Protective Effects of Phellinus linteus Mycelium on the Development of Osteoarthritis after Monosodium Iodoacetate Injection

Author: mycolabadmin
2020-08-15
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Summary

This research investigated how an extract from the medicinal mushroom Phellinus linteus could help protect against osteoarthritis. The study found that this natural compound helps reduce joint pain and inflammation while protecting cartilage from damage. This is significant because it offers a potential natural alternative to conventional arthritis medications that often have side effects. Impacts on everyday life: • Could provide a safer, natural option for managing arthritis pain • May help people maintain mobility and quality of life as they age • Offers potential alternative to NSAIDs for those who cannot tolerate them • Could reduce healthcare costs associated with arthritis treatment • Demonstrates the value of traditional Asian medicine in modern healthcare

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent chronic arthritis conditions affecting human joints, with age and obesity being significant risk factors. It is characterized by cartilage degradation and inflammation that develops progressively over several years, causing physical limitations, disability, mental stress, and socioeconomic burden. While historically referred to as non-inflammatory arthritis, OA is now considered a low-grade inflammation disease triggered by factors like biomechanical stress. Current treatments like NSAIDs can have gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects, creating a need for effective and safe herbal medicine alternatives.

Objective

To identify the protective effects of Phellinus linteus mycelium (PLM) and investigate its possible mechanisms in a model of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis.

Results

PLM treatment showed a concentration-dependent improvement in hindpaw weight-bearing distribution. PLM200 significantly increased weight-bearing distribution, indicating reduced spontaneous pain. The study found that PLM suppressed inflammatory factors via the NF-κB signaling pathway induced by p38 phosphorylation. PLM200 significantly reduced ROS produced by NADPH oxidase. PLM100 and PLM200 inhibited levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, a proteinase that degrades extracellular matrix.

Conclusion

PLM demonstrates strong chondroprotective effects through the suppression of both ROS production and inflammation in osteoarthritic conditions. The study suggests PLM could be a potential therapeutic candidate for patients with osteoarthritis.

Published in:Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
Study Type:Experimental Animal Study,
Source: 10.1155/2020/7240858