Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Effects of Polysaccharides from the Parasitic FungusCordyceps kyushuensis

Abstract

The ascomycete Cordyceps genus has been used as valued traditional Chinese medicine. Cordyceps kyushuensis is a unique species of Cordyceps, which parasitizes on the larvae of Clanis bilineata Walker, and its major component cordycepin and aqueous extract are known to have many pharmacological effects. However, the physiological function of water-soluble polysaccharides has not been explored in detail. In this study, to resolve these doubts, we extracted and separated Cordyceps-derived polysaccharides and then evaluated the immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities. Four polysaccharide fractions were purified from Cordyceps-cultured stroma by DEAE-cellulose 23 and Sephadex G-150 column chromatography. Basic structural information was elucidated on the basis of physicochemical property and spectroscopic evidences. The antioxidant activities were evaluated by a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method and protective effect of DNA damage. The qualified immunologic activities were also determined in vivo and in vitro. The polysaccharides could stimulate the proliferation of mouse splenocytes whether concanavalin A (ConA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) existed or not, strengthen peritoneal macrophages to devour neutral red, and increase the content of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in serum. The research provides the corresponding evidence for Cordyceps polysaccharides as a potential candidate for functional foods and therapeutic agents.

Development of Nutraceutical Ice Creams Using Flour Yellow Worm Larvae (Tenebrio molitor), Chia (Salvia hispanica), and Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)

“…It is also widely known that various foods prepared with the larvae of the yellow mealworm are consumed directly after their culinary preparation; for example, technological innovations include the development of nutritional bars and bread, and diverse high-quality foodstuffs can be obtained to meet various needs of both man and pet animals such as dogs and cats, being also beneficial to the growth and development of poultry and livestock. It is generally believed that it can provide a good deal of comprehensive and rich nutrients ( 68 ) and can also be made into common and processed foods. Predictably, new deep processed foods, such as jam, beverages, vinegar, and wine, along with powder, capsules, and tablets, will be available in the market, as has been done with Clanis bilineata tsingtauica ( 67 ).…”

Extraction, purification, structure, modification, and biological activity of traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides: A review

“…TCMPs could significantly increase the activities of various enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in the body by up regulating the expression levels of related antioxidant genes. Moreover, TCMPs could significantly reduce the levels of MDA, TC, and TG, thereby reducing the number of intracellular free radicals, improving the ability of the body to resist oxidative stress, reducing oxidative damage, and delaying aging (110,111). Furthermore, TCMPs could up regulate the expression of anti-aging klotho gene in liver and kidney to delay aging in mice.…”

The immunomodulatory effect of Glagah consortium microalgae polysaccharides based on splenocyte proliferation and cytokine production in vitro

“…There have been many research reports on the use of polysaccharides from natural ingredients as immunomodulators which observed the proliferative activity or viability of splenocytes, either without or with mitogens (Sung et al 2015;Su et al 2020;Zhang et al 2021).…”