Tag Archives: Coriolus versicolor

Immunomodulatory activities of Yunzhi and Danshen in post-treatment breast cancer patients.

Wong CK, Bao YX, Wong EL, Leung PC, Fung KP, Lam CW.

Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, PR. China.

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Discomfort and fatigue are usually arisen from anticancer therapy such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or combination therapy, because of the suppressed immunological functions. Yunzhi (Coriolus versicolor) can modulate various immunological functions in vitro, in vivo, and in human clinical trials. Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) has been shown to benefit the circulatory system by its vasodilating and anti-dementia activity. The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of Yunzhi-Danshen capsules in post-treatment breast cancer patients. Eighty-two patients with breast cancer were recruited to take Yunzhi [50 mg/kg body weight, 100% polysaccharopeptide (PSP)] and Danshen (20 mg/kg body weight) capsules every day for a total of 6 months. EDTA blood samples were collected every 2 months for the investigation of immunological functions. Flow cytometry was used to assess the percentages and absolute counts of human lymphocyte subsets in whole blood. Plasma level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that the absolute counts of T-helper lymphocytes (CD4+), the ratio of T-helper (CD4+)/T suppressor and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8+), and the percentage and the absolute counts of B-lymphocytes were significantly elevated in patients with breast cancer after taking Yunzhi-Danshen capsules, while plasma slL-2R concentration was significantly decreased (all p < 0.05). Therefore, the regular oral consumption of Yunzhi-Danshen capsules could be beneficial for promoting immunological function in post-treatment of breast cancer patients.

PMID: 16047556 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16047556

Lack of prevention of large intestinal cancer by VPS, an extract of Coriolus versicolor mushroom.

Coles M, Toth B.

Eppley Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.

Abstract

Cancer prevention studies were conducted with VPS, a hot water extract of the Coriolus versicolor (CV) mushroom, in female Swiss mice. The extract was administered in the diet for life to the animals. Three groups of mice received the following treatments: a). 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (1,2-DMH) was administered as 10 weekly subcutaneous injections of 20 microg/g body weight, starting at 9 weeks of age; b). VPS was given at a 2% dose level starting at 7 weeks of age followed by 1,2-DMH, as described in group a; c). 1,2-DMH was administered as described in group a followed by VPS at a 2% dose level starting at 21 weeks of age. The number of animals with large intestinal tumors and the total number of these tumors were: a). 30,321; b). 29,359; and c). 28,415. These differences are not statistically significant. Because extracts of the CV mushroom are used by cancer patients as nutritional supplements in the U.S., and particularly in the Orient, the present negative result should caution its users.

PMID: 16097440 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16097440

Effects of different fungal elicitors on growth, total carotenoids and astaxanthin formation by Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous.

Wang W, Yu L, Zhou P.

School of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, PR China. hustwsir@sohu.com

Abstract

Six fungal elicitors prepared from Rhodotorula rubra, Rhodotorula glutinis, Panus conchatus, Coriolus versicolor, Mucor mucedo, Mortieralla alpina M-23 were examined to determine their effects on the growth, total carotenoids and astaxanthin formation by Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous. The results showed that different fungal elicitor could cause diversely stimulating effects. Among the fungal elicitors tested, the M. mucedo elicitor concentration of 30 mg l(-1) promoted the biomass and total carotenoids yield most remarkably, resulting in 69.81+/-6.00% and 78.87+/-4.15% higher than the control, respectively. At the concentration of 30 mg l(-1), R. glutinis elicitor stimulated the highest astaxanthin yield with a 90.60+/-5.98% increase compared to the control. The R. rubra elicitor concentration of 30 mg l(-1) resulted in the optimal total carotenoids and astaxanthin content to be 42.24+/-0.49% and 69.02+/-0.72% higher than the control, respectively. At the concentration of 30 mg l(-1), R. rubra elicitor gave the highest increase in the ratio of astaxanthin in total carotenoids by 18.85+/-0.11% of the control.

PMID: 16154499 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16154499

Nutrient movement and mycelial reorganization in established systems of Phanerochaete velutina, following arrival of colonized wood resources.

Harris MJ, Boddy L.

Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3TL, UK. BoddyL@cf.ac.uk

Abstract

The effect of arrival of wood resources, pre-colonized by Coriolus versicolor, Phlebia radiata, Stereum hirsutum, and Vuilleminia comedens, on mycelial systems of Phanerochaete velutina was studied in trays of nonsterile soil in the laboratory over 5 months. Morphological responses were quantified non-destructively using image analysis. In a parallel series of experiments, nutrient movement was also quantified non-destructively using (32)P monitoring with a scintillation probe and subsequently by destructively harvesting after 155 days. The presence of a fungus occupying a newly arriving resource had major effects on deployment of biomass and on the uptake and allocation of phosphorus in the established Pha. velutina system. The effects varied depending on the species occupying the new resource. Hyphal coverage was greater in the half of the system to which new resources were added. Following addition of new resources, there was massive redeployment of biomass away from regions with no new resource when the new resource was (1) uncolonized, (2) colonized by V. comedens, or (3) colonized by S. hirsutum (although to a lesser extent with the latter), but not with others. (32)P was taken up by Pha. velutina both in the vicinity of the inoculum and the new resource and was translocated to the new resource from both sites of uptake; however, the local supply contributed most. Bidirectional translocation also occurred. The results are discussed in relation to mycelial foraging strategies, nutrient translocation, and partitioning within mycelial cord systems.

