceps sinensis insect–fungal complex, which is a valuable therapeutic agent in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the alternative splicing and differential occurrence and translation of the MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 genes have been revealed in H. sinensis, negating the self-fertilization hypothesis but rather suggesting the occurrence of self-sterility under heterothallic or hybrid outcrossing. In this study, the MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 proteins in 173 H. sinensis strains and wild-type C. sinensis isolates were clustered into six and five clades in the Bayesian clustering trees and belonged to 24 and 21 diverse AlphaFold-predicted 3D structural morphs, respectively. Over three-quarters of the strains/isolates contained either MAT1-1-1 or MAT1-2-1 proteins but not both. The diversity of the heteromorphic 3D structures of the mating proteins suggested functional alterations of the proteins and provided additional evidence supporting the self-sterility hypothesis under heterothallism and hybridization for H. sinensis, Genotype #1 of the 17 genome-independent O. sinensis genotypes. The heteromorphic stereostructures and mutations of the MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 proteins in the wild-type C. sinensis isolates and natural C. sinensis insect–fungi complex suggest that there are various sources of the mating proteins produced by two or more cooccurring heterospecific fungal species in natural C. sinensis that have been discovered in mycobiotic, molecular, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic studies, which may inspire future studies on the biochemistry of mating and pheromone receptor proteins and the reproductive physiology of O. sinensis. Full article

Cordyceps sinensis is a second-class, nationally protected, medicinal fungi and serves as a functional nutrient in China. C. sinensis is extremely scarce due to its peculiar growing environment and the extensive gathering practices carried out by humans. A large number of counterfeit products for this fungi have also emerged in the market. At present, there is a lack of research on the differential metabolites of C. sinensis and its counterfeit products. The current study used an LC-MS non-targeted metabolomics method to compare the differences in metabolites between C. sinensis and other Cordyceps. The results indicated that there were significant differences in the metabolites between C. sinensis and the others. The 18 superclasses were found to have differences, involving lipids, organic acids, nucleosides, carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, and their derivatives. Compared with the other four groups of Cordyceps, 8 metabolites with significant differences were screened. In addition, the types and abundance of different metabolites of nucleosides of C. sinensis were superior compared to other Cordyceps (e.g., 5-Methyldioxycytidine, didanosine, cytidine, etc.). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the metabolism of arginine and proline, and glycerophosphate metabolism were the two significant differences in the metabolic pathways between C. sinensis and other Cordyceps. The research results provide a reference for identifying the authenticity of C. sinensis using non-targeted metabolic methods. Full article

Due to the price and demand of Ophiocordyceps sinensis having increased dramatically, adulteration with other fungi is a common problem. Thus, a reliable method of authentic O. sinensis identification is essential. In the present work, a rapid DNA extraction and double-tailed recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) coupled with nucleic acid hybridization lateral flow strip (NAH-LFS) was developed to distinguish authentic O. sinensis ingredients from other fungi substitutes. In the presence of O. sinensis, the RPA amplicons with two ssDNA tails in the opposite ends, which could simultaneously bind with the SH-probes on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and capture the probe on the test line, formed visible red bands. RPA combined with NAH-LFS can efficiently detect O. sinensis DNA down to 1.4 ng/μL; meanwhile, the specificity test validated no cross reaction with common adulterants, including Cordyceps gunnii, Cordyceps cicadae, Cordyceps militaris, yungui Cordyceps, and Ophiocordyceps nutans. The whole RPA-NAH-LFS could be completed within 16 min. The RPA-NAH-LFS results in detecting 20 commercial O. sinensis samples are consistent with PCR-AGE and RT-PCR, confirming the feasibility of the RPA-NAH-LFS method. In conclusion, these results are expected to facilitate the application of RPA-NAH-LFS in the authentication detection of O. sinensis materials, providing a convenient and efficient method for O. sinensis quality control. Full article