Bożena Muszyńska

Analysis of indole compounds in edible Basidiomycota species after thermal processing.

Methanolic extracts of processed fruiting bodies of six edible mushroom species (Basidiomycota) -Armillaria mellea, Boletus badius, Boletus edulis, Cantharellus cibarius, Lactarius deliciosus collected from natural habitats and Pleurotus ostreatus of commercial origin - were analysed for the presence of non-hallucinogenic indole compounds. Thermal processing was designed in such a way that it mimicked conditions used for cooking of mushroom dishes, since only a narrow group of mushrooms can be eaten raw, while indole compounds are thermolabile. All processed extracts were shown to contain l-tryptophan (up to 8.92mg/100g dw). The contents of the remaining compounds, 5-methyltryptophan, tryptamine, melatonin, indoleacetonitrile and indole, varied in different species (from 0.71 to 6.55mg/100g dw). Extract of processed C. cibarius fruiting bodies contained l-tryptophan, 5-methyltryptophan, tryptamine, melatonin, indoleacetonitrile and indole (1.96-4.94mg/100g dw) whereas l-tryptophan (2.78mg/100g dw) and tryptamine (2.77mg/100g dw) were the only indole compounds identified in the processed fruiting bodies of A. mellea.

Metal responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF-1) regulates zinc dependent cellular processes at the molecular level

Metal responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF-1) is a zinc dependent transcription factor which is involved in the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways. MTF-1 regulates the expression of two streams of genes functioning in metal homeostasis and anti-oxidative response. MTF-1 acts in the process of binding of toxic metal ions in the cell, due to the activation of the expression of metallothioneins (MTs). Additionally, MTF-1 regulates transcription of genes involved in the sequestration of zinc and its intracellular transport. Disruption of zinc and MT homeostasis has an indispensable influence on the development of several pathological states. Moreover, by increasing MT activity, MTF-1 can effectively protect cells from oxidative and hypoxic stresses. The mechanism of MTF-1 action in cells includes the regulation of the proper immune response through activation/repression of anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines. MTF-1 function in immune response is related to nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity. Synthesis of insulin is also related to the activity of this transcription factor and zinc balance. Insulin transport also depends on zinc. In pancreatic β-cells, several types of the zinc transporters are found. Zinc transporters coordinated action is crucial for the synthesis and secretion of insulin. Disturbances in the regulation of signaling pathways connected with MTF-1 function can entail further alterations in zinc intracellular status and this growing imbalance can promote the pathophysiology of degenerative disorders.

Agaricus bisporus and its in vitro culture as a source of indole compounds released into artificial digestive juices.

The popularity of Agaricus bisporus results not only from the quality of the flavors, but also from the content of many substances of therapeutic properties. This paper presents a study on RP-HPLC determination of the content of indole compounds released from the lyophilized biomass from in vitro cultures of A. bisporus into artificial digestive juices at 37°C. A. bisporus in vitro cultures were grown on media enriched with zinc salts. The release of 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan and l-tryptophan was found in the greatest number of samples. The content of 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan in the investigated samples ranged from 86.62 to 531 mg/100g d.w. The amount of l-tryptophan was determined within the range of 1.63-4.68 mg/100g d.w. and for melatonin 0.43-0.64 mg/100g d.w. It was demonstrated for the first time that in vitro cultures of A. bisporus release indole compounds in conditions simulating the human digestive tract.

TLC-UV analysis of indole compounds and other nitrogen-containing bases in the fruiting bodies of Lactarius deterrimus

We have developed a TLC method with densitometric detection for identification and quantification of 5-methylcytosine, tryptamine, melatonin, tryptophan, indoleacetic acid, and indole in the fruiting bodies of the mushroom Lactarius deterrimus. The compounds were separated on silica gel plates with fluorescence indicator F254 by use of two mobile phases — butane-1-ol—glacial acetic acid—water, 12 + 3 + 5 (v/v), and isopropanol—25% NH3—water, 8 + 1 + 1 (v/v). Densitometry was performed at λ = 280 nm. The method was characterized by LOD and LOQ from 0.026 to 0.179 μg, recovery from 97.65 to 101.65%, precision (RSD) from 0.71 to 1.76%, and a wide linear range, from 0.015 to 0.96 mg mL−1, for the different components.

