Immunomodulatory and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Phellinus linteus Mycelium

Author: mycolabadmin
2021-10-26
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Summary

This research investigated how an extract from the medicinal mushroom Phellinus linteus can boost immune function and reduce inflammation. The study found that the mushroom extract can both strengthen the immune system and calm excessive inflammatory responses in the body. This has important implications for everyday health: • Could help develop natural treatments for inflammatory conditions and immune disorders • May provide a safer alternative to current anti-inflammatory medications with fewer side effects • Shows potential as a supplement to boost overall immune system function • Could lead to new therapeutic options for various diseases involving inflammation • Demonstrates the continuing value of traditional natural medicines in modern healthcare

Background

Inflammation plays a crucial role in controlling external pathogens, with innate immunity triggering rapid, nonspecific immune responses. When pathogens breach initial barriers, inflammatory responses are quickly initiated involving complement, lysozymes, dermcidin, defensins, cathelicidins, mucins, and lectins. Within minutes to hours, sentinel innate immune cells activate an inflammatory transcriptional program producing cytokines and chemokines. Medicinal fungi like Phellinus linteus mycelium (PLM) have traditionally been used to treat various diseases due to their diverse bioactive metabolites.

Objective

This study aimed to extensively evaluate both the anti-inflammatory effect of PLM in RAW264.7 cells and its immunomodulatory activities in proteose peptone and starch-treated Balb/c mice. The research sought to understand the underlying mechanisms of PLM’s therapeutic potential.

Results

PLM200 treatment significantly suppressed NO and PGE2 production and inhibited proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. PLM200 supplementation increased IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γ production and elevated the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio in splenocytes. Significant increases were observed in CD4+CD25+, CD4+&CD8+, and CD4+CD69+ cells in thymus tissue. CD4+ and CD4+CD69+ in PBMC and CD69+ in PEC also showed significant increases.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that PLM exhibits both immunomodulatory effects through increased INF-γ/IL4 ratio and anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of inflammatory mediators. These findings suggest PLM has potential as a new orally available therapeutic agent with both immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

Published in:BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies,
Study Type:Laboratory Research,
Source: 10.1186/s12906-021-03441-9