The pharmacological potential and possible molecular mechanisms of action of Inonotus obliquus from preclinical studies

Abstract

The use of mushrooms as functional foods and in the treatment of diseases has a long history. Inonotus obliquus is a mushroom belonging to the Hymenochaetaceae family and has possible anticancer, antiviral, and hypoglycemic properties. Chemical analysis of this mushroom has allowed the identification of various constituents such as melanins, phenolic compounds, and lanostane-type triterpenoids. A plethora of findings have highlighted the potential molecular mechanisms of actions of this mushroom such as its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, inhibit the growth of tumors, decrease inflammation and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, and stimulate the immune system. This review summarizes the relevant findings with reference to the therapeutic potential of this mushroom in countering the progression of cancers, diabetes mellitus, and antiviral activities, while highlighting its possible molecular mechanisms of action. The possible role of this mushroom as a therapeutic agent in addressing the pathogenesis of diabetes and cancer has also been suggested.

Cecal Butyrate (Not Propionate) Was Connected with Metabolism-Related Chemicals of Mice, Based on the Different Effects of the Two Inonotus obliquus Extracts on Obesity and Their Mechanisms

“…I. obliquus is a medicinal and edible mushroom and has been used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases for several centuries. 13 Its two extracts (IOP and IOE) rich in many active ingredients have been proved to prevent or treat diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases. 13 Moreover, their effect on HFD-induced obesity caused changes in many metabolites of the mice and gut microbiota.…”

“… 13 Its two extracts (IOP and IOE) rich in many active ingredients have been proved to prevent or treat diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases. 13 Moreover, their effect on HFD-induced obesity caused changes in many metabolites of the mice and gut microbiota. This study investigated the difference in effects of two I. obliquus extracts (IOE and IOP) on HFD-induced obesity and associated the host and gut microbial metabolites through the changes of the chemicals by the two extracts.…”

Anti-feline immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase properties of some medicinal and edible mushrooms

“…In addition, I. obliquus extract showed anti-hepatitis C virus, human influenza viruses A and B, and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 activity in cell-based assays [ 20 , 23 ]. Chemical analysis of the methanol extract of I. obliquus revealed that it contains protocatechuic acid which has been shown to have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and immune regulating activities [ 19 ]. Moreover, Tian et al .…”

“…From these studies, the bioactive compounds responsible for anti-FIV-RT activity in I. obliquus extract might be protocatechuic acid or IOPs. The solvents and methods used to obtain the extracts from mushrooms could affect the chemical constituents in the extracts [ 19 ]. Therefore, it is mandatory that further studies will be performed to clarify whether these compounds or other specific components are responsible for anti-FIV-RT property of I. obliquus .…”

A robust and miniaturized screening platform to study natural products affecting metabolism and survival in Caenorhabditis elegans

“…Its sclerotia, commonly known as chaga conks, grow on hardwood trees. Chaga decoctions are traditionally used in Eastern Europe and Russia for different therapeutic indications such as cancer, inflammation and metabolic disease 71,72 . In our screening, the extract (HPLC chromatogram Fig.…”