Characterization of Cinnamomum kanehirae Extract-Stimulated Triterpenoids Synthesis in Submerged Fermentation of Antrodia camphorata via Untargeted Metabolomics.

The underlying mechanisms of Cinnamomum kanehirae-stimulated growth and metabolism of Antrodia camphorata remain unknown. Herein, we first observed that the methanol extract of C. kanehirae trunk (MECK) (2 g/L) showed a potent stimulatory effect on A. camphorata triterpenoids production (115.6 mg/L). Second, MECK treatment considerably increased the category and abundance of many secondary metabolites in the mycelia. We identified 93 terpenoids (8 newly formed and 49 upregulated) in the MECK-treated mycelia, wherein 21 terpenoids were the same as those in the fruiting bodies. Third, 42 out of the 93 terpenoids were annotated in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, mainly involving monoterpenoids and diterpenoids syntheses. Finally, 27 monoterpenes and 16 sesquiterpenes were detected in the MECK, and the two terpenoids with the highest abundance (linalool and α-pinene) were selected for verification and found to considerably increase the terpenoids production of A. camphorata and demonstrate the regulation of mRNA expression levels of nine key genes in the mevalonate pathway via RT-qPCR. This study is beneficial for elucidating the terpenoids synthesis mechanism in A. camphorata.

Oxidative Stress Induction Is a Rational Strategy to Enhance the Productivity of Antrodia cinnamomea Fermentations for the Antioxidant Secondary Metabolite Antrodin C.

Antioxidant metabolites contribute to alleviating oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in microorganisms. We utilized oxidative stressors such as hydrogen peroxide supplementation to increase the yield of the bioactive secondary metabolite antioxidant antrodin C in submerged fermentations of the medicinal mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea. Changes in the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities of the cells indicate that ROS are critical to promote antrodin C biosynthesis, while the ROS production inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium cancels the productivity-enhancing effects of H2O2. Transcriptomic analysis suggests that key enzymes in the mitochondrial electron transport chain are repressed during oxidative stress, leading to ROS accumulation and triggering the biosynthesis of antioxidants such as antrodin C. Accordingly, rotenone, an inhibitor of the electron transport chain complex I, mimics the antrodin C productivity-enhancing effects of H2O2. Delineating the steps connecting oxidative stress with increased antrodin C biosynthesis will facilitate the fine-tuning of strategies for rational fermentation process improvement.

Study on antrodia camphorata polysaccharide in alleviating the neuroethology of PD mice by decreasing the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease, and the role of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis and progression of PD has been confirmed. The polysaccharides and triterpenoids of antrodia camphorata (a polyporous fungus) harbor diverse and powerful pharmacological effects. In this study, 6-hydroxydopamine was used to construct a PD mouse model. After antrodia camphorata polysaccharide (ACP) intervention, neurobehavioral changes were detected, neurotransmitter changes in striatum were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, the alterations of striatal NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing three (NLRP3) were examined by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of NLRP3, IL-1ß, Caspase-1, and proCaspase-1 were detected by western blot. To be specific, the items of neurobehavioral test included open field activity, rotary test, pole test, gait analysis, and swimming test. As a result, 6-hydroxydopamine could lead to PD-like lesions, including tremor, stiffness, attenuated spontaneous activity, and bradykinesia in mice, and the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the striatum was decreased. After ACP intervention, the neuroethology of mice was significantly improved, as demonstrated by the elevated levels of dopamine in the striatum and the decreased expression of dopamine in the striatum in NLRP3 inflammasome. NLRP3 inflammasome played an important role in neuroinflammation in PD mice. ACP could reduce the activation of NLRP3 and expression of related inflammatory factors.

4-Hydroxybenzoic acid serves as an endogenous ring precursor for antroquinonol biosynthesis in Antrodia cinnamomea.

