Ethanol extract of the mushroom Coprinus comatus exhibits antidiabetic and antioxidant activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

CONTEXT: Edible mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional Chinese or Japanese medicine. Coprinus comatus (O.F. Müll.) Pers. (Agaricaceae) contains antioxidant and antidiabetic agents. OBJECTIVE: To identify the benefits of ethanol extracts of the C. comatus fruit body in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic rats by evaluating their blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), and glutathione (GSH) levels, with and without extract administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were either left untreated or were administered 45 mg/kg body weight (BW) streptozotocin; 45 mg/kg BW metformin; or 250, 500, or 750 mg/kg BW extract for 14 days. The blood glucose, GLP-1, DPP-4, GSH, insulin, and HbA1c levels were determined. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range tests. RESULTS: Preliminary data showed that administration of C. comatus ethanol extract dose of 250, 500, and 750 mg orally has no toxicity effects after 24 h administration. The ethanolic extract of fruiting body of C. comatus considerably reduced the rat's fasting blood glucose levels 26.69%, and DPP-4 6.97% at dose of 750 mg. The extract reduced HbA1c 4-4.30%, increased GLP-1 71.09%, GSH 11.19% at dose of 500 mg, and increased insulin levels 13.83%. Extracts contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoid, alkaloid, terpenoids, vitamins C and E, rutin, and saponin. CONCLUSIONS: The C. comatus extract can be used as herbal medicine that reduces diabetic symptoms. Further investigation on C. comatus extracts should be conducted with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to characterise the bioactive compounds.

Polarography as a technique of choice for the evaluation of total antioxidant activity: The case study of selected Coprinus Comatus extracts and quinic acid, their antidiabetic ingredient.

This study was focused on in vitro screening of the total antioxidant activity of the selected extracts of the mushroom Coprinus comatus and quinic acid, one of their antidiabetic ingredients, by an uncommon electrochemical assay. Indeed, direct current (DC) polarographic HydroxoPerhydroxo Mercury(II) Complex (HPMC) assay based on decrease of anodic limiting current originating from HPMC formation in alkaline solutions of hydrogen peroxide at potential of mercury dissolution, observed upon gradual addition of antioxidants, was applied herein for the estimation of the natural products' antioxidativity. Quinic acid was found to exhibit most promising antioxidant potential (4.0 ± 0.2%µL-1) being ≈ 2-fold more active than the screened C. comatus extract samples. Actually, such a finding puts some light on the antioxidativity of cyclic polyols, well understimated class of organic compounds, compared to aromatic (poly)phenolics. As a low cost, easy-to handle and accurate this polarographic assay may be thoroughly recommended for much broader use. [Formula: see text].

Characterization and anti-diabetic nephropathic ability of mycelium polysaccharides from Coprinus comatus.

It seems quite necessary for obtaining effective substances from natural products against the diabetic nephropathic (DN) with the presently clinical problems of accompanying side-effects and lowing life qualities. This work aimed to characterize the primary structure of Coprinus comatus mycelium polysaccharides (CMP) and investigate the abilities against DN in streptozotocin induced mice models. The results indicated that CMP could improve insulin resistance and energy metabolism, and significantly suppress dysfunction on kidney and relieve the renal oxidative stress and inflammation in DN mice. Besides, the western blot results suggested that CMP reversed renal injury by modulating the PTEN/PI3K/Akt and Wnt-1/ß-catenin pathways. The structure analysis indicated the typical characterizations with the major monosaccharide-compositions of galactose, α-pyranose configuration and proper molecular weights of 495.8 kDa possibly contributed to the anti-diabetic nephropathic effects of CMP. The results suggested that polysaccharides form C. comatus could be used as functional foods/drugs on preventing diabetic nephropathy.

Mushrooms as potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer: Evaluation of anti-glioma effects of Coprinus comatus, Cantharellus cibarius, Lycoperdon perlatum and Lactarius deliciosus extracts.

