Search Results (57)

Melanin is a complex natural pigment that imparts a variety of colors to the fruiting bodies of edible fungi, influencing both their nutritional quality and commercial value. Stropharia rugosoannulata is an emerging type of edible fungus that has been widely cultivated in recent years. It can be categorized into red and yellow varieties based on cap color, while its pigment characteristics remain unclear. In this study, the melanins from the two varieties were obtained using an alkaline extraction and acid precipitation method, followed by comprehensive characterization of their chemical properties and ultrastructural features. Both melanins displayed distinct absorption maxima at approximately 211 nm. The melanin extracted from the red variety consisted of 55.63% carbon (C), 7.40% hydrogen (H), 30.23% oxygen (O), 5.99% nitrogen (N), and 0.64% sulfur (S), whereas the yellow variety comprised 52.22% C, 6.74% H, 29.70% O, 5.91% N, and 0.99% S. Both types of melanin included eumelanin and phaeomelanin forms, with eumelanin being the predominant type. Variations in the quantities and relative proportions of eumelanin and phaeomelanin contributed to the observed color differences in the mushroom caps. Ultrastructural micrographs revealed the melanins were primarily localized in the cell wall, consistent with findings in other fungal species. These findings contribute valuable insights into fundamental knowledge and potential applications of mushroom pigments. Full article

The investigation of melanogenesis and tyrosinase inhibitors is essential for developing safe and effective natural compounds to treat pigmentation disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maculosin, a cyclic dipeptide composed of tyrosine and proline, on melanin production and tyrosinase activity using the B16F10 melanoma cell model, while elucidating its mechanism of action through molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Experimental results demonstrated that maculosin inhibited intracellular melanin content and tyrosinase activity in a concentration-dependent manner in B16F10 melanoma cells. Molecular docking analyses revealed that maculosin exhibited high binding affinities with mushroom tyrosinase (mTYR), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1), and Bacillus megaterium tyrosinase (BmTYR) with binding energies of −7.7, −6.8, and −7.5 kcal/mol, respectively. Furthermore, MD simulations confirmed the structural stability and dynamic flexibility of maculosin–protein complexes, as indicated by RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, hydrogen bond interactions, PCA, and DCCM analyses. Binding free energy calculations using the MM/PBSA method showed that maculosin exhibited binding energies of −28.76 kcal/mol with mTYR and −22.23 kcal/mol with TYRP1, outperforming standard co-crystal inhibitors such as tropolone (−12.47 kcal/mol) and kojic acid (−12.73 kcal/mol). Critical residues, including VAL-283 and HIS-263 in mTYR and HIS-381, GLY-389, and THR-391 in TYRP1, were identified as key contributors to maculosin binding, corroborating molecular docking findings and displaying strong correlations in DCCM analyses. Collectively, these results suggest that maculosin is a highly promising candidate for the treatment of pigmentation disorders, offering significant inhibitory effects on melanogenesis and tyrosinase activity. Full article

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus species) have gained significant attention in food science and nutrition due to their exceptional nutritional and functional properties. This review examines various oyster mushroom species’ comprehensive physicochemical characteristics, functional attributes, and antioxidative properties. Through analysis of current literature, we establish that oyster mushrooms contain substantial amounts of protein (15–30%), carbohydrates (43–60%), dietary fibre, and essential micronutrients while maintaining low-fat content (~1.2%). The mushrooms demonstrate significant antioxidant activity through compounds such as ergothioneine, phenolics, and flavonoids, with different species showing varying levels of bioactive compounds. Scientific studies reveal that processing methods, particularly different drying techniques, significantly impact their nutritional composition and functional properties. Notable findings include the identification of specific compounds in coloured varieties, such as pink chromoprotein in Pleurotus djamor and various melanin types, which contribute to both aesthetic and functional properties. Full article

