Lignicolous fungi as potential natural sources of antioxidants

Abstract

As a result of an interest in natural derived metabolites around the world higher fungi (Basidiomycotina) have taken on great importance in biochemical investigations. A large number of structurally divergent compounds - both cellular components and secondary metabolites - have been extracted and found to possess significant biological activity, such as an immunomodulative effect on the human body. Effects of fungal biomolecules as potential natural antioxidants have not been examined so far. Biochemical analysis have included in vitro testing of the influence of different extracts (water methanol, chloroform) of selected fungal sporocarps on Fe2+/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation (LP) in a lecithin liposome system by TBA assay, as well as various other procedures. Qualitative analysis by TLC revealed a distinction both between different extracts of the same fungal species and between similar extracts of different species. The results obtained on antioxidative activities (LP inhibition and "scavenging" activity) indicate that MeOH extracts manifested a degree of activity higher than that of CHCl3 extracts with respect to antioxidative activity, the extracts can be ranged in the following declining order: Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma applanatum Meripilus giganteus, and Flammulina velutipes. The obtained results suggest that the analyzed fungi are of potential interest as sources of strong natural antioxidants in the food and cosmetics industries, whereas synthetic ones have proved to be carcinogenic

Modulatory effect of Ganoderma lucidum on expression of xenobiotic enzymes, oxidant-antioxidant and hormonal status in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary carcinoma in rats

“…This potent antioxidant property of the extract is mainly due to the presence of high content of polysaccharides, polysaccharides peptide complexes triterpenoids, nucleosides, β-glucans, and lectins, which could have significantly attenuated the lipid peroxidation activity and resulted in increased antioxidant levels. A recent report has stated that G. lucidum acts as an effective antioxidant against degenerative diseases caused by oxidative stress,[5338] this result strongly lends credence to our study.…”

Free radicals, natural antioxidants, and their reaction mechanisms

“…The microorganisms such as Ganoderma lucidum, 127 Ganoderma applanatum, Meripilus giganteus, Flammulina velutipes, and Endophytic Fungi 128,129 possess a very efficient antioxidative system consisting of enzymatic (peroxidases, laccase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) and nonenzymatic elements (phenolic derivatives or polysaccharides).…”

Ganoderma lucidum: A Potent Pharmacological Macrofungus

“…Studies on fungal biomolecules as potential natural antioxidants are scanty and G. lucidum was shown to possess marked free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition properties [84,100]. The MeOH and chloroform extracts of G. lucidum exhibited antioxidative activities.…”