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Potential Bioactivities via Anticancer, Antioxidant, and Immunomodulatory Properties of Cultured Mycelial Enriched β-D-Glucan Polysaccharides from a Novel Fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis OS8

Summary

This research explored how a special type of fungus, Ophiocordyceps sinensis OS8, could be cultivated in the laboratory to produce beneficial compounds that might help fight cancer and boost immune system function. The scientists found that compounds extracted from this fungus could kill colon cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed, and also had strong antioxidant properties that could protect cells from damage. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides a potential new natural treatment option for colon cancer patients • Offers a sustainable way to produce medicinal compounds that are traditionally harvested from rare wild fungi • Could lead to new dietary supplements for immune system support • Demonstrates how traditional medicines can be scientifically validated and improved • May result in new functional food ingredients for health promotion

Background

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is well-known worldwide as a traditional medicine, with mycelial cultivation providing an alternative natural source. The bioactivities of cultured mycelial-enriched β-D-glucan polysaccharides from novel fungus O. sinensis OS8 had not been previously characterized.

Objective

To investigate the potential bioactivities via anticancer, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties of polysaccharides (OS8P) produced from cultured mycelia of O. sinensis OS8, a novel fungal strain isolated from natural O. sinensis.

Results

The mycelial biomass yield was 23.61 g/l, containing 306.1 mg/100g adenosine and 3.22 g/100g polysaccharides. The OS8P was enriched with 56.92% β-D-glucan and 35.32% α-D-glucan. It significantly inhibited colon cancer cell growth (IC50 202.98 µg/ml) and induced apoptosis. The OS8P showed strong antioxidant activity (IC50 values: DPPH 0.52 mg/ml, ABTS 2.07 mg/ml) and enhanced splenocyte proliferation significantly.

Conclusion

The OS8P enriched with β-D-glucan polysaccharides produced by submerged mycelial culture of O. sinensis OS8 demonstrated strong inhibition of colon cancer cell proliferation without cytotoxicity to normal cells, through apoptosis stimulation. It also exhibited good antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities, indicating promising applications in functional foods and therapeutic agents for colon cancer.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Immunology,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1150287
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