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Bioactive Metabolites from the Fruiting Body and Mycelia of Newly-Isolated Oyster Mushroom and Their Effect on Smooth Muscle Contractile Activity

Summary

Researchers isolated a new oyster mushroom strain and studied how it affects digestive system health. They compared the fruiting body and mycelium (root-like structure) and found that water extracts of the fruiting body were rich in beneficial compounds like β-glucans and antioxidants. When tested on stomach muscle tissue, these extracts caused muscle contractions in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting potential benefits for digestive function. This discovery could lead to new natural supplements supporting gut health.

Background

Higher basidiomycetes are recognized as functional foods due to their bioactive compound content. Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) has been used for centuries as a source for natural medicines and nutraceuticals. Despite numerous studies on health-promoting properties of mushroom extracts, information about their effect on smooth muscle contractile activity is very scarce.

Objective

To evaluate and compare the biological potential of basidiocarp and mycelial biomass produced by submerged cultivation of a newly isolated oyster mushroom. To determine the effect of obtained extracts on the contractile activity of smooth muscles for the first time.

Results

The fruiting body contained higher β-glucan content (31.66%) compared to mycelial biomass (12.04%). Water extracts exhibited the highest total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. The water extract from fruiting body demonstrated the most pronounced dose-dependent contractile effect on gastric smooth muscle cells, which was significantly reduced by calcium channel blockers.

Conclusion

This is the first study reporting a promising dose-dependent contractile effect of aqueous extract from newly isolated Pleurotus ostreatus on smooth muscle cells. The high β-glucan and polyphenol content with significant antioxidant activity appears related to the demonstrated contractile activity. Further research is needed to develop new natural medicinal products supporting digestive system function.
  • Published in:Foods,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 36553726, PMC: PMC9778372
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