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Polysaccharides from Russula: A Review on Extraction, Purification, and Bioactivities

Summary

This research examines the beneficial compounds found in Russula mushrooms, particularly focusing on complex sugars called polysaccharides that have various health benefits. These compounds show promise in fighting cancer, reducing inflammation, boosting immune function, and combating bacterial infections. The study explores different methods to extract and purify these beneficial compounds from mushrooms. Impacts on everyday life: • Potential development of natural supplements for immune system support • New possibilities for natural anti-inflammatory treatments • Development of safer, natural alternatives to synthetic antibiotics • Enhanced understanding of mushrooms as functional foods • Potential new treatments for oxidative stress-related conditions

Background

Russula is a renowned edible fungus with approximately 750 varieties globally distributed across North America, Asia, Europe, and China. It has gained popularity as a functional food due to its abundant presence of amino acids, proteins, and polysaccharides. In traditional Chinese medicine, Russula is valued for its ability to moisten lungs, aid digestion, replenish blood, and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.

Objective

This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of recent research on the extraction, purification, and biological applications of polysaccharides from various Russula species. It focuses on exploring different extraction technologies, purification methods, and diverse bioactive capabilities including anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammation, and anti-bacterial properties.

Results

The review found that Russula polysaccharides demonstrate significant bioactive properties including anti-oxidant activity (with up to 85% DPPH radical scavenging), anti-tumor effects through cancer cell proliferation inhibition, immunomodulatory capabilities via macrophage activation, anti-inflammatory properties through cytokine regulation, and anti-bacterial activity against various pathogens. Different extraction methods showed varying yields and efficiencies, with microwave-assisted extraction achieving yields up to 14.71% under optimized conditions.

Conclusion

Russula-derived polysaccharides represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds with diverse therapeutic applications. While showing promise in various biomedical applications, further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action, structure-activity relationships, and optimize their therapeutic potential through clinical studies. The compounds show particular promise for pharmaceutical and food industry applications.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Nutrition,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1406817
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