Background: This study investigated the wound-healing potential of hispolon, a polyphenolic pigment derived from medicinal mushrooms, under diabetic conditions using both in vitro and in vivo models. Methods: In the in vitro assays, L929 fibroblast cells exposed to high glucose (33 mmol/L) were treated with hispolon at concentrations of 2.5, 5, 7.5, or 10 μmol/L. In the in vivo assays, streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with excision wounds received daily topical applications of 0.2 g of 5% (w/w) hispolon ointment. Results: Hispolon improved cell viability; suppressed oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative DNA damage; and restored the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio. The scratch assay demonstrated that hispolon at 10 μmol/L enhanced fibroblast migration impaired by high-glucose conditions. Treatment with 5% (w/w) hispolon ointment accelerated wound contraction, reduced the epithelialization time, and enhanced tissue regeneration with an efficacy comparable to that of Fespixon^® cream, as shown by histological findings of increased fibroblast activity, collagen deposition, and capillary growth. Hispolon ointment also modulated macrophage polarization in diabetic wounds by reducing M1 markers and enhancing M2 markers. In a diabetic rat dead-space-wound model, 5% (w/w) hispolon ointment reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased those of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, and stimulated Type I and III collagen synthesis, effectively promoting wound healing. In incisional wounds, hispolon ointment improved the wound-breaking strength, showing results comparable to that of Fespixon^® cream. Safety assessments confirmed that hispolon ointment showed no acute dermal toxicity. These findings underscore hispolon’s potential as a promising candidate for diabetic wound management by mitigating oxidative stress, enhancing tissue regeneration, and accelerating wound healing. Full article

The fungal genus Omphalotus is noted for its bioluminescence and the production of biologically active secondary metabolites. We isolated 47 fungal strains of Omphalotus olivascens germinated from spores of a single mushroom. We first noted a high degree of variation in the outward appearances in radial growth and pigmentation among the cultures. Radial growth rates fell into at least five distinct categories, with only slower-growing isolates obtained compared with the parental dikaryon. Scanning UV-vis spectroscopy of liquid-grown cultures showed variation in pigmentation in both the absorption intensity and peak absorption wavelengths, indicating that some isolates vary from the parental strain in both pigment concentration and composition. Bioluminescence intensity was observed to have isolates with both greater and lesser intensities, while the increased emission in response to caffeic acid was inversely proportional to the unstimulated output. Under UV illumination, the media of the parental strain was observed to be brightly fluorescent, which was not due to the pigment, while the isolates also varied from greater to lesser intensity and in their peak emission. At least three separate fluorescent bands were observed by gel electrophoresis from one of the cultures, while only one was observed in others. In a subset of the cultures, fluorescence intensity varied significantly in response to casamino acids. None of this subset produced an antibiotic effective against Staphylococcus aureus, and only the haploids, but not the parental heterokaryon, produced an antibiotic consistent with illudin M effective against Mycobacterium smegmatis. This same subset produced an anticancer agent that was highly potent against MDA-MB-468 breast cancer tumor cells. We interpret these variations in haploids as significant in altering Omphalotus physiology and its production of secondary metabolites, which may in turn alter their ecology and life cycle, and could be further applied to studying fungal physiologies and facilitate linking them to their genetic underpinnings. Full article

Tyrosinase is a key enzyme responsible for the formation of melanin (a natural skin pigment with ultraviolet-protection properties). However, some people experience melanin overproduction, so new, safe, and biocompatible enzyme inhibitors are sought. New tripeptide tyrosinase inhibitors were developed using molecular modeling. A combinatorial library of tripeptides was prepared and docked to the mushroom tyrosinase crystal structure and investigated with molecular dynamics. Based on the results of calculations and expert knowledge, the three potentially most active peptides (CSF, CSN, CVL) were selected. Their in vitro properties were examined, and they achieved half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 136.04, 177.74, and 261.79 µM, respectively. These compounds attach to the binding pocket of tyrosinase mainly through hydrogen bonds and salt bridges. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated the stability of the peptid–tyrosinase complexes and highlighted the persistence of key interactions throughout the simulation period. The ability of these peptides to complex copper ions was also confirmed. The CSF peptide showed the highest chelating activity with copper. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay confirmed that none of the test tripeptides showed cytotoxicity toward the reconstructed human epidermis. Our results indicated that the developed tripeptides were non-toxic and effective tyrosinase inhibitors. They could be applied as raw materials in skin-brightening or anti-aging cosmetic products. Full article

