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Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds in Edible Mushroom-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Isolation and Characterization of EVs from Pleurotus eryngii

Summary

Researchers isolated tiny particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs) from a medicinal mushroom called king oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii). These EVs act like natural delivery packages containing beneficial compounds like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules. The study found that EVs from mushroom mycelium (the root-like part) were purer and more potent than those from the mushroom cap, with strong abilities to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play essential roles in intercellular communication and molecular transport. While EV research is well-established in mammals and bacteria, investigation of fungal and plant-derived EVs remains understudied. Pleurotus eryngii is an edible mushroom known for producing bioactive compounds with multiple health benefits including antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activities.

Objective

The study aimed to isolate and characterize extracellular vesicles from both the fruiting body and mycelium of Pleurotus eryngii to investigate their potential applications as nutraceuticals and assess their metabolite composition and antioxidant properties.

Results

Mycelium-derived EVs exhibited superior purity and homogeneity compared to fruiting body-derived EVs. The 40 K mycelial fraction showed the highest antioxidant capacity across all assays and contained enriched polyphenolic compounds including (−)-epicatechin, caffeic acid, and gallic acid. Metabolomic analysis revealed complex compositions including amino acids, nucleosides, alkaloids, and bioactive polyphenols.

Conclusion

Pleurotus eryngii mycelium-derived EVs represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds with promising antioxidant properties. These findings highlight the potential of P. eryngii mycelium-derived EVs as a novel natural source for nutraceutical and therapeutic applications, particularly for addressing oxidative stress-related conditions.
  • Published in:Pharmaceuticals (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41011231, DOI: 10.3390/ph18091362
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