The linkage analysis of hybrid dikaryons in Flammulina velutipes was carried out by using four A and B incompatibility factor subunit genes, a morphological character gene and twenty-one auxotrophic genes as genetic markers, and the linkage map consisting seven linkage groups was established. The comparison of linkage maps among three tetrapolar mushrooms, i. e., F. velutipes, Schizophyllum commune and Coprinopsis cinerea, suggests the existence of common genes in the corresponding chromosomes in these mushrooms.

View full abstract

The effects of Bunashimeji (Hypsizigus marmoreus) on serum and hepatic lipid levels were investigated in rats. The experimental diets were prepared by adding 10% (w/w) Bunashimeji powder to cholesterol-free or -enriched diet, and these were made freely available to male growing Sprague Dauley rats for 3 weeks. Body weight and food intake were recorded at every 2 days, and serum and hepatic triacylglycerols (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and phospholipids (PL) were analyzed at the end of the feeding period. The results showed that the food intake on the Bunashimeji groups of the cholesterol-free and -enriched groups was significantly lower than the corresponding control group (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in body weight gains between the control group and the Bunashimeji group on both cholesterol-free and -enriched diets. The liver triacylglycerols was significantly lower in the rats fed the Bunashimeji than in the control groups on both cholesterol-free and -enriched diets. Bunashimeji suppressed the increase in serum cholesterol on the cholesterol-enriched diet. These results show that the Bunashimeji suppresses the hepatic triacylglycerols accumulation, and lowers blood cholesterol level.

View full abstract

To elucidate the chemical properties of antihypertensive components in the medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, we have studied the inhibitory effects of the n-hexane and aqueous extracts from the fruit bodies on angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) activity. The n-hexane extract inhibited the ACE activity to a lesser extent than the aqueous extract, indicating that the potent inhibitors are hydrophilic in nature. The kinetics of ACE inhibition by the aqueous extracts from two strains of the mushroom was plotted according to Lineweaver and Burk. These aqueous extracts inhibited the ACE activity competitively. D-Mannitol and D-arabitol acting as a moderate ACE inhibitor were found in the aqueous extracts. However these polyhydric alcohols inhibited the ACE activity to a lesser extent compared with the crude aqueous extracts, suggesting that the other type of more potent inhibitors exist in the aqueous extract of the mushroom.

View full abstract

The fruiting bodies of Phellinus linteus have been used as a supplemental herb in the treatment of cancer in Japan and Korea. More recently, this herb has been assessed for cancer chemopreventive activity. In the present mouse model, the aqueous extract of P. linteus was found to inhibit tumor promotion by 12-O-tetradeacnoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), and by TPA and mezerein, following initiation with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in mouse skin. A diet containing 0.57% aqueous extract of P. linteus (about 30mg/mouse/day) was similar in activity to a diet containing 0.04% glycyrrhetinic acid (about 2 mg/mouse/day).

View full abstract

This study examined the irradiation effect of a light emitting diode (LED) on mycelial block cultivation of Lentinula edodes. At first, the influence of irradiation of blue (470 nm), red (625 nm), and green LED (520 nm) on mycelial growth was examined. The following results were observed: irradiation with blue LED showed the greatest decrease in the amount of mycelial growth. No significant difference in the amount of mycelial growth was observed under irradiation with red and green LEDs, and fluorescent light. Thus, these results indicated that irradiation with LED for 30 days after inoculation is not suitable for mycelial colonizing (spawn run). The yield increased when irradiation by blue LED was applied during the incubation period after spawn run. However, the yield decreased when irradiation was carried out for the entire crop duration. Based on this fact, it was proven that the irradiation with blue LED during the incubation period after spawn run is the most effective to obtain higher yields in mycelial block cultivation of Lentinula edodes.

View full abstract