Yield and nutritional composition of oyster mushrooms: an alternative nutritional source for rural people

In recent decades, minimizing the frequency of nutrient deficiency and malnutrition in rural areas of developing countries becomes an alarming issue. Oyster mushrooms are rich source of both macro and micro nutrients. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the yield of newly introduced oyster mushroom strains viz. Pleurotus sajor-caju (PSC), Pleurotus flabellatus (FLB), Pleurotus florida (FLO), Pleurotus ostreatus (PO2 and PO3), Pleurotus ostreatus (HK-51) and Pleurotus geesteranus (PG1 and PG3) and to justify their nutritional values when grown in the climatic condition of Bangladesh. Strain HK-51 produced the highest amount of fresh sporophore (197.80 g). In contrast, the highest number of fruiting body was obtained from the strain FLO (82 g) followed by strain PSC (69 g). Strain PG1 has recorded the highest biological yield (278 g), productivity (55%) and biological efficiency (96%). Nutrient and mineral analysis of sporophore of strain PG1 showed protein (31.80%), lipid (3.6%), potassium (1.3 mg/100 g), phosphorus (0.8 mg/100 g), calcium (32 mg/100 g), iron (43 mg/100 g), magnesium (12 mg/100 g), copper (3.5 mcg/100 g), zinc (12.5 mcg/100 g) and manganese (2.3 mcg/100 g). This study showed that the strain PG1 performed well with regard to quality and productivity as compared to other strains. Hence, oyster mushroom strain PG1 is a potential cheap source of nutrients and minerals to combat socioeconomic problems including malnutrition, diseases linked to malnutrition, poverty reduction and agricultural diversity

Prophylactic effects of Clausena excavata Burum. f. leaf extract in ethanol-induced gastric ulcers

Clausena excavata is a natural herb with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for decades in folkloric practice for the amelioration of various ailments. In this study, the gastroprotective activity of methanolic extract of C. excavata leaves (MECE) was determined in the Sprague Dawley rat ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. Rats were pretreated with a single dose of vehicle (5% Tween 20), 20 mg/mL omeprazole, 400 and 200 mg/mL of MECE dissolved in 5% Tween 20. Ulcer was induced with 5 mL/kg of ethanol and stomach tissue was obtained after 1 hour. Histological examination was done on hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and immunochemically stained gastric mucosal tissues. Prostaglandin E2, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and lipid peroxidation levels of the gastric tissue homogenates were also determined. Significantly (P<0.05) smaller ulcer areas, less intense edema, and fewer leukocytes’ infiltration were observed in MECE- and omeprazole-treated than in untreated gastric mucosa with ulcer. The gastric pH, mucus production, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase contents increased, while the lipid peroxidation content decreased as a result of MECE treatment. Bcl-2-associated X protein was underexpressed, while heat shock protein 70 and transforming growth factor-beta protein were overexpressed in the ulcerated gastric mucosa tissues treated with omeprazole and MECE. Similarly, there was a reduction in the levels of tumor necrotic factor-alpha and interleukin-6, while the level of interleukin-10 was increased. This study showed that the gastroprotective effect of MECE is achieved through inhibition of gastric juice secretion and ulcer lesion development, stimulation of mucus secretion, elevation of gastric pH, reduction of reactive oxygen species production, inhibition of apoptosis in the gastric mucosa, and modulation of inflammatory cytokines

Utilization of the white-rot fungus, Trametes menziesii for landfill leachate treatment

The study monitored the characteristics of the leachate collected from ten different landfills and presented the experimental work for the treatment of leachate by immobilized Trametes menziesii. Variation in biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) showed that the age of the leachate has a significant effect on its characteristics and composition. The BOD5/COD ratio tends to decrease as the age of leachate increases, varying from 0.71 for a relatively ‘fresh’ leachate to 0.62 for an older (more stabilized) one. Variations in the characteristics of the leachate suggested that these leachates are difficult to treat. The principal pollutants in the leachate samples were organic and ammonia loads. Treatment of leachate using immobilized Trametes menziesii achieved 89.14 and 2.11% removals for leachate BOD5 and COD, respectively. These findings suggested that using immobilized Trametes menziesii can remove promising percentage of BOD and COD leachate

Structural characteristics and antihypertensive effects of angiotensin-iconverting enzyme inhibitory peptides in the renin-angiotensin and kallikrein kinin systems