Antrodia cinnamomea, an endemic fungus species of Taiwan, has long been used as a luxurious dietary supplement to enhance liver functions and as a remedy for various cancers. Antroquinonol (AQ), identified from the mycelium of A. cinnamomea, is currently in phase II clinical trials in the USA and Taiwan for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer. In the previous studies, we have demonstrated that AQ and 4-acetylantroquinonol B (4-AAQB) utilize orsellinic acid, via polyketide pathway, as the ring precursor, and their biosynthetic sequences are similar to those of coenzyme Q. In order to test 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA), synthesized via shikimate pathway, is the ring precursor of AQ analogs, the strategy of metabolic labeling with stable isotopes was applied in this study. Here we have confirmed that 4-HBA serves as the ring precursor for AQ but not a precursor of 4-AAQB. Experimental results indicated that A. cinnamomea preferentially utilizes endogenous 4-HBA via shikimate pathway for AQ biosynthesis. Exogenous tyrosine and phenylalanine can be utilized for AQ biosynthesis when shikimate pathway is blocked by glyphosate. The benzoquinone ring of 4-AAQB is synthesized only via polyketide pathway, but that of AQ is synthesized via both polyketide pathway and shikimate pathway. The precursor-products relationships diagram of AQ and 4-AAQB in A. cinnamomea are proposed based on the experimental findings.

Alpha-terpineol affects synthesis and antitumor activity of triterpenoids from Antrodia cinnamomea mycelia in solid-state culture.

To enhance production of Antrodia cinnamomea triterpenoids (ACTs) from mycelia in solid-state culture, α-terpineol was added to the medium as an elicitor at an optimal concentration of 0.05 mL L-1. Multi-stage solvent extraction and HPLC analysis were performed, and the compositions of ACTs-E (from culture with elicitor) and ACTs-NE (from culture without elicitor) were found to be quite different. In assays of in vitro antitumor activity, ACTs-E, in comparison with ACTs-NE, produced stronger viability reduction in several tumor cell lines and stronger apoptosis induction in HeLa in a dose-dependent manner. Several related proteins involved in the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis (p53, Bax, caspase-3) did not show expression upregulation by ACTs-E, suggesting that apoptosis induction occurred through a p53-independent process. Further analysis revealed that ACTs-E strongly inhibited synthesis of topoisomerase I (TOP1) and tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (TDP1), which are involved in DNA repair, at both transcriptional and protein levels. Our findings suggest that ACTs-E have potential for applications in the pharmaceutical, clinical, and functional food industries, as a novel antitumor agent and a dual TOP1/TDP1 inhibitor.

Current Advances on the Structure, Bioactivity, Synthesis, and Metabolic Regulation of Novel Ubiquinone Derivatives in the Edible and Medicinal Mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea.

In recent years, Antrodia cinnamomea has attracted great attention around the world as an extremely precious edible and medicinal mushroom. Ubiquinone derivatives, which are characteristic metabolites of A. cinnamomea, have shown great bioactivities. Some of them have been regarded as promising therapeutic agents and approved into clinical trial by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Although some excellent reviews have been published covering different aspects of A. cinnamomea, this review brings, for the first time, complete information about the structure, bioactivity, chemical synthesis, biosynthesis, and metabolic regulation of ubiquinone derivatives in A. cinnamomea. It not only advances our knowledge on the bioactive metabolites, especially the ubiquinone derivatives, in A. cinnamomea but also provides valuable information for the investigation on other edible and medicinal mushrooms.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Antrodia cinnamomea: The Modulation of Oxidative Stress Signaling in a Mouse Model of Alcohol-Induced Acute Liver Injury.

In the present study, the components of A. cinnamomea (AC) mycelia were systematically analyzed. Subsequently, its hepatoprotective effects and the underlying mechanisms were explored using a mouse model of acute alcohol-induced liver injury. AC contained 25 types of fatty acid, 16 types of amino acid, 3 types of nucleotide, and 8 types of mineral. The hepatoprotective effects were observed after 2 weeks of AC treatment at doses of 75 mg/kg, 225 mg/kg, and 675 mg/kg in the mouse model. These effects were indicated by the changes in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, several oxidation-related factors, and inflammatory cytokines in serum and/or liver samples. AC reduced the incidence rate of necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, fatty droplets formation, and cell apoptosis in liver detecting via histological and TUNEL assay. In addition, AC reduced the expression of cleaved caspase-3, -8, and -9 and the levels of phosphor-protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphor-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the liver samples. Collectively, AC-mediated hepatoprotective effects in a mouse model of acute alcohol-induced liver injury are the result of reduction in oxidative stress. This may be associated with Akt/NF-κB signaling. These results provide valuable evidence to support the use of A. cinnamomea as a functional food and/or medicine.

A steroid like phytochemical Antcin M is an anti-aging reagent that eliminates hyperglycemia-accelerated premature senescence in dermal fibroblasts by direct activation of Nrf2 and SIRT-1.