Natural products of relevance in the prevention and supportive treatment of depression

The use of herbs or their parts: leaves, roots, rhizomes, flowers, seeds, natural strains, as well as extracts or isolated metabolites is becoming more and more popular. Natural remedies not only act prophylactically, but also help to alleviate symptoms of many diseases and enhance the overall functioning of the internal organs. Many raw materials of natural origin plays a role in treatment of health problems, and also in case of serious diseases such as depression. Depression (affective disorder) now affects about 10% of the population, but in next few years due to the development of civilization and increasing pace of life, the probable number of people suffering from this disease can grow rapidly. Natural raw materials such as Bacopa monnieri, Crocus sativus, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Griffonia simplicifolia, Hypericum perforatum, Sceletium tortuosum, Piper methysticum, Rhodiola rosea, Aspalathus linearis, Camellia sinensis, Ficus carica, Lycium chinense, Cuminum cyminum, Panax Ginseng can effectively assist the prevention and treatment of depression. Daily diet may also have positive effect in prevention of this disease. It was found that 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, L-tryptophan (which are precursors of serotonin in the CNS), omega-3 fatty acids and anthranilic acid (vitamin L1) are able to improve mood. L-Tryptophan, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan are present in the largest quantities in the fruiting bodies of edible mushrooms. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in the flesh of fish, walnuts, soybeans, beans and chicken egg protein, while the anthranilic acid is commonly found in plants.

Antioxidant components of selected indigenous edible mushrooms of the obsolete order Aphyllophorales

BACKGROUND Species of phylum Basidiomycota are of great interest in many studies as a source of valuable biological compounds. AIMS To estimate the levels of antioxidant compounds (phenolic acids, indole compounds and sterols) in edible species of Aphyllophorales (sensu lato): Hydnum repandum L. and Sparassis crispa (Wulf.) Fr. METHODS A reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was used for the quantitative and qualitative analyses of antioxidant components (phenolic acids, indole compounds, and sterols). RESULTS Analysis of phenolic acids revealed that 8 out of the 10 analyzed compounds were present. The quantitatively predominant in Hydnum repandum was protocatechuic acid (75.23 mg/100 g DW), and in Sparassis crispa it was p-hydroxybenzoic acid (43.92 mg/100 g DW). In turn, analysis of indole compounds identified 5 out of the 12 analyzed compounds: indole, melatonin, serotonin, tryptamine, and l-tryptophan. Moreover, ergosterol was also identified and quantitatively determined (150.37 mg/100 g DW) in Sparassis crispa extracts. CONCLUSIONS The data presented in this paper confirm the significant potential of chemical components with recognized antioxidant activity. The species can be considered as an alternative source of phenolic acids and ergosterol.

Composition and Biological Properties of Agaricus bisporus Fruiting Bodies – a Review

Abstract White Agaricus bisporus is both the most popular and the most commonly eaten edible mushroom species in the world. It is popular not only because of its taste, but also due to its high level of nutrients: dietary fiber (chitin), essential, semi-essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids including linoleic and linolenic acids, easily digestible proteins, sterols, phenolic and indole compounds, and vitamins − especially provitamin D2 and B1, B2, B6, B7, and C. Fruiting bodies of A. bisporus have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activity. The presence of antioxidant ergothioneine (which also displays the antimutagenic, chemo- and radioprotective activity) is also noteworthy. A. bisporus also contains derivatives of benzoquinone, a substance which belongs to the group of antibiotics. Studies of tyrosinase isolated from this species show its very high similarity to human tyrosinase. This points directly to the fact that this species could be a rich source of tyrosinase used for medicinal and cosmetics purposes. A. bisporus is also a rich source of selenium, zinc and other elements such as magnesium, copper, iron, potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur or manganese. In conclusion, the presence of these compounds and elements with biological activity in fruiting bodies of A. bisporus confirms their nutraceutical and medicinal properties.

