Nitrogen-phosphorus dual-doped auricularia auricula porous carbon as host for Li-S battery.

A nitrogen-phosphorus dual-doped porous spore carbon (NP-PSC) positive electrode matrix was prepared using native auricularia auricula as solid medium based on the principle of biomass rot. Yeast was introduce and cultured by the auricularia auricula solid medium. The freeze-drying and carbonization activation processes made the materials present a three-dimensional porous spore carbon aerogel properties. Yeast fermentation transformed auricularia auricula from blocky structure to porous structure and introduced nitrogen-phosphorus dual-doping. The physical and chemical properties of the prepared materials were characterized in detail. Electrochemical performance of NP-PSC in Li-S batteries was systematically investigated. Porous structure and heteroatom-doping improved the electrochemical performance, which is much superior to conventional activated carbon materials.

Effects of Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.) Quél. polysaccharide acid hydrolysate on glucose metabolism in diabetic mice under oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress can lead to uncontrolled glucose metabolism and, thus, diabetes. Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.) Quél. polysaccharides possess biological activities, such as antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects, but their mechanism of their acid hydrolysates on oxidative stress-injured glucose metabolism disorders is unclear. PURPOSE: Using diabetic mice, we investigated the effect of the acid hydrolysate of polysaccharides from Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.) Quél. on improving diabetes. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The structural information of sample polysaccharides was measured by high performance gel permeation chromatography, nuclear magnetic resolution, and high performance liquid chromatography. The diabetic model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. For eight consecutive weeks, the mice were orally administered sample polysaccharides (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg b.w. per day) for intervention. The improvement effect of the samples on diabetes was explored by detecting the changes in biochemical indicators in mice, and the underlying mechanism was studied by transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that acid hydrolysate of Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.) Quél. polysaccharides consisted mainly of mannose, xylose, glucuronic acid, and glucose; its weight-averaged molecular weight was 6.3842 × 104 Dalton, its number average molecular weight was 2.9594 × 104 Dalton; and the molecule contained α-Glc(1→4)-, ß-Glc(1→3)-, and ß-Man(1→4)-linked glycosidic bonds. A total of 100 mg/kg b.w. per day sample was the best intervention concentration. After eight weeks of intervention, the sample polysaccharides significantly reduced dynamic blood glucose and serum lipids, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, promoted glucagon like peptide-1 and insulin secretion, improved insulin sensitivity and alleviated insulin resistance in diabetic mice. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses showed that sample polysaccharides was able to ameliorate disorders of glucose metabolism by modulating gene expression such as glucokinase; and modulate the state of oxidative stress in mice in vivo by regulating the glutathione metabolism pathway. CONCLUSION: Acid hydrolysate of Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.) Quél. polysaccharides improved glucose metabolism disorders by slowing down the oxidative stress injury in mice, thereby alleviating diabetes. This study provided a basis for determining the underlying mechanism of the antidiabetic effect of Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.) Quél. polysaccharides, which would significantly improve the deep development and application of these materials in diabetes control.

Antioxidant Defenses Against Air Humidity Stress in Fruit Bodies of Auricularia heimuer (Agaricomycetes).

Air humidity is an important environmental factor restricting the fruit body growth of Auricularia heimuer. Low air humidity causes the fruit body to desiccate and enter dormancy. However, the survival mechanisms to low air humidity for fruit bodies before dormancy remain poorly understood. In the present study, we cultivated A. heimuer in a greenhouse and collected the fruit bodies at different air humidities (90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, and 50%) to determine the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH); and the activities of enzymatic antioxidants including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR). Results showed that the MDA contents tended to increase with decreasing relative air humidity. Relative air humidity below 90% caused membrane lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress (based on MDA contents) to the fruit body, which we named air humidity stress. In contrast to the control and with the degree of stress, the GSH contents and activities of SOD, CAT, GR, GPX, and APX tended to ascend, whereas AsA showed a declining trend; the POD activity only rose at 50%. The antioxidants favored the fruit body to alleviate oxidative damage and strengthened its tolerance to air humidity stress. The antioxidant defense system could be an important mechanism for the fruit body of A. heimuer in air humidity stress.