In the present study, an unknown fungal strain was isolated from the fruiting body of a local Dryad’s Saddle mushroom (Polyporaceae). The molecular identification of the isolate was performed by amplification of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and the strain was identified with 100.00% confidence as Epicoccum nigrum. The morphological characteristics, including the distinctive colony pigmentation, conidiophore structure, and conidial shape, were determined to ensure comprehensive characterization of the fungus. The modeling of the kinetics of the growth process was conducted with the applying the logistic curve model and the reverse autocatalytic growth model, and the concentrations of the compounds in the nutrient medium required for the E. nigrum development were established. Controlled submerged cultivation was carried out for cultural liquid obtaining, which was further used for the evaluation of the biological activities. The untreated cultural liquid demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum where the minimal inhibitory concentration was 1.25 mg/mL. Antimicrobial activity was also detected toward Botrytis cinerea (2.5 mg/mL) and Aspergillus flavus (2.5 mg/mL). The direct utilization of crude cultural liquid for phytopathogenic control is a sustainable approach that will provide the opportunity for the development of an environmentally friendly manufacturing process. Full article

Tyrosinase, a key protein in the biosynthesis of melanin pigments, is crucial in determining skin pigmentation. Inhibiting tyrosinase activity is a promising approach for treating conditions related to excessive pigmentation. For the synthesis of more potent tyrosinase inhibitors, we combined two approaches, para-substitution and lipophilicity, to enhance the inhibitory properties of (E)-2-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazine-1-carbotiamide, whose enzyme inhibitory properties have been previously demonstrated. The newly synthesized compounds showed potent inhibition activity against tyrosinase in the micromolar concentration range. The synthesised compounds were up to 41 times more effective than kojic acid. In addition to this biological activity, all molecules were evaluated for their sun protection factor to determine their photoprotective effects. All the compounds showed higher efficacy than reference compounds, used as sunscreens in photoprotective preparations. All compounds were noncytotoxic at the concentration required to inhibit tyrosinase activity. With the aim of defining the potential binding modes and the kind of interactions between the studied molecules and the catalytic site of mushroom tyrosinase, molecular docking simulations were also performed. Full article

Background: Melanin overproduction leads to pigmented skin diseases. Brown algae polyphenols, non-toxic secondary metabolites, exhibit potential bioactivities. Sargassum fusiforme, an edible seaweed, has been underexplored in the field of beauty despite its polyphenol richness. Methods: Polyphenols from S. fusiforme were extracted using macroporous resin (SFRP) and ethyl acetate (SFEP). Their antioxidant and anti-aging properties, tyrosinase inhibitory activities, and mechanisms were assessed. The melanogenesis inhibition effect and mechanism by SFRP was examined in B16F10 melanoma cells. Results: Both SFRP and SFEP demonstrated scavenging activities against DPPH, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals. SFRP showed stronger anti-collagenase and anti-elastase effects. They dose-dependently inhibited mushroom tyrosinase, with IC50 values of 9.89 μg/mL for SFRP and 0.99 μg/mL for SFEP. SFRP reversibly inhibited tyrosinase, while SFEP showed irreversible inhibition. SFRP also suppressed melanin content and intracellular tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells, downregulating the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related protein 1 and 2 expression through the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signal pathways. Conclusions: S. fusiforme polyphenols, especially SFRP, exhibit promising antioxidant, anti-aging, and melanogenesis inhibitory properties, highlighting their potential application as novel anti-melanogenic agents in cosmetics and the food industry. Full article