PMID: 16211328 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16211328

Decolorization of bleach plant effluent by mucoralean and white-rot fungi in a rotating biological contactor reactor.

Driessel BV, Christov L.

Sappi Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa.

Abstract

Bleach plant effluents from the pulp and paper industry generated during bleaching with chlorine-containing chemicals are highly colored and also partly toxic due to the presence of chloro-organics, hence the need for pretreatment prior to discharge. In a rotating biological contactor (RBC) reactor effluent decolorization was studied using Coriolus versicolor, a white-rot fungus and Rhizomucor pusillus strain RM7, a mucoralean fungus. Decolorization by both fungi was directly proportional to initial color intensities. It was found that the extent of decolorization was not adversely affected by color intensity, except at the lowest level tested. It was shown that decolorization of 53 to 73% could be attained using a hydraulic retention time of 23 h. With R. pusillus, 55% of AOX were removed compared to 40% by C. versicolor. Fungal treatment with both R. pusillus and C. versicolor rendered the effluent essentially nontoxic. Addition of glucose to decolorization media stimulated color removal by C. versicolor, but not with R. pusillus. Ligninolytic enzymes (manganese peroxidase and laccase) were only detected in effluent treated by C. versicolor. It seems that there are definite differences in the decoloring mechanisms between the white-rot fungus (adsorption + biodegradation) and the mucoralean fungus (adsorption). This aspect needs to be investigated in greater detail to verify the mode responsible for the decolorization activity in both types of fungi.

PMID: 16233095 [PubMed]Free Article

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16233095

Effects of polysaccharide peptide (PSP) from Coriolus versicolor on the pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide in the rat and cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells

Chan SL, Yeung JH.

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China. cslkel@hotmail.com

Abstract

Polysaccharide peptide (PSP), isolated from Coriolus versicolor COV-1, has been shown to restore the immunological effects against cyclophosphamide-induced immuno-suppression, although the mechanism(s) involved remain uncertain. This study investigated the PSP-cyclophosphamide interaction by studying the effects of PSP on the pharmacokinetic of cyclophosphamide in the rat and the effect of PSP on the cytotoxic effects of cyclophosphamide on a cancer cell line (HepG2 cells). In the pharmacokinetic studies in the rat, acute pre-treatment of PSP (4 micromol/kg/day, i.p.) decreased the clearance (CL) of cyclophosphamide by 31%, with a concomitant increase in the area under concentration-time curve (AUC) by 44%, and prolongation of the plasma half-life (T(1/2)) by 43%. Sub-chronic pre-treatment of PSP (2 micromol/kg/day, i.p., 3 days) decreased the CL of cyclophosphamide by 33%, with a concomitant increase in the AUC by 50%, and prolongation of the plasma T(1/2) by 34%. In cytotoxicity studies using HepG2 cells, non-toxic dose of PSP (1-10 microM) enhanced the cytotoxicity of cyclophosphamide. PSP at 10 microM further decreased HepG2 cell viability by 22% compared to when cyclophosphamide was present alone. In summary, PSP enhanced the cytotoxic effect of cyclophosphamide on a cancer cell line in vitro and altered the pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide in vivo in the rat. Both of these effects may be beneficial in the use of PSP as an adjunct to cyclophosphamide treatment.

PMID: 16297519 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16297519

Polysaccharide peptides from COV-1 strain of Coriolus versicolor induce hyperalgesia via inflammatory mediator release in the mouse.

Polysaccharide peptide (PSP), isolated from Coriolus versicolor COV-1, has been widely used as an adjunct to cancer chemotherapy and as an immuno-stimulator in China. In this study, the anti-nociceptive effects of PSP were investigated in two different pain models in the mouse. In the acetic acid-induced writhing model, initial studies showed that PSP decreased the number of acetic acid-induced writhing by 92.9%, which, by definition, would constitute an analgesic effect. However, further studies showed that PSP itself induced a dose-dependent writhing response. Studies on inflammatory mediator release showed that PSP increased the release of prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and histamine in mouse peritoneal macrophages and mast cells both in vitro and in vivo. The role of inflammatory mediator release in PSP-induced writhing was confirmed when diclofenac and dexamethasone decreased the number of writhing responses by 54% and 58.5%, respectively. Diphenhydramine totally inhibited the PSP-induced writhhttps://mushroomstudies.co/wp-admin/post-new.phping. In the hot-plate test, PSP dose-dependently shortened the hind paw withdrawal latency, indicative of a hyperalgesic effect. The hyperalgesic effect was reduced by pretreatment with the anti-inflammatory drugs. In conclusion, the PSP-induced hyperalgesia was related to activation of peritoneal resident cells and an increase in the release of inflammatory mediators.