Green synthesis of Zn2+ nanocarriers from Auricularia auricula fermentation broth with excellent antioxidant activity.

Nanoparticles (NPs) possessing nanoscale dimensions and remarkable antioxidant activity were synthesized via a green hydrothermal method utilizing Auricularia auricula fermentation broth, referred to as AFNPs. The functional groups on the surface of the AFNPs significantly contributed to the formation of AFNPs-Zn2+. The AFNPs-Zn2+ appeared a zinc retention rate of 40.80 % after gastrointestinal digestion. When compared to typical zinc supplements, AFNPs-Zn2+ did not exhibit visible cytotoxicity or hemolysis. Furthermore, AFNPs-Zn2+ demonstrated the ability to mitigate cell damage resulting from zinc deficiency. In vivo experiments showed that AFNPs-Zn2+ were mainly observed in the stomach, intestine, kidney, and testis after oral administration. In vivo distribution experiments indicated predominant presence of AFNPs-Zn2+ in the stomach, intestine, kidney, and testis following oral administration. This study highlights the potential for Auricularia auricula NPs to serve as the efficient, stable, and safe nanocarriers for Zn2+.

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

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 ß-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.

Determination of Detrimental and Essential Elements in Medicinal Mushrooms Tylopilus felleus, Auricularia auricula-judae, and Pleurotus ostreatus (Agaricomycetes).

In this study, selected detrimental and essential elements were determined in fruiting bodies of Auricularia auricula-judae, Tylopilus felleus, and Pleurotus ostreatus medicinal mushrooms. A. auricula-judae and T. felleus were collected from sampling sites situated in South Bohemia, the Czech Republic, while P. ostreatus samples were obtained after cultivation under defined conditions on a straw substrate block. The elements were determined in underlying soils for T. felleus and bioconcentration factors were calculated. The analysis revealed that T. felleus accumulated Rb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Se, and Mg, with bioconcentration factors of 65.7, 2.47, 2.32, 1.93, 1.67, and 1.27, respectively. The analysis also revealed high contents (expressed as medians) of Ca (1600 mg/kg) and Mg (2040 mg/kg) in A. auricula-judae. On the other hand, the contents of detrimental elements such as Pb (0.10 mg/kg), Cd (0.33 mg/kg), and As (0.10 mg/kg) were lower. In cultivated P. ostreatus, lower element contents for Pb (< 0.05 mg/kg), Al (3.92 mg/kg), Ca (53.6 mg/kg), Mn (3.22 mg/kg), Ni (0.11 mg/kg), and Sr (0.93 mg/kg) were determined compared to both wild-growing A. auricula-judae and T. felleus. No negative effect on human health is expected for the mushroom species studied due to the accumulation of detrimental microelements.

Impact of Storage Temperatures on the Quality of Oven-Dried Black Jelly Mushroom, Auricularia nigricans (Agaricomycetes).

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of various storage temperatures (4, 25, and 35°C) on quality parameters and microbial counts of oven-dried black jelly mushroom (Auricularia nigricans) for a period of 60 days. The mushroom was dried using a cabinet dryer at 60°C for 24 h to a constant weight prior to storage. The water activity of oven-dried A. nigricans indicated a 96% increment (35°C) compared to 40% (4°C) after being stored for 60 days. Similarly, moisture content showed approximately 4-fold elevation at 35°C compared to a 2-fold increase at 4°C after 60 days. However, at the end of storage, total phenolic content underwent a 46% reduction for storage at 35°C compared to a 29% reduction at 4°C. Likewise, the ferric reducing antioxidant power was also reduced nearly 45% (35°C) compared to 40%(4°C). Microbial counts at 4°C were lower [6.40 log colony forming units (CFU)/g] compared to storage at 35°C (6.47 log CFU/g) after 60 days. Taken altogether, the best storage temperature for oven-dried black jelly mushroom was at 4°C.

Human Hemoglobin S Erythrocyte-Stabilizing and Antisickling Potential of Extract of Wood Ear Mushroom, Auricularia auricula (Agaricomycetes).