Beech mushrooms (Hypsizygus marmoreus) are edible mushrooms commercially used in South Korea. They can be classified into white and brown according to their pigmentation. This study analyzed the metabolites and biological activities of these mushrooms. Specifically, 42 metabolites (37 volatiles, two phenolics, and three carbohydrates) were quantified in white beech mushrooms, and 47 (42 volatiles, two phenolics, and three carbohydrates) were detected in brown mushrooms. The major volatiles detected were hexanal, pentanal, 1-hexanol, and 1-pentanol. Brown mushrooms contained higher levels of hexanal (64%) than white mushrooms (35%), whereas white mushrooms had higher levels of pentanal (11%) and 1-pentanol (3%). Most volatiles were more abundant in white mushrooms than in brown mushrooms. Furthermore, brown beech mushrooms had a higher phenolic content than white mushrooms. Biological assays revealed that both types of mushroom demonstrated anti-microbial activities against bacterial and yeast pathogens and weak DPPH scavenging activity. The extracts from both mushrooms (50 μg/mL) also exhibited strong anti-inflammatory properties. Brown mushroom extracts showed higher antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties than white mushroom extracts. This study reported that the differences in phenotype, taste, and odor were consistent with the metabolite differences between white and brown beech mushrooms, which have high nutritional and biofunctional values. Full article

Sarcomyxa edulis is a characteristic low-temperature, edible mushroom in Northeast China. It has a delicious taste and rich nutritional and medicinal value. The artificial cultivation of S. edulis has been increasing in recent years. However, the number of S. edulis varieties is scarce, and strain degradation is a serious issue, affecting the yield and quality of S. edulis. Therefore, we collected 21 wild strains of S. edulis (Y1–21) in this study, aiming to develop strains of S. edulis. Five strains without antagonistic reaction were eliminated via the antagonism test, and the remaining sixteen strains were identified as S. edulis using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) marker identification. The mycelial growth rate, mildew resistance, fruiting body yield, agronomic traits, and nutrient content of the 16 strains were determined. The results demonstrate that Y12, Y13, Y14, and Y15 exhibited a rapid mycelial growth rate (6.43–6.8 mm·day⁻¹). Their colony density was moderate; their edges were neat; and their colonies were leathery and had obvious pigmentation. Moreover, they exhibited strong mildew resistance and a low Trichoderma contamination rate (<40%). Their fruiting body yield (281.15–342.03 g) and biological efficiency (56.23–68.40%) were high. Their fruiting body shape was good. Their polysaccharide and crude protein contents were higher, while their crude fiber, ash, and crude fat contents were lower. Overall, these four S. edulis strains exhibited high yield, excellent traits, and good quality for commercial production and food production with high nutrient contents. This study provides a foundation for the further cross-breeding and matrix improvement of S. edulis. Full article

True morels (Morchella spp.) are highly valuable and medicinal mushrooms. Saprophytic morels have been cultivated, especially in China and some Western countries, over the last few decades. Türkiye has a rich potential in terms of wild morel diversity, with nearly 40 Morchella species in its genetic pool, though only 22 of these have been identified molecularly. It has high economic value worldwide, and Türkiye exports morels worth approximately 2 million $ annually. There is also significant interest in morel mushroom cultivation in Türkiye. In this study, 40 Morchella strains were collected and isolated from different regions of Türkiye and analyzed based on the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) region. A phylogenetic dendrogram was drawn. The isolates of M. importuna, M. exima, M. exuberans, M. dunali, M. tridentina, M. crassipes, and M. esculenta were identified based on the ITS rDNA region. However, the identification of isolates 849-Kg027 and 966-Kg142 could not be determined clearly, and the isolates of M. vulgarius and M. spongiola were not distinct based on the ITS analysis. The macro-morphological features of the mycelia were investigated. Mycelia colors ranged from off-white to pale gray in the juvenile stage, orange to pale brown during early pigmentation, and pale brown to dark brown in the senescence stage. M. crassipes, M. exuberans, and 966-Kg142 formed lighter-colored mycelia, whereas M. dunali and M. vulgarius exhibited the darkest mycelial pigments. Sclerotia formation was compact, pale yellow to yellow, and abundant. In conclusion, molecular identification of Turkish morel cultures was performed, and cultural characteristics along with morphological differences were examined. The cultures have been deposited for further study in the Mushroom Gene Bank at the Atatürk Central Horticultural Research Institute. Full article