Background: The commercially available synthetic angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are known to exert negative side effects which have driven many research groups globally to discover the novel ACE inhibitors.Method: Literature search was performed within the PubMed, ScienceDirect.com and Google Scholar.Results: The presence of proline at the C-terminal tripeptide of ACE inhibitor can competitively inhibit the ACE activity. The effects of other amino acids are less studied leading to difficulties in predicting potent peptide sequences. The broad specificity of the enzyme may be due to the dual active sites observed on the somatic ACE. The inhibitors may not necessarily competitively inhibit the enzyme which explains why some reported inhibitors do not have the common ACE inhibitor characteristics. Finally, the in vivo assay has to be carried out before the peptides as the antihypertensive agents can be claimed. The peptides must be absorbed into circulation without being degraded, which will affect their bioavailability and potency. Thus, peptides with strong in vitro IC50 values do not necessarily have the same effect in vivo and vice versa.Conclusion: The relationship between peptide amino acid sequence and inhibitory activity, in vivo studies of the active peptides and bioavailability must be studied before the peptides as antihypertensive agents can be claimed.Keywords: Angiotensin-I-converting enzyme, Antihypertensive activity, Bioactive peptides, ACE inhibito

Validation of Ganoderma lucidum against hypercholesterolemia and Alzheimer’s disease

Ganoderma lucidum has been hailed as medicinal mushroom. Its effect on memory and learning related behavioral performance along with related protein markers has been evaluated using Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and hypercholesterolemic model rats in the present study. AD model rats were prepared infusing amyloid beta peptide into the right ventricles of the rats. Hypercholesterolemia was evoked feeding 1% cholesterol and 1% cholic acid with basal diet of the rats for 8 weeks. Hot water extract of G. lucidum was ingested orally (200 mg/kg bw) to the HC and AD model rats. Memory and learning related behavioral tests were performed using Barnes maze while protein markers (BDNF, SNAP2, PSD-95, VAchT) were detected using ELISA. Observed findings suggest hypocholesterolemic, lipid profile improving and enhanced cognitive performance of the G. lucidum fed rats. Memory and learning related protein markers also substantiate this fruition. Thus, therapeutic potentiality of Ganoderma lucidum in AD amelioration seems promising. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.400958

Cultivo do cogumelo Flammulina velutipes com uso de diferentes resíduos agrícolas como substrato de frutificação

The objective of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of different agro‑residues as a carbon source in the fruiting substrates of Flammulina velutipes mushroom and the effect of supplementation with the nitrogen sources spent brewer’s yeast and rice bran. The following fruiting substrates were evaluated: rubber wood sawdust (SD), paddy straw (PS), palm empty fruit bunches (EFB), and palm‑pressed fiber (PPF). Cultivation was done on each agro‑residue, based on formulations consisting of two substrates at the ratios of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3. Mycelial growth rate and basidiocarp yield were evaluated. The best fruiting substrates were PS+EFB (25:75), PS+PPF (50:50), and PPF (100), with biological efficiency of 185.09±36.98, 150.89±50.35, and 129.06±14.51%, respectively. No significant effects of supplementation with rice bran and spent yeast were observed on mycelial growth rate and biological efficiency. The cultivation of F. velutipes on oil palm wastes does not require additional nitrogen sources.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade do uso de diferentes resíduos agrícolas como fonte de carbono nos substratos de frutificação do cogumelo Flammulina velutipes e o efeito da suplementação com as fontes de nitrogênio levedura de cerveja fermentada e farelo de arroz. Foram avaliados os seguintes substratos de frutificação: serragem de seringueira (SS), palha de arroz (PA), cachos de frutos vazios da palma (CFV) e fibra prensada da palma (FP). O cultivo foi realizado em cada um dos resíduos, baseado em formulações que consistiram de dois substratos, nas proporções de 3:1, 1:1 e 1:3. Foram avaliadas a taxa de crescimento micelial e a produção de basidiocarpo. Os melhores substratos de frutificação foram PA+CFV (25:75), PA+FP (50:50) e FP (100), com eficiência biológica de 185,09±36,98, 150,89±50,35 e 129,06±14,51%, respectivamente. Não foram observados efeitos significativos da suplementação com farelo de arroz e levedura fermentada na taxa do crescimento micelial e na eficiência biológica. O cultivo de F. velutipes sobre resíduos de óleo de palma não necessita de fontes de nitrogênio adicionais

Effectuation of Pleurotus pulmonarius on hypercholesterolemic wistar-kyoto rats : analysis on liver and sera

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the potential risks of cardiovascular heart disease (CHD). An early diagnosis and treatment attenuate the risk of CHD. Besides statin prescription for hypercholesterolemia, functional food has an added value to ameliorate the risk. This study was conducted to analyse the significant effect of grey oyster mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius) on hypercholesterolemia. Thirty-six Wistar-Kyoto rats were assigned into six groups, consisted of normal (N), hypercholesterolemia (H), two groups for prevention (P1 and P2), and two groups for treatment (T1 and T2). For prevention purpose, P1 and P2 were concomitantly induced to be hypercholesterolemic and fed with either crude aqueous extract of P. pulmonarius (CA) or simvastatin for 45 days. Following 45 days of hypercholesterolemic-induction, T1 and T2 rats were then orally fed with either CA or simvastatin for another 30 days. On day 45, groups N, H, P1, and P2 were sacrificed, whereas groups T1 and T2 were sacrificed on day 75. Histopathology examination showed the conditions of liver tissues. Fat droplets were observed in hypercholesterolemic hepatic tissues and were also remained in the hepatic tissues of rats belonged to the treatment groups. The tissues’ viability was better in prevention groups suggesting the compound(s) present in CA might be able to protect them from further damage. Metabolomic analysis of the sera from P1 and T1 rats showed altered regulation of several metabolites such as pantothenic acid, N-carbamylglutamate, serotonin and ceramide against the control group

Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) quel crude aqueous extract ameliorates wistar-kyoto rat thoracic aortic tissues and vasodilation responses

Pleurotus pulmonarius crude aqueous (CA) extract was previously reported to have therapeutic potential, thus its ability to alleviate serum total cholesterol, vasodilation, and improve the aortic tissue structure in hypercholesterolemia rat model was studied. Eight groups of Wistar-Kyoto rats were involved including normal (G1), hypercholesterolemia (G2), treatment (G3 to G5) and prevention (G6 to G8). Two doses of CA; 0.5 g/kg body weight (BW), 2.0 g/kg BW, and simvastatin 10 mg/kg BW were orally fed to the rats (G3 to G8). Treatment groups were induced with hypercholesterolemia and later treated with CA/simvastatin, while prevention groups were given both hypercholesterolemia-diet and CA/simvastatin simultaneously. The thoracic aortic rings (TAR) were subjected to contractility study and histopathology examination. In organ bath analysis, pre-contracted TAR of G1 with phenylephrine (PE) achieved 60% vasodilation response towards acetylcholine (ACh) whereas TAR of G2 unable to respond to ACh. G3 to G5 groups failed to dilate when induced with ACh whereas G6 to G8 groups showed a slight improvement. The repeated precontracted TAR of G1 and G2 significantly dilated with the presence of CA and simvastatin. TAR of G1 achieved 100% vasodilation at 3.0 mg/mL CA and 2.4 mg/mL simvastatin. TAR of G2 achieved 73% vasodilation at 6.0 mg/mL CA whereas 76.8% dilation recorded for simvastatin at 4.8 mg/mL. Histopathological examination found that CA was able to improve the structure of the aortic cells. These observations suggest that CA helps to improve tissue condition and vasodilation of the hypercholesterolemic aorta

Nutritional Composition, Antioxidant Activities, and Antiulcer Potential of Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont.) Mycelia Extract

Water extract of Lentinus squarrosulus mycelia was analysed for nutritional content, antioxidant capacity, and antiulcer ability. The extract contains high protein (57.6 g/100 g) and low total fat (0.5 g/100 g) and is rich in magnesium (0.4 g/100 g), potassium (3.8 g/100 g), vitamins B1 (1.42 mg/100 g), and B3 (194.29 mg/100 g) with total phenolic content of 39.16 mg/100 g. The cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of the extract were A450 of 0.20 ± 0.03 at 0.5 mg/ml and IC50 of 14.29 mg/ml, respectively. Oral feeding of L. squarrosulus extract (250 mg/kg) offered significant gastric mucosal protection of Sprague-Dawley rats compared to cimetidine (50 mg/kg). The ulcer healing rate of ulcerated rats after 24, 48, and 72 hours of treatment was 82%, 90%, and 100%, respectively. The IL-1β level in the serum and the NF-κB level in the tissues indicate that the healing potential was associated with attenuation of proinflammatory cytokines

Isolation of the intracellular and extracellular polysaccharides of Ganoderma neojaponicum (Imazeki) and characterization of their immunomodulatory properties

Background: The role of polysaccharides isolated from the Ganoderma species of fungi in innate immunity has recently become a topic of research. Although some work has been conducted concerning Ganoderma lucidum , the characteristics of polysaccharides isolated from Ganoderma neojaponicum (Imazeki) as immunomodulatory agents are largely unknown. The aims for this study were to isolate and characterize the intracellular polysaccharides (IPSs) and extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) of G. neojaponicum from STR reactor. Results: The production of EPS and IPS was optimized on day 4 of the cultivation time in 2 L STR reactor based on the amount of biomass yield, total carbohydrate, \u3b2-glucan and \u3b1-glucan content. Further analysis, both the EPSs and IPSs showed the enhancement on proliferation and increment of phagocytosis activities of macrophage (RAW264.7) cell lines. Using an oral toxicity test, we also observed that 2000 mg/kg body weight/day dosage of dried G. neojaponicum mycelium does not cause any significant toxic effects on Sprague\u2013Dawley rats in 14 d of administration. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the IPSs and EPSs of G. neojaponicum have the potential to be used as immunomodulating agents to stimulate the innate immune system for fighting infectious diseases. The polysaccharides from G. neojaponicum have to be further commercially explored as an alternative for medicinal Ganoderma variety of G. lucidum production