The present study revealed the anti-aging properties of antcin M (ANM) and elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying the effects. We found that exposure of human normal dermal fibroblasts (HNDFs) to high-glucose (HG, 30 mM) for 3 days, accelerated G0/G1 phase arrest and senescence. Indeed, co-treatment with ANM (10 µM) significantly attenuated HG-induced growth arrest and promoted cell proliferation. Further molecular analysis revealed that ANM blocked the HG-induced reduction in G1-S transition regulatory proteins such as cyclin D, cyclin E, CDK4, CDK6, CDK2 and protein retinoblastoma (pRb). In addition, treatment with ANM eliminated HG-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the induction of anti-oxidant genes, HO-1 and NQO-1 via transcriptional activation of Nrf2. Moreover, treatment with ANM abolished HG-induced SIPS as evidenced by reduced senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) activity. This effect was further confirmed by reduction in senescence-associated marker proteins including, p21CIP1, p16INK4A, and p53/FoxO1 acetylation. Also, the HG-induced decline in aging-related marker protein SMP30 was rescued by ANM. Furthermore, treatment with ANM increased SIRT-1 expression, and prevented SIRT-1 depletion. This protection was consistent with inhibition of SIRT-1 phosphorylation at Ser47 followed by blocking its upstream kinases, p38 MAPK and JNK/SAPK. Further analysis revealed that ANM partially protected HG-induced senescence in SIRT-1 silenced cells. A similar effect was also observed in Nrf2 silenced cells. However, a complete loss of protection was observed in both Nrf2 and SIRT-1 knockdown cells suggesting that both induction of Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidant defense and SIRT-1-mediated deacetylation activity contribute to the anti-aging properties of ANM in vitro. Result of in vivo studies shows that ANM-treated C. elegens exhibits an increased survival rate during HG-induced oxidative stress insult. Furthermore, ANM significantly extended the life span of C. elegans. Taken together, our results suggest the potential application of ANM in age-related diseases or as a preventive reagent against aging process.

Increasing anti-Aß-induced neurotoxicity ability of Antrodia camphorata-fermented product with deep ocean water supplementary.

BACKGROUND: Antrodia camphorata is proven to probably inhibit the neurotoxicity of amyloid ß-peptide (Aß), known as a risk factor toward the development of Alzheimer's disease. Deep ocean water (DOW), drawn from an ocean depth of more than 200 m, has proven to stimulate the growth and metabolite biosynthesis of fungi owing to its rich minerals and trace elements. Based on these advantages of DOW, this study used statistical response surface methodology (RSM) to investigate the effects of DOW on the growth and anti-Aß-induced neurocytotoxicity ability of A. camphorata. RESULTS: The results showed that DOW was useful for increasing the biomass of A. camphorata and enhancing its neuroprotective capability. The anti-Aß40-induced neurocytotoxicity ability of filtrate was increased via raising the mycelium-secreted components. Furthermore, the anti-Aß40-induced neurocytotoxicity ability of mycelium was also increased by the DOW-stimulated intracellular antioxidants. Using 80% DOW concentration, initial pH 3.3 and 20% inoculum size as the optimal culture conditions of A. camphorata significantly stimulated the biomass and mycelium-mediated Aß40-induced cell viability from 302 ± 14 mg per 100 mL and 49.2 ± 2.2% to 452 ± 33 mg per 100 mL and 65.0 ± 7.4% respectively. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that DOW could be used as a promising supplementary for the production of A. camphorata secondary metabolites with strong antioxidant activity to protect neuron cells from damage based on Aß stimulation cytotoxicity. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Stimulating the biosynthesis of antroquinonol by addition of effectors and soybean oil in submerged fermentation of Antrodia camphorata.

Antrodia camphorata is a precious medicinal mushroom that has attracted increasing attentions. Antroquinonol has been considered as being among the most biologically active components of A. camphorata. However, it was hardly biosynthesized via conventional submerged fermentation. Two approaches were applied to stimulate the biosynthesis of antroquinonol in submerged fermentation. On one hand, different kinds of effectors that may involve in the antroquinonol biosynthesis were investigated. Among the tested effectors, camphorwood leach liquor was the most effective for stimulating the antroquinonol production. On the other hand, because of the hydrophobic characteristics of antroquinonol, soybean oil was added to establish an extractive fermentation system for alleviating the product inhibition and resulting in enhanced productivity. The highest antroquinonol concentration could be achieved at 89.06 ± 0.14 mg/L when 10% (v/v) soybean oil was added at the beginning of the fermentation. This study will be of great significance for the study of A. camphorata and the bioprocess regulation of antroquinonol production.