Cancer incidence rates are on the increase worldwide. The most common brain cancer in adults is glioblastoma. Currently available treatment modalities are limited and natural products such as mushrooms could enhance them. Apart from nutritional value, mushrooms are an excellent source of bioactive compounds and therefore could be used to treat various disorders. The aim of the study was to assess the anti-glioma potential of selected mushrooms on U87MG, LN-18 glioblastoma and SVGp12 normal human astroglial cell lines. The materials were Cantharellus cibarius, Coprinus comatus, Lycoperdon perlatum and Lactarius delicious. Aqueous, 70 % ethanol or 95 % ethanol extracts from mushrooms were used for analysis including assessment of antioxidant activity by DPPH assay, cell viability by MTT assay, DNA biosynthesis by thymidine incorporation assay, activity of metalloproteinase by gelatin zymography and cell cycle assay by flow cytometry. Mushroom extracts influenced the viability and DNA biosynthesis of cancer cells. Activity of ethanol mushroom extracts was stronger than that of aqueous extracts. Anti-glioma mechanism consisted in inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis associated with arrest of cells in subG1 or G2/M phase of cell cycle, and inhibition of metalloproteinases activity. Among investigated mushrooms, L. deliciosus and C. comatus showed the greatest anti-glioma potential.

The Shaggy Ink Cap Medicinal Mushroom, Coprinus comatus (Agaricomycetes), a Versatile Functional Species: A Review.

Coprinus comatus, an edible and medicinal mushroom, not only tastes delicious, but also has various pharmacological activities. Recently, it has been reported that researchers have extracted more and more active ingredients, including polysaccharides, comatin, active protein complexes, and phenols from fruit bodies, mycelium, or fermentation liquor of C. comatus and studied their corresponding functions. At present, researchers mainly focus on the hypoglycemic effect of C. comatus, while other effects are less studied. This paper summarizes not only the hypoglycemic effect of C. comatus, but also other functions, such as antioxidant activity, alcohol liver protection, cancer inhibition, antiandrogenic function, anti-inflammatory effect, treatment of leukemia, and so on, which will provide scientific basis for the deep processing and comprehensive utilization of C. comatus.

The two faces of Coprinus comatus-Functional properties and potential hazards.

Mushrooms have been used for centuries not only as food but also in traditional medicine as a source of components with pro-health activity. One of them is Coprinus comatus (O.F.Müll.) Pers. also called shaggy mane, chicken drumstick mushroom, or lawyer's wig. In Asian countries, C. comatus (CC) is approved as edible mushroom and often cultivated for consumption, whereas in many other countries, although it is widespread, it is unrecognized and not used. In this review, for the first time, we discussed about the composition related to functional properties as well as the potential risks associated with consumption of CC by reviewing scientific literature. The information has been collected in order to get to know this species thoroughly. Various studies show many of the physiological activities, such as antioxidant, anticancer, antiandrogenic, hepatoprotective, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antibacterial, antifungal, antinematode, and antiviral. Besides positive physiological properties, CC has also negative features, for example, skin reactions in patients with dermatitis and atopic predisposition, risk of confusion with poisonous mushrooms, quick autolysis after collection, and contamination of toxic elements.

Comparison of the structures and prebiotic-like effects in vitro of polysaccharides from Coprinus comatus fruit body and mycelium.

Many effects of Coprinus comatus are attributed to its polysaccharide components. Therefore, the aim of this article is to take Coprinus comatus polysaccharides as the research topic to estimate the difference between the polysaccharides of Coprinus comatus fruiting bodies (CBPs) and the intracellular polysaccharides of liquid fermentation (ICPs). The total carbohydrate contents, monosaccharide compositions, molecular weights, functional groups, microstructures and functional properties of the two prepared polysaccharides were evaluated. At the same time, the influences of the two polysaccharides on the proliferation of lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in vitro were compared. The structural analysis exhibited that there were slight differences in the two prepared polysaccharides. However, both ICPs and CBPs could be utilized by these two strains. Furthermore, the effects of the two prepared polysaccharides on the proliferation of the selected probiotics were dose-dependent manners within the scope of the experiment, and the ICPs group and CBPs group had no significant difference (P > 0.05). Therefore, this work demonstrates that ICPs could be an equivalent replacer for CBPs.