Kinetics of extracted bioactive components from mushrooms in artificial digestive juices

ABSTRACT This article presents a study on fruiting bodies of Boletus badius, Boletus edulis, Cantharellus cibarius, Lactarius deliciosus, Leccinum scabrum, Suillus bovinus, Suillus luteus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Tricholoma equestre, Armillaria mellea, Agaricus bisporus, and Auricularia polytricha. The amounts of their health-promoting bioelements and physiologically significant indole and phenolic compounds were determined. The significance of edible mushrooms in the human diet and in disease prevention were also established. The high-performance liquid chromatography was used to assess the contents of indole compounds and phenolic acids. The atomic absorption spectroscopy was applied to determine bioelements. In all samples, the content of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan was studied. The highest extraction amount of serotonin was found for P. ostreatus species. Phenolic compounds were determined in the conditions described in the present study for the first time. Additionally, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, syringic, and gallic acids were determined.

Remediation capacity of Cd and Pb ions by mycelia of Imleria badia, Laetiporus sulphureus, and Agaricus bisporus in vitro cultures

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to evaluate cadmium and lead accumulation ability of in vitro cultures biomass containing selected edible mushroom species derived from the environment (Laetiporus sulphureus, Imleria badia) and those of commercial origin (Agaricus bisporus). Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to evaluate the content of Cd(II) and Pb(II) on the medium supplemented with Cd(II) or Pb(II), each of them at the same concentration of 5·10−5 M. The highest concentration of Cd(II) ions was determined in the biomass from L. sulphureus in vitro cultures, while the highest concentration of Pb(II) ions was found in the biomass from A. bisporus in vitro cultures. The greatest Cd(II) and Pb(II) accumulation ability in mycelium per dry weight was shown for L. sulphureus. Among the test species, biomass of A. bisporus showed the lowest ability for the bioaccumulation of Cd(II); however, comparable ability for the remediation of Pb(II) was provided by the biomasses from A. bisporus and I. badia in vitro cultures. The results confirm the possibility of using these mushroom species for remediation and indicate the relationship between bioaccumulation of heavy metals and the test species.

In vitro cultures of Bacopa monnieri and an analysis of selected groups of biologically active metabolites in their biomass

Abstract Context: Bacopa monnieri L. Pennell (Scrophulariaceae) is one of the most important plants in the system of Indian medicine (Ayurveda). Objective: This paper studies the optimal growth of B. monnieri for effective accumulation of metabolites. Biomass growth of this plant could be accomplished in liquid cultures on Murashige & Skoog medium. Materials and methods: Powdered shoots of in vitro cultures of B. monnieri were extracted by methanol for indole compounds, phenolic compounds and bacosides for RP-HPLC analysis. Fatty acid analysis was performed via gas chromatography. Anti-inflammatory effect of B. monnieri extracts was evaluated in the A549 cells. COX-2 and cPGES expression was analyzed using Western blots. Results: l-Tryptophan and serotonin were found in biomass from in vitro cultures of B. monnieri on MS medium and in biomass from the MS mediums enriched with the different additions such as of 0.1 g/L magnesium sulphate, 0.1 g/L zinc hydroaspartate, 0.1 g/L l-tryptophan, 0.25 g/L serine, 0.5 g/L serine and 0.5 mg/L anthranilic acid. The content of l-tryptophan and serotonin compounds was significant in biomass from medium with the addition of 0.1 g/L zinc hydroaspartate (0.72 mg/g dry weight and 1.19, respectively). Phenolic compounds identified in biomass from the same variants of MS medium were chlorogenic acid (ranging from 0.20 to 0.70 mg/g dry weight), neochlorogenic acid (ranging from 0.11 to 0.40 mg/g dry weight) and caffeic acid (ranging from 0.01 to 0.04 mg/g dry weight). The main group of fatty acids in biomass was saturated fatty acids (53.4%). The predominant fatty acid was palmitic acid. A significant decrease of COX-2 and cPGES expression was observed in the A549 cells activated with LPS and treated with B. monnieri extracts. Discussion and conclusions: As far as we know, this is the first analysis of indole compounds and phenolic acids in this plant. The multi-therapeutic effect of B. monnieri is expressed by the activity of bacosides. Information about the presence of indole and phenolic compounds, and fatty acids in this plant is limited, but the content of these compounds might participate in the physiological activity of B. monnieri.