Metabolite Profiling and Comparison of Bioactivity in Antrodia cinnamomea and Antrodia salmonea Fruiting Bodies.

Antrodia cinnamomea is a precious edible mushroom endemic to Taiwan that has been claimed to have significant health promotion activities. Antrodia salmonea is a new species of the genus Antrodia. In this study, we compared the metabolites and bioactivity of A. cinnamomea and A. salmonea fruiting bodies. The volatiles of A. cinnamomea and A. salmonea were characterized and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde was found to be the most abundant compound in A. cinnamomea; the other abundant compounds were δ-guaiene, isolongifolene, 1-octen-3-ol, 4-terpinenol, α-guaiene, and p-cymene. In A. salmonea, the main volatiles were α-cedrene, 1-octen-3-ol, D-limonene, cadinadiene, germacrene D, isolongifolene, and α-muurolene. Furthermore, five ergostane-type triterpenoids and two lanostane-type triterpenoids were selected as index compounds characterizing A. cinnamomea and A. salmonea extracts. The content of each compound varied between the two species. (R,S)-antcin B was the most abundant compound in A. cinnamomea fruiting bodies (75.18 ± 0.11 µg/mg). However, (R,S)-antcin C (184.85 ± 0.96 µg/mg) was the major triterpenoid in the A. salmonea fruiting body. Furthermore, two compounds, antcin M and methyl antcinate K, were only present in the A. salmonea fingerprint; therefore, antcin M and methyl antcinate K may be important for distinguishing between A. cinnamomea and A. salmonea fruiting bodies. Finally, examination of anti-inflammation activity and cytotoxicity showed that A. salmonea had more anti-inflammatory activity than A. cinnamomea; however, A. salmonea was more cytotoxic than A. cinnamomea. In conclusion, the composition and bioactivity of the fruiting bodies of A. cinnamomea and A. salmonea varies. Therefore, it is recommended that further toxicological evaluation and investigation of the biological activity of A. salmonea is carried out to ensure its safe and efficacious use as an alternative to A. cinnamomea.

MicroRNA-like small RNAs prediction in the development of Antrodia cinnamomea.

Antrodia cinnamomea, a precious, host-specific brown-rot fungus that has been used as a folk medicine in Taiwan for centuries is known to have diverse bioactive compounds with potent pharmaceutical activity. In this study, different fermentation states of A. cinnamomea (wild-type fruiting bodies and liquid cultured mycelium) were sequenced using the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique. A 45.58 Mb genome encoding 6,522 predicted genes was obtained. High quality reads were assembled into a total of 13,109 unigenes. Using a previously constructed pipeline to search for microRNAs (miRNAs), we then identified 4 predicted conserved miRNA and 63 novel predicted miRNA-like small RNA (milRNA) candidates. Target prediction revealed several interesting proteins involved in tri-terpenoid synthesis, mating type recognition, chemical or physical sensory protein and transporters predicted to be regulated by the miRNAs and milRNAs.

Metabolites identification and multi-component pharmacokinetics of ergostane and lanostane triterpenoids in the anticancer mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea.

Antrodia cinnamomea is a precious medicinal mushroom popularly used for adjuvant cancer therapy in Taiwan. Its major bioactive constituents are ergostane and lanostane triterpenoids. Although clinical trials for A. cinnamomea have been recently initiated, its metabolism remains unclear. The present study aims to elucidate the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of A. cinnamomea in rats. After oral administration of an ethanol extract, 18 triterpenoids and 8 biotransformed metabolites were detected in rats plasma by UHPLC/qTOF-MS. Four of the metabolites were prepared by semi-synthesis and fully identified by NMR, while the others were tentatively characterized by comparing with the metabolites of single compounds (antcins B, C, H and K). Furthermore, a multi-component pharmacokinetic study of A. cinnamomea was carried out to monitor the plasma concentrations of 14 triterpenoids (ergostanes 1-3, 5-8, 14-16; lanostanes 9, 10, 17, 19) and 2 metabolites (M5, M6) by LC/MS/MS in rats after oral administration of the ethanol extract (1.0 g/kg). The results showed that ergostanes and Δ(7,9(11)) lanostanes, but not Δ(8) lanostanes, could get into circulation. The low-polarity ergostanes (antcins B and C) undertook hydrogenation (C-3 or C-7 carbonyl groups) or hydroxylation to produce polar metabolites. High-polarity ergostanes (antcins H and K) and Δ(7,9(11)) lanostanes were metabolically stable. We also discovered that ergostanes and lanostanes showed remarkably different pharmacokinetic patterns. The ergostanes were generally absorbed and eliminated rapidly, whereas the lanostanes remained in the plasma at a low concentration for a relatively long time. The results indicate that high-polarity ergostanes are the major plasma-exposed components of A. cinnamomea, and may play an important role in its therapeutic effects.