Dichloromethane Extract of Fermentation Broth by Co-Culture of Morchella esculenta and Coprinus comatus Induces Apoptosis in U251 Cells via Mitochondrial Intrinsic Pathway.

The current study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effects of dichloromethane extract of fermentation broth by co-culture of Morchella esculenta and Coprinus comatus (DCMM) on human glioma U251 cells in vitro and its possible underlying mechanisms. The proliferation of U251 cells was inhibited by DCMM with different concentrations by the CCK-8 assay. Besides, flow cytometry assay was used to evaluate the DCMM promoted U251 cell apoptosis rate in a dose-dependent manner. DCMM with different concentrations (10 µg·mL-1, 20 µg·mL-1, and 40 µg·mL-1) significantly enhanced the expression of caspases-3 activity after 24 h. In addition, DCMM with different concentrations significantly increased caspase-3 and Bax, and decreased Bcl-2 expressions at both mRNA and protein levels. DCMM can remarkably inhibit the proliferation and promote cell apoptosis of human glioma U251 cells. The possible underlying mechanisms could be related to induction of apoptosis of human glioma U251 cells by mitochondrial intrinsic pathway.

Coprinus comatus filtrate extract, a novel neuroprotective agent of natural origin.

In vitro acetylholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity of an autochthonous sample of the mushroom Coprinus comatus (encompassing fruiting body FB, mycelia M and filtrate F from the submerged cultivation) was the subject of this study. C. comatus F extract exhibited rather potent anti-AChE activity (73.0 ± 1.5%) at in liquid conditions, comparable to those of the conventional drug donepezil (80.6 ± 1.4%). Also, the same extract exhibited high anti-AChE activity (1 µg) in solid. While its FTIR spectrum indicated the presence of phenolic compounds, quercetin (28.1 µg g-1 d.w.) was found to affect the observed bioactivity (59.8 ± 0.9%). This is the first report of profound anti-AChE activity of any C. comatus extract, a medicinal mushroom that has been successfully cultivated in P.R. China, due to the demanding needs of food industry.

Rhizophins A and B, new sesquiterpenes from the culture broth of Coprinus rhizophorus.

Two new sesquiterpenes (1 and 2) together with one known compound (3) were isolated from the culture broth of Coprinus rhizophorus. Chemical structures of these compounds were deduced by spectroscopic methods. Compound 1 exhibited free-radical-scavenging activity against the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited antimicrobial activities against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Propionibacterium acnes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Spirobenzofuran (SBF): An isolate from Acremonium sp. HKI 0230 and Coprinus echinosporus suppresses inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells.

Inflammation is an aggregate of different pathologic responses in body that leads to life threatening conditions if not combated at early stages. A variety of chemical medications from low quality to high quality are available in market for treatment of inflammation. However the side effects posed by these medications cannot be ignored. Here in our study we have shown for the first time, the anti-inflammatory effects of SBF compound that is obtained from wild mushroom species that are Acremonium sp. HKI 0230 and Coprinus echinosporus. We employed Nitric oxide determination, cell viability assay, RT-PCR and western blot analysis to check the anti-inflammatory effects of SBF. The antioxidant activity of this compound has been studied in detail in past, but our results have shown that SBF potently suppressed the Nitric oxide production (NO) without any cytotoxicity to the model cell line; RAW 264.7 cells. It also inhibited the production of major proinflammatory mediators and cytokines i.e. iNOS, COX-2, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α. SBF elicited its anti-inflammatory effects via the canonical NF-κB and MAPK pathway. Taken together, our results have shown that SBF exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and further experimentations may warrant its application as a commercial herbal remedy for inflammation related anomalies.

Comparative study on the monosaccharide compositions, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities in vitro of intracellular and extracellular polysaccharides of liquid fermented Coprinus comatus.