Melanogenesis, essential for skin photoprotection and pigmentation, can lead to disorders like melasma and hyperpigmentation, which are challenging to treat and affect quality of life. Docosatrienoic acid (DTA), a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid, has been identified as a potential regulator of skin aging. This study investigates DTA’s effects on melanogenesis and its underlying molecular mechanisms using in silico and in vitro analyses. SwissSimilarity analysis revealed that DTA shares close structural similarities with known anti-melanogenic lipids, suggesting it may inhibit melanogenesis in similar manners. Our results demonstrated that DTA reduces melanin content and intracellular tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells, significantly downregulating the mRNA expression of tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 by inhibiting MITF translocation to the nucleus. While DTA exhibited mild inhibitory effects on mushroom tyrosinase activity and antioxidant properties at higher concentrations, direct inhibition of tyrosinase is likely not the primary mechanism, as the observed anti-melanogenic effects occurred at much lower concentrations compared to those required for direct tyrosinase inhibition. Together, DTA-mediated modulation of MITF and tyrosinase mRNA expression offers a novel approach to treating hyperpigmentation. DTA’s potential extends into the cosmetic industry, enhancing product stability, functionality, and aesthetics. Further research is needed to explore DTA’s broader applications in skincare and cosmetic formulations. Full article

Hyperpigmentation skin disorders are marked by an abnormal accumulation or export of melanin pigment synthesized within melanocytes and pose a significant aesthetic concern. The search for novel natural compounds that exhibit pharmacological potential for treating pigmentation disorders is growing. In this study, kahweol (KW) and cafestol (CFS), two structural analogs of coffee diterpenes, were evaluated and compared for their effects on melanogenesis using B16F10 mouse melanoma cells and primary human melanocytes derived from Asian and African American skin. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of the effects of KW and CFS on melanogenesis yet. We first screened nontoxic concentrations of both compounds using an MTS assay after 72 h incubations and subsequently tested their effects on melanin synthesis and export. Cellular tyrosinase activity and cell-free mushroom tyrosinase activity were assayed to study the mechanisms of melanogenesis suppression. Human melanocytes from a moderately pigmented donor (HEMn-MP cells) and from a darkly pigmented donor (HEMn-DP cells) were next examined, and effects on cellular viability, melanin content, cellular tyrosinase activity, and melanin export (quantitated via dendricity) were similarly examined for both compounds. Our results show that KW and CFS did not significantly affect intracellular melanin content but suppressed extracellular melanin in B16F10 cells and dendritic parameters in human melanocytes, indicating their unique capacity to target extracellular melanogenesis and melanin export. Although KW showed a greater extracellular melanogenesis inhibitory capacity in B16F10 cells, in both primary melanocyte cells, CFS emerged as a potent inhibitor of melanin export compared to KW. Together, these results reveal novel modes of action of both compounds and indicate a promise to use CFS as a novel candidate for treating hyperpigmentation disorders of the human skin for clinical and cosmetic use. Additional research is necessary to shed light on the molecular pathways and the efficacy of melanogenesis inhibition by CFS in 3D human skin equivalents and in vivo studies. Full article

Hyperpigmentation occurs due to irregular secretion of melanin pigment in the skin. This can affect quality of life depending on its severity, so prevention and management are essential. Oats (Avena sativa L.), a grain consumed worldwide, are known to offer improved health benefits upon germination and fermentation. This study is aimed to investigate the protective effects of lactobacilli-fermented sprouted oat extracts on oxidative stress and melanin overproduction in vitro. The anti-melanogenic effect was investigated using melanin content and tyrosinase activity assays in B16F10 cells, as well as a mushroom tyrosinase-based enzyme inhibition assay. The results showed that L. casei-fermented oat extracts were the most effective for reducing melanin formation by reducing the mRNA expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related protein 2. Furthermore, L. casei fermentation was effective in improving the total phenolic, flavonoid, and avenanthramide A contents of sprouted oat extracts. The results also demonstrated the antioxidant effects of L. casei-fermented sprouted oat extracts in promoting DPPH radical-scavenging activity, superoxide dismutase-like activity, and reduction in reactive oxygen species levels. Overall, the findings indicate that fermented sprouted oat extracts are promising candidates for antioxidant and anti-hyperpigmentation treatments. Full article