Induction of Nrf2-mediated genes by Antrodia salmonea inhibits ROS generation and inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.

Antrodia salmonea (AS), a well-known medicinal mushroom in Taiwan, has been reported to exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-angiogenic, anti-atherogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, we investigated the activation of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant genes in RAW264.7 macrophages by the fermented culture broth of AS, studied the resulting protection against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammation, and revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying these protective effects. We found that non-cytotoxic concentrations of AS (25-100 µg mL⁻¹) protected macrophages from LPS-induced cell death and ROS generation in a dose-dependent manner. The antioxidant potential of AS was directly correlated with the increased expression of the antioxidant genes HO-1, NQO-1, and γ-GCLC, as well as the level of intracellular GSH followed by an increase in the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway. Furthermore, Nrf2 knockdown diminished the protective effects of AS, as evidenced by the increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including PGE2, NO, TNF-α, and IL-1ß, in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Notably, AS treatment significantly inhibited LPS-induced ICAM-1 expression in macrophages. Our data suggest that the anti-inflammatory potential of Antrodia salmonea is mediated by the activation of Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defense mechanisms. Results support the traditional usage of this beneficial mushroom for the treatment of free radical-related diseases and inflammation.

Alpha-terpineol promotes triterpenoid production of Antrodia cinnamomea in submerged culture.

Antrodia cinnamomea is a medicinal mushroom producing potent bioactive triterpenoids. However, triterpenoids of A. cinnamomea in submerged culture are much less than those in fruiting bodies. Here we evaluated effects of different extracts from a host-related species, Cinnamomum camphora, on the mycelial growth and triterpenoid production of A. cinnamomea in submerged culture. The hot water extract of the stem showed the strongest promotion of the mycelial growth. The petroleum ether extract of the stem (PES) (0.05 g L(-1)) showed the greatest stimulatory effect on content and production of triterpenoids. A total of 39 compounds including terpenoids, phenolic and aromatic compounds were identified in the PES by GC-MS analysis. Furthermore, the effects of seven compounds contained in the PES on the mycelial growth and triterpenoid production of A. cinnamomea were evaluated. Among them, α-terpineol (0.5 mg L(-1)) showed the greatest stimulatory effect on the triterpenoid content (23.31 mg g(-1)) and triterpenoid production (91.33 mg L(-1)) of A. cinnamomea. Results of LC-MS analysis showed that α-terpineol (0.5 mg L(-1)) stimulated the syntheses of six triterpenoids in the mycelia of A. cinnamomea. This indicates that α-terpineol can act as an elicitor for triterpenoid biosynthesis in A. cinnamomea.

Enhanced production of triterpenoid in submerged cultures of Antrodia cinnamomea with the addition of citrus peel extract.

In recent years, Antrodia cinnamomea has become a well-known medicinal mushroom in Taiwan. Triterpenoids are considered one of the most biologically active components found in A. cinnamomea. The aim of this research is to investigate the feasibility of enhancing triterpenoid production in shake flask cultures of A. cinnamomea by adding citrus peel extract. As a result of its containing essential oils, citrus peel extract is inhibitory to mycelial growth. In the experiments, the appropriate adding time is determined to be on day 7. Of the various citrus peel extracts tested, tangerine proves to be the most effective in enhancing polyphenol and triterpenoid production. With an addition of 2% (v/v), the content and production of total polyphenols rises from 5.95 mg/g DW of the control and 56.73 mg/L to 23.52 mg/g DW and 224.39 mg/L, respectively, on day 28. The production of triterpenoids also increases from 99.93 to 1,028.02 mg/L, for more than a tenfold increase. An optimal level of tangerine peel additive is determined to be around 4%. Furthermore, when compared with the mycelia of the control culture, the profiles of the HPLC analysis show that the mycelia cultured with the tangerine-peel addition contain more kinds of triterpenoids. This study demonstrates that the addition of citrus peel extract effectively enhances the production of bioactive metabolites in the submerged cultures of A. cinnamomea.

