The Immunomodulating Properties of Tiger Milk Medicinal Mushroom, Lignosus rhinocerus TM02® Cultivar (Agaricomycetes) and Its Associated Carbohydrate Composition

Int J Med Mushrooms. 2020;22(8):803-814. doi: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2020035658.

Abstract

Natural compounds found in Lignosus rhinocerus like polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes have the capabilities to modulate the immune system. It possesses antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used in Southeast Asia and Southern China to alleviate illness. To investigate its immunomodulating properties, composition of polysaccharides and the expression of cytokines/chemokines from L. rhinocerus (TM02®) cultivar treated RAW 264.7 were explored. It was revealed, CWE contains linear polysaccharides with 1,4-linkages and rhinoprolycan fraction (HMW & MMW) possesses 1,4-Glcp and 1,6-Glcp backbone and branched chain (1,3,6-Glcp, 1,4,6-Glcp, 1,3,6-Glcp, 1,2,4,6-Glcp). Cytokines profile showed upregulation from CWE (IL-5: 12.078 ± 1.225), HMW (IL-6: 7.297 ± 0.338; TIMP-1: 3.358 ± 0.200), MMW (IL-5: 15.412 ± 5.823; TIMP-1: 1.747 ± 0.053), and LMW (MIP-2: 3.495 ± 0.416; TIMP-1: 7.573 ± 0.088) and possible involvement of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway. Further in vivo studies are needed to fully understand the immunomodulatory effects of TM02®.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • China
  • Cytokines / genetics
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Mice
  • Polyporaceae / chemistry*
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry
  • Polysaccharides / pharmacology*
  • RAW 264.7 Cells

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cytokines
  • Polysaccharides

Supplementary concepts

  • Lignosus rhinocerotis