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Chemical Characterization and In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Colon Cancer-Preventive Potential of a Polysaccharide Fraction from Macrolepiota procera

Summary

Researchers isolated special sugar compounds called polysaccharides from parasol mushrooms and tested their health benefits. These compounds were found to fight free radicals that damage cells, reduce inflammation in the body, and specifically kill colon cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The study suggests that parasol mushrooms could be developed into health supplements or functional foods to help prevent cancer and improve overall health.

Background

Polysaccharides from edible mushrooms are increasingly recognized as bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. Macrolepiota procera (parasol mushroom) is an edible species widely distributed in Europe with known nutritional and bioactive compound content. Previous research has demonstrated various bioactivities of M. procera extracts, though studies specifically focused on polysaccharides remain limited.

Objective

This study aimed to isolate and chemically characterize crude polysaccharides from M. procera fruiting bodies using ultrasound-assisted extraction and to evaluate their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer potential against colon cancer cell lines.

Results

Mp-CPS consisted of glucose- and galactose-based heteropolysaccharides with β-glucans as the predominant glucan type. Antioxidant assays showed significant radical-scavenging capacity with higher activity in ORAC (358.56 µM Trolox/g) compared to TEAC (102.00 µM Trolox/g). Mp-CPS inhibited pro-inflammatory enzymes COX-1 (74.23%), COX-2 (39.09%), and LOX (43.69%), and demonstrated strong chemopreventive abilities against colon cancer cells with selectivity increasing with cancer cell malignancy.

Conclusion

M. procera is a sustainable and valuable source of biologically active polysaccharides with significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer potential. The findings support further exploration of Mp-CPS for applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals, with particular promise for colon cancer prevention. This represents the first report of anticancer activity of M. procera polysaccharides against colorectal cancer cells in vitro.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:In Vitro Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41155272, DOI: 10.3390/ijms26209978
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