The increased prevalence and mortality of sickle cell disease necessitates more research on its management and treatment. This study investigated the antisickling potential of Auricularia auricula obtained from its natural environment within the University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria. Freshly harvested mushrooms were washed, air-dried, and ground and distilled water was added. The mixture was divided into two parts; one part was extracted by cold maceration and lyophilized to give cold maceration extract, while the filtrate obtained after boiling and cooling of the second part was dried in an autodesiccator to give decoction extract. Volumes of both extracts were obtained via serial dilution. Sickle cell hemoglobin S (HbS) erythrocytes were obtained by centrifuging HbS-blood in 0.9% physiological saline. The percentage of lysis decreased when 10 and 5 mg/mL of both extracts were added to erythrocytes suspended in hypotonic buffered saline, while the lowest median corpuscular fragility was observed for cold maceration extract at 5 mg/mL. The lowest negative percentage of stability and highest morphological stability were observed for decoction extract at 10 and 5 mg/mL after 5 min of culturing in decoction extract, respectively. The ability of A. auricula extracts (mainly the decoction extract) to reverse and stabilize erythrocyte membrane integrity and morphology is a clear indication that this mushroom may offer a valuable natural option for the treatment and management of sickle cell anemia.

Effect of Enzyme-Assisted Extraction on the Chemical Properties and Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides Obtained from the Wood Ear Mushroom, Auricularia auricula (Agaricomycetes).

An effective method of polysaccharide extraction from Auricularia auricula (AAPs) by mannanase was developed and optimized by response surface methodology in which the ABTS+ [diammonium 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylben-zothiazoline-6-sulfonate radical] scavenging rate was the response. AAPs were graded by stepwise ethanol precipitation with concentrations of 5, 10, 15, and 20% ethanol successively. The fractions with a strong radical scavenging rate were obtained, and then their antioxidant stress effect was studied using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. The ABTS+ scavenging rate of AAPs could reach 37.95 ± 0.53% at a temperature of 55°C, a time of 4 h, a liquid-to-material ratio of 58 mL/1 g, and an enzyme-to-substrate ratio of 2.97%. AAP-20 obtained by 20% ethanol with a strong radical scavenging rate was a heteropolysaccharide composed of mannose, glucose, galactose, xylose, and glucuronic acid. AAP-20 could significantly prolong the lifespan of C. elegans under oxidative stress conditions induced by methyl viologen or hydrogen peroxide, and it could also enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase at 0.50 mg/mL (P < 0.05). These studies showed that AAPs prepared with mannanase had a significant protective effect against damage induced by intracellular radical generating agents.

Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Natural Melanin Extracted from the Wild Wood Ear Mushroom, Auricularia auricula (Agaricomycetes).

In this study, melanin from wild Auricularia auricula (WAA) was isolated using an ultra-high pressure (UHP)-assisted extraction method, and the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of WAA melanin were investigated. Under the optimized extraction conditions of a solid/liquid ratio of 1:30, a UHP of 450 MPa, a 22-min pressure holding time, a 1-mol/L NaOH concentration, and acid precipitation for 8 h, the WAA melanin extraction yield was 7.9 ± 0.16%. Moreover, the results showed that the surface of WAA melanin lacked structural order. Most melanin showed an average diameter of 1000 nm. WAA melanin had strong absorption at a wavelength of 210 nm and displayed typical characteristic absorption peaks. Moreover, WAA melanin contained 48.51% C, 6.88% H, 5.26% N, 0.45% S, and 38.90% O and may be a 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine melanin. An analysis of physicochemical properties showed that WAA melanin had good stability toward heat, light, and low concentrations of reducing agents and oxidizing agents. Furthermore, WAA melanin presented certain free radical scavenging activity. This study demonstrates that wild A. auricula melanin may have potential applications in the cosmetic or food industries as a natural antioxidant.

