Structural Properties and Macrophage Activation of Cell Wall Polysaccharides from the Fruiting Bodies of Hericium erinaceus

Summary

This research examined how the beneficial compounds in Lion’s Mane mushroom change as the mushroom grows and matures. Scientists found that the mushroom produces the most valuable immune-boosting compounds during specific growth stages, which could help mushroom farmers harvest at the optimal time for maximum health benefits. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps farmers know exactly when to harvest Lion’s Mane mushrooms for best nutritional value – Enables more efficient production of immune-supporting mushroom supplements – Provides scientific basis for quality control in medicinal mushroom products – Contributes to understanding how to get maximum health benefits from mushroom consumption – Supports development of standardized mushroom-based natural medicines

Background

Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane Mushroom) contains numerous bioactive compounds including polysaccharides, glycoproteins, sterols, terpenes, and phenols. Cell wall polysaccharides from mushroom residues have shown significant immuno-stimulating, antioxidative, and renoprotective activities. However, limited research exists on how the structural characteristics and biological activities of these polysaccharides change during different growth stages of the fruiting body.

Objective

To analyze and characterize the structural properties and in vitro immunity activities of cell wall polysaccharides extracted from H. erinaceus fruiting bodies at seven different growing stages, and determine the optimal harvest time for maximum polysaccharide yield and functional benefits.

Results

The yield and content of polysaccharides increased during reproductive growth stages and decreased with fruiting body maturity. Water-soluble polysaccharides contained mainly glucose and galactose at molar ratios of 3.4-14:1.0, with small amounts of glucuronic acid. Alkali-soluble polysaccharides were glucans with lower molecular weight than water-soluble ones and showed higher macrophage activation activity in vitro.

Conclusion

Growth stages H4 and H5 (small and mid-fungal spine stages) were identified as optimal for harvesting H. erinaceus fruiting bodies to obtain maximum cell wall polysaccharide yield and functional benefits. The alkali-soluble glucans demonstrated superior immunomodulatory properties compared to water-soluble polysaccharides.
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