Lignin-like activity of Lentinus edodes mycelia extract (LEM).
BACKGROUND
In order to investigate the physiological role of lignin carbohydrate complex present in Lentinus edodes mycelia extract (LEM), this material was separated into seven fractions.


METHODS
Three high molecular weight fractions (Frs. I-III) were prepared from the water extract by successive ethanol fractionation, dialysis and lyophilization. Four higher molecular weight fractions were prepared from the NaOH extract of the residue, followed by acid precipitation (Fr. IV) and stepwise ethanol precipitation (Frs. V-VII).


RESULTS
All fractions showed higher anti-HIV activity than the water extract. Fr. IV showed the highest anti-HIV activity and most potently inhibited the NO production by LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage-like cells (RAW264.7, J774.1). ESR spectroscopy demonstrated that all fractions scavenged superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical. These properties are similar to those displayed by lignin carbohydrate complex, but not by glucans. HPLC analysis demonstrated the presence of lignin precursors, but not that of tannins, flavonoids and their related compounds.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest a significant role of lignin-like substances in the expression of several important biological properties displayed by LEM.
Kawano
Michiyo
M
MPL, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Sakado, Saitama 350-0283, Japan.
Sakagami
Hiroshi
H
Satoh
Kazue
K
Shioda
Seiji
S
Kanamoto
Taisei
T
Terakubu
Shigemi
S
Nakashima
Hideki
H
Makino
Toru
T
D000818:Animals; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D004578:Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000494:pharmacology; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D006678:HIV / Q000187:drug effects; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical / Q000378:metabolism; D008031:Lignin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry*; D013481:Superoxides / Q000378:metabolism
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005656:Fungal Proteins; C061242:Lentinus edodes mycelia extract E-P-LEM; D011134:Polysaccharides; D013481:Superoxides; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D008031:Lignin