Anti-obesity effect of Auricularia heimuer fruiting body alcohol extraction on obese mice and crucial metabolite pathway analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

In recent years, the increasing obese and overweight population has become a worldwide public health problem, as there is no effective medication to control obesity. Auricularia heimuer is rich in active substances that have potential biologically active functions. The anti-obesity effect and mechanism of Auricularia heimuer fruiting body alcohol extraction (AHA, 150-600 mg/kg·bw) was investigated in obese mice by assessing changes in endogenous liver metabolites using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach. The aim of this study was to identify an effective food to control human obesity. AHA of 600 mg/kg·bw (HC) significantly decreased body weight and improved serum biochemistry indices. Sixty-eight liver metabolites were identified and significantly separated among the normal, high-fat diet (HFD), and HC groups. Moreover, the metabolic analysis revealed that HC significantly regulated specific metabolites in mice including amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrate compounds. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed that HC was significantly involved in different metabolite pathways including arachidonic acid metabolism, galactose metabolism, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, linoleic acid metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Eight weeks after supplementing with HC, major metabolites in related pathways that were disrupted by an HFD were restored to normal levels, suggesting that HC had anti-obesity activity.

Auricularia polytricha ethanol crude extract from sequential maceration induces lipid accumulation and inflammatory suppression in RAW264.7 macrophages.

Auricularia polytricha (AP), an edible mushroom, is continuously being studied due to the medicinal properties. In this study, AP crude extracts from three sequential extraction, starting from hexane (APH), ethanol (APE) and water (APW), were examined for their anti-inflammatory activity and lipid accumulation property in macrophages. APE treatment was found to increase lipid droplet accumulation in both RAW264.7 and LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, nitric oxide production upon LPS stimulation was suppressed on APE pre-treatment. LC-MS analysis was performed to identify the potential bioactive compounds in APE. The PPARγ agonist, 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2-2-glycerol ester (15d-PGJ2-G), was uniquely presented in APE, which was previously described to bind with PPARγ and induces lipid uptake via the upregulation of Cd36. We found that pre-treatment with APE also showed an increase in Cd36 mRNA in RAW264.7 cells, indicating that 15d-PGJ2-G is the potential active compound found in AP. In conclusion, APE exhibited the induction of lipid uptake via CD36, resulting in lipid accumulation.

Preparation of Wood Ear Medicinal Mushroom, Auricularia auricula-judae (Agaricomycetes), Melanin and Its Antioxidant Properties: Evaluation In Vitro and In Vivo.

This study investigated the extraction method of Auricularia auricula-judae melanin, focusing on the tough cell wall of the fruiting body and its free radical scavenging ability and antioxidant effects on Caenorhabditis elegans. The biological enzymatic method was performed to break the cell wall and prepare melanin extract. Further, extraction conditions were optimized using the Box-Behnken design. The in vitro free radical scavenging ability of melanin and its antioxidant effects on C. elegans were also studied. The results showed that A. auricula-judae melanin had strong absorption at a wavelength of 192 nm, with a absorbance-concentration equation of y = 0.7042x + 0.2114. Enzyme extraction under the following conditions yielded melanin of 2.21% ± 0.03%: 150 min, enzyme-to-substrate ratio of 1.1%, pH 4.4, 50°C, and 52 min. Free radical scavenging ability of A. auricula-judae melanin to superoxide anion-, ABTS+., and OH· radicals was concentration dependent. For example, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, the scavenging rate of these free radicals was 85.71% ± 0.02%, 91.34% ± 0.01%, and 91.81% ± 0.01%, respectively. A. auricula-judae melanin could significantly prolong the lifespan of C. elegans (P < 0.05), and enhance locomotion behavior of C. elegans compared with the worms in the vehicle group (P < 0.05).

Comparison of Cooking Methods on Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of the Black Jelly Mushroom, Auricularia polytricha (Heterobasidiomycetes).

