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Structural Features and Immunomodulatory Effects of Water-Extractable Polysaccharides from Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer

Summary

This research examined the beneficial compounds found in the parasol mushroom and their effects on immune function and harmful bacteria. The study found that complex sugar molecules extracted from this edible mushroom can boost immune system activity and help beneficial gut bacteria while fighting harmful bacteria. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides scientific support for traditional use of parasol mushroom in treating infections and inflammation – Suggests potential for developing new food products that could boost immune health – Demonstrates how mushrooms could be used to support beneficial gut bacteria – Shows promise for natural alternatives to fight harmful bacteria – Validates the nutritional and medicinal value of edible mushrooms in the diet

Background

Macrolepiota procera (parasol mushroom) is an edible mushroom traditionally used to treat diabetes, hypertension and inflammation. While its aqueous extracts show immunostimulating and antimicrobial effects, the structure and biological activities of its polysaccharides remain unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the chemical features of water-extractable polysaccharide complex (PSC) from M. procera fruiting bodies, evaluate its immunomodulatory activities on different leukocytes, and examine its effects on probiotic and pathogenic bacteria development.

Results

The total carbohydrate content of MP-PSC was 74.2%, with glycogen occupying 36.7%, followed by β-D-glucan, α-L-fuco-2-(1,6)-D-galactan, and β-D-glucomannan. At 200 μg/mL, MP-PSC increased CD14+ monocyte cells in blood after 24h ex vivo incubation. It dose-dependently activated oxidative burst in whole blood phagocytes and increased NO and IL-6 production in RAW264.7 cells. While showing low antioxidant activity, it stimulated probiotic co-cultures and inhibited growth/biofilm formation of E. coli, S. mutans and S. enterica.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that water-extractable polysaccharides from M. procera contribute to the immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties of its aqueous extracts. The polysaccharides successfully activated innate immune responses and showed promise against intestinal pathogen infections through both direct antimicrobial effects and stimulation of probiotic bacteria growth. These findings suggest potential applications in functional and synbiotic foods to support treatment of immune-related and infectious diseases.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof8080848
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