Polysaccharides were one of the important active ingredients of medical fungi, on account of its unique role caused the widespread concern of researchers at home and abroad. Currently, the structure and antioxidant activity of Coprinus comatus (C. comatus) fruit bodies polysaccharides have been reported. However, there is no article on the simultaneous study of intracellular and extracellular polysaccharides of liquid fermented C. comatus (IPs, EPs) so far. Hence, this paper innovatively investigated the monosaccharide compositions, antioxidative activities and inhibition of α-amylase activity in vitro of IPs and EPs. In this study, we adopted the PMP pre-column derivatization combined with HPLC method to determine the monosaccharide compositions of the IPs and EPs. Besides, the total antioxidant capacity, DPPH radical scavenging capacity, ·OH radical scavenging ability and inhibition effect on α-amylase in vitro of crude polysaccharides (ICPs, ECPs) and deproteinized polysaccharides (IDPs, EDPs) were severally compared. Only three kinds of monosaccharides were detected in IPs. Among the monosaccharides tested, the EPs contained five kinds, of which galactose and xylose accounted for a large proportion. ICPs showed better antioxidant activity and inhibition of α-amylase activity. This article innovatively studied the IPs and EPs, which could lay the foundation for the deep development of C. comatus.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of modified polysaccharides from Coprinus comatus in mice with alcohol-induced liver injury.

A modified polysaccharide named MPCC from Coprinus comatus (MPCC) was obtained by the snailase hydrolysis. And the hepatoprotective effects on alcohol-induced liver injury and preliminary structure features were investigated. For in vivo hepatoprotective abilities, MPCC significantly attenuated the hepatic and serum lipid levels, obviously enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, markedly improved alcohol metabolism system and inflammatory response, and mitigated alcohol-induced liver injury histopathologically, providing references for the exploitation of MPCC as functional foods or natural drugs against the alcohol-induced liver injury. Additionally, MPCC containing fucose (Fuc), ribose (Rib), arabinose (Ara), xylose (Xyl), mannose (Man), galactose (Gal) and glucose (Glu) with the a α- and ß-configuration in a percentage composition of 0.91%, 0.71%, 0.45%, 1.60%, 2.04%, 4.41% and 89.88% via gas chromatography (GC), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis.

The polysaccharide extracts from the fungi Coprinus comatus and Coprinellus truncorum do exhibit AChE inhibitory activity.

The polysaccharide (PSH) extracts from the edible mushroom species Coprinus comatus and Coprinellus truncorum were screened in liquid for their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChE) activity. Both extracts were found to display inhibition of the aforementioned enzyme reaching similar IC50 values of 0.62 ± 0.07 and 0.61 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively. According to the means of FTIR spectroscopy, these PSH extracts mostly contained ß-glucans. However, the presence of some proteins and polyphenolics as minor ingredients were also detected. Compared with existing literature data for anti-AChE activity of the sugar samples, the findings within this study may be treated as a profound bioactivity. Consequently, this study puts some light on the possible use of the screened macrofungi in the palliative treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Preconcentrations and determinations of copper, nickel and lead in baby food samples employing Coprinus silvaticus immobilized multi-walled carbon nanotube as solid phase sorbent.

Preconcentrations of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) ions by using Coprinus silvaticus immobilized multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were investigated. Effects of important parameters on preconcentration procedure were examined. The best pH values of for Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) were found to be 6.0, 6.0 and 4.0, respectively. Flow rate of sample solution was 2.0 mL min-1, while desorption was achieved at 1.0 mL min-1 flow rate. Preconcentration factors were achieved as 60 for Cu(II), Ni(II) and 70 for Pb(II) (by dividing initial sample volume to final volume). LODs were calculated as 0.014, 0.016 and 0.093 ng mL-1, respectively for Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II). Accuracy of the method was checked by applying to certified reference samples. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP OES) was employed for measurements of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) in digested baby food samples.