Black jelly mushroom (Auricularia polytricha) is a well-known Chinese traditional food that has therapeutic effects. This study evaluated the effects of different cooking methods (boiling, steaming, microwaving, and stir-frying) on the physicochemical characteristics (i.e., total phenolic content, antioxidants, α,α-diphenyl-ß-picryl-hydrazyl [DPPH] free radical scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]) along with color, texture, moisture, and sensory properties of black jelly mushrooms. Lightness (L*) was significantly lower for the stir-frying method (29.93) compared to the control (34.62). Stir-fried mushrooms had significantly lower firmness force (texture) and moisture content (80.13 N and 61.98%, respectively) compared to the control (2000.37 N and 86.52%). The steaming method contributed significantly higher total phenolic content (11.23 mg gallic acid equivalents/g) and antioxidant activity measured using the FRAP (33.54 mg Trolox equivalents/g) and DPPH (90.41% inhibition) assays compared to the respective controls.

Preparation of Wood Ear Mushroom, Auricularia auricula-judae (Agaricomycetes), Polysaccharides by Neutral Protease and Their Antioxidant Stress Capacity.

Response surface methodology with a Box-Behnken design was used to investigate the effects of a neutral protease on Auricularia auricula-judae polysaccharide (AAP) extraction yield. Four ethanol concentrations (30%, 50%, 70%, and 90%) were used to grade AAPs. Optimal fractions with a high polysaccharide recovery rate and a strong free radical scavenging rate were obtained, and their antioxidant stress effect was studied using Caenorhabditis elegans as the model organism. The results showed that among the factors affecting AAP yield (temperature, liquid-to-A. auricula-judae powder, enzyme usage, time, pH, etc.), temperature, ratio of liquid-to-A. auricula-judae powder, and time had the most obvious effects. AAP yield reached 13.91% ± 0.95% at a temperature of 7°C, liquid-to-material ratio of 75 mL/g, and extraction time of 70 min. High AAP recovery rates and strong free radical scavenging rates of 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt and 1,1-dibenzoyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine were obtained by 30% ethanol (AAPs1). Results from the anti-hydrogen peroxide and methyl viologen stress experiment showed that AAPsl could significantly prolong the life of worms under oxidative stress compared to the negative control group (P < 0.05).

In Vitro Antioxidation, Antihepatic Steatosis, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Auricularia nigricans (Agaricomycetes).

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently one of the most common liver diseases worldwide. Lifestyle modifications through the diet are the mainstay of treatment. Auricularia nigricans is a popular edible mushroom known to possess medicinal properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis indicated that linoleic acid ethyl ester, butyl 9,12-octadecadienoate, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, ergosta-5,7,22-trien-3-ol, 2(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7-hydroxy-5-benzene propanoic acid, and 3,30-di-0-methyl ellagic acid were present in the A. nigricans ethyl acetate (EA) fraction. The cytotoxicity assay showed that the EA fraction was noncytotoxic to HepG2 cells at concentrations < 100 µg/mL. In the antihepatic steatosis assay, 50 µg/mL of EA fraction caused a decline in absorbance to 0.20 ± 0.02 compared to palmitic acid (PA)-induced cells (0.24 ± 0.02). Furthermore, cells treated with 50 µg/mL and 25 µg/mL of EA fraction contributed an approximately 1.12-fold and 1.08-fold decrease in lipid accumulation compared to PA-induced cells. Coincubation with PA and 25 µg/mL of EA fraction decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 to 140.48 ± 8.12, 91.16 ± 2.40, 184.00 ± 22.68, and 935.88 ± 39.36 pg/mL compared to PA-induced cells. The presence of the EA fraction also suppressed the stress-activated protein kinase/Jun amino-terminal kinase, p-38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor-κB, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathways. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the A. nigricans EA fraction demonstrates antisteatotic effects involving antioxidant capacity, hypolipidemic effects, and anti-inflammatory capacity in the PA-induced NAFLD pathological cell model.

Renoprotective effects of enzyme-hydrolyzed polysaccharides from Auricularia polytricha on adenine-induced chronic kidney diseases in mice.