Review of biological and pharmacological activities of the endemic Taiwanese bitter medicinal mushroom, Antrodia camphorata (M. Zang et C. H. Su) Sh. H. Wu et al. (higher Basidiomycetes).

Antrodia camphorata is an extremely rare fungus native to the forested regions of Taiwan. It is also a traditional Chinese medicine, and Taiwanese aborigines applied it for treating liver diseases and protecting from food and drug intoxication. Scientific studies have demonstrated that A. camphorata crude extracts and pure compounds possess a variety of beneficial functions, such as anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, and immuno-modulatory activities. Recent studies have shown that many of these biological and pharmacological activities can be attributed to various active constituents, including polysaccharides, terpenoids, steroids, lignans, benzoquinone derivatives, benzenoids, and maleic and succinic acid derivatives. A. camphorata has been considered as a novel phytotherapeutic agent. However, detailed mechanistic studies or even clinical trials on A. camphorata are still rare. With the help of modern analytical techniques, it is not surprising that many novel constituents are being identified or fractionated from A. camphorata mycelium and fruiting bodies. This review summarizes the latest published results from A. camphorata research, focusing on the biological and pharmacological activities of the crude extract and known constituents of A. camphorata.

Antrodia albida (Fr.) Donk (higher Basidiomycetes) as a source of metabolites of biotechnological interest.

The basidiomycete Antrodia albida was grown in different culture media to study the production of biomass and its active substances. A progressive increase in fungal biomass throughout the 30-day incubation period was observed. The extracts showed discrete antibacterial activity, and the chemical analysis by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry revealed a total of 17 substances in the fungal extracts, including sugars and furanones.

Production of bioactive exopolysaccharides from bitter medicinal mushroom, Antrodia camphorata (M. Zang et C.H. Su) Sh.H. Wu et al. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) in submerged cultivation.

This study examines the effects of various fructose concentrations in media on the production and quality of bioactive exopolysaccharides (EPS) from Bitter medicinal mushroom, Antrodia camphorata in submerged cultures. The fructose in media of submerged cultures of A. camphorata significantly affected the production, average molecular weight (Mn), and antioxidant activity of exopolysaccharides. The specific growth rate decreased monotonically from 0.33 to 0.25 1/day as the fructose concentration increased from 10 to 60 g/L; however, maximum production and productivity for EPS increased from 75.23 to 164.87 mg/L and 6.27 to 9.70 mg/L/day, respectively. In addition, the fed-batch culture used in this study significantly improved the production of EPS (2.43-fold enhancement, from 75.23 to 182.99 mg/L), number average molecular weights of EPS (1.47-fold enhancement, from 5.44 x 10, to 7.98 x 10(5) Da), protein/exopolysaccharide ratios (1.63-fold enhancement, from 16% to 26%), and antioxidant activity of EPS (1.32-fold enhancement, from 60% to 79%), as compared with corresponding properties of batch fermentation at 10 g/L fructose in an air-lift bioreactor. The antioxidant activity of EPS was highly correlated with number average molecular weights (R2 = 0.90) and protein/exopolysaccharide ratios (R2 = 0.96). The positive results of this research have successfully verified the promotion efficiency on the production and quality of EPS from the medicinal mushroom A. camphorata.

Metabolite profiles for Antrodia cinnamomea fruiting bodies harvested at different culture ages and from different wood substrates.

Antrodia cinnamomea is a precious edible fungus endemic to Taiwan that has long been used as a folk remedy for health promotion and for treating various diseases. In this study, an index of 13 representative metabolites from the ethanol extract of A. cinnamomea fruiting body was established for use in quality evaluation. Most of the index compounds selected, particularly the ergostane-type triterpenoids and polyacetylenes, possess good anti-inflammation activity. A comparison of the metabolite profiles of different ethanol extracts from A. cinnamomea strains showed silmilar metabolites when the strains were grown on the original host wood (Cinnamomum kanehirai) and harvested after the same culture time period (9 months). Furthermore, the amounts of typical ergostane-type triterpenoids in A. cinnamomea increased with culture age. Culture substrates also influenced metabolite synthesis; with the same culture age, A. cinnamomea grown on the original host wood produced a richer array of metabolites than A. cinnamomea cultured on other wood species. We conclude that analysis of a fixed group of compounds including triterpenoids, benzolics, and polyacetylenes constitutes a suitable, reliable system to evaluate the quality of ethanol extract from A. cinnamomea fruiting bodies. The evaluation system established in this study may provide a platform for analysis of the products of A. cinnamomea.