Neurite outgrowth stimulatory effects of culinary-medicinal mushrooms and their toxicity assessment using differentiating Neuro-2a and embryonic fibroblast BALB/3T3

Abstract

BackgroundMushrooms are not only regarded as gourmet cuisine but also as therapeutic agent to promote cognition health. However, little toxicological information is available regarding their safety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to screen selected ethno-pharmacologically important mushrooms for stimulatory effects on neurite outgrowth and to test for any cytotoxicity.MethodsThe stimulatory effect of mushrooms on neurite outgrowth was assessed in differentiating mouse neuroblastoma (N2a) cells. Neurite length was measured using Image-Pro Insight processor system. Neuritogenesis activity was further validated by fluorescence immunocytochemical staining of neurofilaments. In vitro cytotoxicity was investigated by using mouse embryonic fibroblast (BALB/3T3) and N2a cells for any embryo- and neuro-toxic effects; respectively.ResultsAqueous extracts of Ganoderma lucidum, Lignosus rhinocerotis, Pleurotus giganteus and Grifola frondosa; as well as an ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris significantly (p < 0.05) promoted the neurite outgrowth in N2a cells by 38.4 ± 4.2%, 38.1 ± 2.6%, 33.4 ± 4.6%, 33.7 ± 1.5%, and 35.8 ± 3.4%; respectively. The IC50 values obtained from tetrazolium (MTT), neutral red uptake (NRU) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays showed no toxic effects following 24 h exposure of N2a and 3T3 cells to mushroom extracts.ConclusionOur results indicate that G. lucidum, L. rhinocerotis, P. giganteus, G. frondosa and C. militaris may be developed as safe and healthy dietary supplements for brain and cognitive health.

Lion's Mane, Hericium erinaceus and Tiger Milk, Lignosus rhinocerotis (Higher Basidiomycetes) Medicinal Mushrooms Stimulate Neurite Outgrowth in Dissociated Cells of Brain, Spinal Cord, and Retina: An In Vitro Study

“…Consistent with our previous study, the sclerotia of L. rhinocerotis reported neurite outgrowth in N2a. 29 It was recently shown that sclerotial extract performs better than mycelial extract. 29 Advanced study shows maximum neurite extension for L. rhinocerotis and curcumin at 21.1% at 20 µg/mL and 29.47% at 10 µg/mL on PC-12 cells.…”

“…29 It was recently shown that sclerotial extract performs better than mycelial extract. 29 Advanced study shows maximum neurite extension for L. rhinocerotis and curcumin at 21.1% at 20 µg/mL and 29.47% at 10 µg/mL on PC-12 cells. 30 Combining 20 µg/mL of L. rhinocerotis with 1 µg/ mL curcumin gave 27.2% neurite extension in PC12 cells.…”

Pleurotus giganteus (Berk. Karun & Hyde), the giant oyster mushroom inhibits NO production in LPS/H2O2 stimulated RAW 264.7 cells via STAT 3 and COX-2 pathways

“…Hyde), formerly known as Panus/Lentinus giganteus , has been used as a culinary mushroom and is increasing in popularity for its medicinal properties and commercial prospects. Recently, it was reported that P. giganteus contained bioactive compounds that mimic neurite growth factor (NGF) which were accountable for neurite stimulation [10], possessed liver protection properties [11] and were a healthy dietary supplements for brain and cognitive health [12]. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of ethanol extract of P. giganteus (EPG) on LPS and combination of LPS and H 2 O 2 -induced RAW 264.7 macrophages.…”

Sphingomyelin Synthase 1 Regulates Neuro-2a Cell Proliferation and Cell Cycle Progression Through Modulation of p27 Expression and Akt Signaling

“…Hence, we investigated further the specific role of SMS1 in neuronal cells. We used the Neuro-2a cell line that is of neuronal origin, and has been extensively used as a cell culture model to study neuronal differentiation, axonal growth, and signaling pathways [38, 39, 56, 57]. …”