The present work was aimed to investigate the protective effects of enzymatic-hydrolyzed Auricularia polytricha polysaccharides (EnAPS) on renal functions. The characterizations were analyzed by physicochemical methods, and the renoprotections were processed in adenine-induced chronic kidney diseases (CKD) models of mice. Animal experiments exhibited that EnAPS showed superior renal-protections contributing to its antioxidant effects of increasing the enzyme activities and decreasing the lipid contents, and anti-inflammatory effects of reducing proinflammatory cytokines than A. polytricha polysaccharides (APS). Besides, the anti-apoptosis effects of EnAPS was proved by down-regulating Bax and Caspase-3 expressions and up-regulating Bcl-2 expressions by molecular biotechnology, and the anti-fibrosis effects was confirmed by histopathological observations of staining. The characterizations indicated that lower molecular weights possibly contributed to the superior renoprotective effects. These results suggested that enzymatic hydrolysis had potential effects in enhancing the bioactivities, and the polysaccharides could be used in the development of functional foods supplement against CKD.

Effect of Auricularia auricula fermentation broth on the liver and stomach of mice with acute alcoholism.

In this paper, the protective effect of Auricularia auricula (A. auricula) fermentation broth on the liver and stomach of mice with acute alcoholism was studied. The A. auricula fermentation broth was prepared by adding Bacillus subtilis, lactic acid bacteria, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to A. auricula solution. The changes of physical and chemical indexes during the fermentation of A. auricula were monitored, and the results showed the content of polysaccharides and protein in the two kinds of fermentation broth after the fermentation was completed. Furthermore, the characteristic structures of active substances such as proteins, polysaccharides and phenolics were found in the A. auricula fermentation by structural analysis. Antioxidant activity test results showed that the A. auricula fermentation broth had a strong ability to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals. Cell experiments showed that the fermentation broth of A. auricula could significantly enhance the activity of NRK cells and protect NRK cells from H2O2 damage. Animal experiments showed that the A. auricula fermentation broth had protective effects on the liver and stomach of mice with acute alcoholism, and significantly reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in serum. These results indicated that the A. auricula fermentation broth had protective effects on the liver and stomach of mice with acute alcoholism, and could be used as a potential functional food to prevent liver and stomach damage caused by acute alcoholism.

Optimization of Fermentation Process and Its Impact on Gene Transcription of Intracellular Polysaccharide Synthesis in the Wood Ear Medicinal Mushroom Auricularia auricula-judae (Agaricomycetes).

To improve the production of mycelial biomass and intracellular polysaccharide (IPS), the culture medium composition and culture condition were respectively optimized by response surface methodology and one-factor-at-a-time methodology. The impact of fermentation process on the transcription of genes involved in IPS synthesis was evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The yield of biomass and IPS were increased by 150% and 177% under the optimized fermentation process, respectively. Moreover, the optimization of fermentation process significantly increased the transcription of genes involved in IPS synthesis, especially pgm-1, ugp, and pgi. This is the first exploration of gene transcription profile for IPS synthesis of Auricularia auricula-judae under submerged fermentation. These results could provide a potential tool for fermentation process optimization and transcriptional regulation of IPS biosynthesis in A. auricula-judae.

Influence of Nigerian Jelly Ear Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Auricularia auricula-judae (Agaricomycetes), on Humoral and Cellular Immunity.

The fruiting body of Auricularia auricula-judae has received attention in folk medicine due to its possible medicinal values. Therefore, this study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of the hot aqueous extract (AAAJ) and the ß-D-glucan-rich polysaccharide fraction of A. auricula-judae (BGPA) on specific and nonspecific humoral and cell mediated immune responses in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice. Oral supplementation with AAAJ or BGPA (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) produced significantly high titers of total OVA specific or TT specific IgG1 and IgG2a compared with the levels in untreated control. Oral administration of AAAJ or BGPA (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) evoked a significant increase in carbon clearance at all doses, indicating stimulation of the reticuloendothelial system, and potentiated the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction induced by sheep red blood cells (SRBC) compared with the untreated mice. Total lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, and lymphocytes count increased significantly (P < 0.05) at all doses, following acute administration of AAAJ or BGPA (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg), showing increased protection toward cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression compared with the untreated negative control group. In the hemolytic complement assay, AAAJ and BGPA at all doses significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the hemolytic activity of the complement proteins on the sensitized SRBC. The present study reveals that the extract holds promise as an immunomodulatory agent and strengthens the rationale for its use in traditional medicine.