Magnetic solid phase extractions of Co(II) and Hg(II) by using magnetized C. micaceus from water and food samples.

A new bio-MSPE sorbent based on the use of C. micaceus and γ-Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticle was prepared for the preconcentrations of Co(II) and Hg(II). Critical parameters including pH, flow rate, quantity of C. micaceus, quantity of γ-Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticle, eluent (type, concentration and volume), sample volume, and foreign ions were examined. Surface structure and variations after interaction with Co(II) and Hg(II) of bio-MSPE sorbent were investigated by FT-IR, SEM, and EDX. The impact of bio-MSPE column reusage was also tested. The biosorption capacities were determined as 24.7 mg g-1 and 26.2 mg g-1, respectively for Co(II) and Hg(II). Certified reference materials were utilized to find out the accuracy of the prepared bio-MSPE method. This novel bio-MSPE method was accomplished by being applied to real food and water samples. In particular, it will be possible to make use of C. micaceus as new alternatives, in environmental biotechnology applications.

Biosynthesis of lagopodins in mushroom involves a complex network of oxidation reactions.

Use of the ku70-deficient strain of Coprinopsis cinerea enabled confirmation within the native context of the central role the sesquiterpene synthase Cop6 plays in lagopodin biosynthesis. Furthermore, yeast in vivo bioconversion and in vitro assays of two cytochrome P450 monooxygenases Cox1 and Cox2 allowed elucidation of the network of oxidation steps that build structural complexity onto the α-cuprenene framework during the biosynthesis of lagopodins. Three new compounds were identified as intermediates formed by the redox enzymes.

The antioxidant activities of alkalic-extractable polysaccharides from Coprinus comatus on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice.

The aim of this work was to provide a preliminary characterization of alkalic-extractable polysaccharides (ALPS) from Coprinus comatus, to explore its in vivo antioxidant activities and protective effects on alcohol-induced liver injury. ALPS showed strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities and markedly low serum enzyme activities, hepatic and serum lipid levels, as well as low hepatic lipid peroxidation levels; moreover, ALPS improved the alcohol metabolism system. These results were also confirmed by an analysis of histopathological section observations. ALPS, in both α- and ß-configurations, as analysed by fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), was mainly composed of rhamnose (Rha), fucose (Fuc), ribose (Rib), xylose (Xyl), mannose (Man), galactose (Gal) and glucose (Glu) with mass percentages of 0.52%, 1.02%, 0.80%, 0.92%, 3.05%, 2.96% and 90.73%, respectively. These results may offer support for the use of ALPS as a functional food or natural drug source that can prevent and treat alcohol-induced liver injury.

A new cyclic dipeptide from cultures of Coprinus plicatilis.

Three cyclic dipeptides (1-3), including one new compound (1) were isolated from cultures of the basidiomycetes Coprinus plicatilis. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including extensive 2D NMR techniques. At the same time, all compounds were tested for their cytotoxicities against five human cancer cell lines.

[Separation, purification and antioxidant activity of polysaccharide from Coprinus comatus].

We compared the ways of deproteinization for crude polysaccharides of Coprinus comatus, and finally selected Sevage method as the optimal method. Two main fractions of Ccp-I-A and Ccp-I-B were obtained after DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-200 chromatography, both were white-floc, soluble in water, insoluble in absolute ethyl alcohol, acetone and other organic solvents. Additionally, Fehling reagent, CTAB, Sulphuric acid-carbazole, I-KI and FeCl3 reaction were all negative. GC analysis showed Ccp-I-A was composed of mannitose, glucose and galactose in molar ratios of 2.03:9.52:1, whereas Ccp-I-B was composed of fucose and galactose with molar ratios of 1:5.21. Antioxidant activity test showed that Ccp-I-A and Ccp-I-B had good scavenging abilities on DPPH and ·OH. Compared to Ccp-I-B,the scavenging activity of Ccp-I-A was much stronger, and the scavenging rate could reach 72.1% and 55.3% respectively when the concentration was 300 µg/mL.