PMID: 16310221 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16310221

[Trypsin-like proteinases and trypsin inhibitors in fruiting bodies of higher fungi]

[Article in Russian]

Gzogian LA, Proskuriakov MT, Ievleva EV, Valueva TA.

Abstract

The activity of trypsin-like proteinases and trypsin inhibitors was measured in fruiting bodies of various species of basidial fungi (Basidiomycetes). Fruiting bodies of all fungi contained these enzymes, with the exceptions of polypore (Coriolus versicolor (Fr.) Karst) and hedgehog fungus (Hericium erinaceus (Fr.) Quel), belonging to the families Polyporaceae and Hericiaceae, respectively, in which the enzyme activities were barely detectable. The activity of trypsin-like proteinases was the highest in fruiting bodies of Boletaceae and Agaricaceae. Fruiting bodies of all fungi contained trypsin inhibitors. The highest activity of trypsin inhibitors was detected in basidiomycetes of the families Boletaceae, Agaricaceae, and Pleurotaceae, including Boletus castanus (Fr.) Karst, orange-cap boletus (Leccinum aurantiacum (Fr.) Sing), and brown-cap boletus (Leccinum melanum (Fr.) Karst).

PMID: 16358748 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16358748

Evaluation of cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of Coriolus versicolor and Funalia trogii extracts on mammalian cells.

Unyayar A, Demirbilek M, Turkoglu M, Celik A, Mazmanci MA, Erkurt EA, Unyayar S, Cekic O, Atacag H.

Department of Environmental Engineering, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey. aunyayar@mersin.edu.tr

Abstract

This study examined the in vitro cytotoxic activities of standardized aqueous bioactive extracts prepared from Coriolus versicolor and Funalia trogiiATCC 200800 on HeLa and fibroblast cell lines using a MTT (3-[4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-]-2-5-difeniltetrazolium bromide) cytotoxicity assay. F. trogii and C. versicolor extracts were cytotoxic to both cell lines. At 10 microL treatment level, F. trogii and C. versicolor extracts inhibited proliferation of HeLa cancer cells by 71.5% and 45%, respectively, compared with controls. Toxicity was lower toward normal fibroblasts. In the latter case, treatment at 10 microL level with F. trogii and C. versicolor extracts reduced cell proliferation by 51.3% and 38.7%, respectively. In separate experiments, the mitotic index (MI) obtained with 3 microL treatment level of unheated extracts of the two fungi was comparable to the MI value obtained by treatment with 4 microg/mL MMC (anticancer agent mitomycin-C). A significant induction of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) was observed in normal cultured lymphocytes treated with MMC (4 microg/mL). MMC treatment reduced replication index compared with treatment with unheated F. trogii extract and negative controls (p < 0.001). In contrast to MMC, F. trogii extracts did not affect the proliferation of human lymphocytes compared with controls (p > 0.05). Laccase and peroxidase enzyme activities in F. trogii extract were implicated in their inhibitory effect on cancer cells. F. trogii extract was concluded to have antitumor activity.

PMID: 16455591 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1645559

Identification of medicinal mushroom species based on nuclear large subunit rDNA sequences.

Lee JS, Lim MO, Cho KY, Cho JH, Chang SY, Nam DH.

Institute of Biotechnology, College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyongsan 712-749, Republic of Korea.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop molecular identification method for medical mushrooms and their preparations based on the nucleotide sequences of nuclear large subunit (LSU) rDNA. Four specimens were collected of each of the three representative medicinal mushrooms used in Korea: Ganoderma lucidum, Coriolus versicolor, and Fomes fomentarius. Fungal material used in these experiments included two different mycelial cultures and two different fruiting bodies from wild or cultivated mushrooms. The genomic DNA of mushrooms were extracted and 3 nuclear LSU rDNA fragments were amplified: set 1 for the 1.1-kb DNA fragment in the upstream region, set 2 for the 1.2-kb fragment in the middle, and set 3 for the 1.3-kb fragment downstream. The amplified gene products of nuclear large subunit rDNA from 3 different mushrooms were cloned into E. coli vector and subjected to nucleotide sequence determination. The sequence thus determined revealed that the gene sequences of the same medicinal mushroom species were more than 99.48% homologous, and the consensus sequences of 3 different medicinal mushrooms were more than 97.80% homologous. Restriction analysis revealed no useful restriction sites for 6-bp recognition enzymes for distinguishing the 3 sequences from one another, but some distinctive restriction patterns were recognized by the 4-bp recognition enzymes AccII and HhaI. This analysis was also confirmed by PCR-RFLP experiments on medicinal mushrooms.

PMID: 16554714 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]Free Article

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16554714