The Chemistry, Pharmacology and Therapeutic Potential of the Edible Mushroom Dictyophora indusiata (Vent ex. Pers.) Fischer (Synn. Phallus indusiatus)

Abstract

Dictyophora indusiata (Vent. Ex. Pers.) Fischer or Phallus indusiatus is an edible member of the higher mushroom phylum of Basidiomycetes. Known for its morphological elegance that gave it the names bridal veil fungus, veiled lady or queen of the mushrooms, it has numerous medicinal values that are beginning to be acknowledged through pharmacological efficacy studies. In an attempt to promote research on this valuable natural resource, the present communication aims to provide a comprehensive review of the chemistry, pharmacology and potential therapeutic applications of extracts and compounds isolated from D. indusiata. Of the bioactive compounds, the chemistry of the polysaccharides as major bioactive components primarily the β-(1→3)-D-glucan with side branches of β-(1→6)-glucosyl units are discussed, while small molecular weight compounds include terpenoids and alkaloids. Biochemical and cellular mechanisms of action from general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to more specific signaling mechanisms are outlined along with potential applications in cancer and immunotherapy, neurodegenerative and chronic inflammatory diseases, etc. Further research areas and limitations of the current scientific data are also highlighted.Biomedicines 2019, 7, 98 2 of 21 have been reported [3]. The composition of carbohydrates can reach up to 47% of the dry weight of which the soluble polysaccharides are about 38%, while crude fibres and crude proteins contents are about 29% and 6% respectively [1]. In this communication, the emphasis is on the compositions of the fruiting body far beyond nutritional source with a focus on their pharmacologically active components and their therapeutic implications. In this connection, considerable attention has been given to the major components of the fungus, the polysaccharides, while small molecular weight drug-like molecules such as terpenoids and alkaloids have not been extensively studied. The chemistry and biological significance of all the bioactive compounds known from D. indusiata are herein scrutinised.Biomedicines 2020, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 21 have been reported [3]. The composition of carbohydrates can reach up to 47% of the dry weight of which the soluble polysaccharides are about 38%, while crude fibres and crude proteins contents are about 29% and 6% respectively [1]. In this communication, the emphasis is on the compositions of the fruiting body far beyond nutritional source with a focus on their pharmacologically active components and their therapeutic implications. In this connection, considerable attention has been given to the major components of the fungus, the polysaccharides, while small molecular weight drug-like molecules such as terpenoids and alkaloids have not been extensively studied. The chemistry and biological significance of all the bioactive compounds known from D. indusiata are herein scrutinised.

Natural-Derived Polysaccharides From Plants, Mushrooms, and Seaweeds for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…D. indusiata , a saprophytic fungus of bamboo forest, has been one of the most popular edible mushrooms for its edible values and medicinal functions ( Habtemariam, 2019 ). Wang Y. L. et al (2019) extracted a purified polysaccharide DIP ( Figure 3E ) from D. indusiata , and investigated the anti-colitis effect and underlying mechanism of DIP in DSS-treated mice.…”

Mushroom Nutrition as Preventative Healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…People who incorporate mushrooms into their diets, even in small amounts (more than twice a week), seem to have a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment, usually preceding Alzheimer's disease [196]. Mushrooms contain many other substances whose exact role in brain health is not yet clear, but they include hericenones, erinacines terpenoids, scabronines, isoindolinones, sterols, and dictyophorines, which are a series of compounds that could contribute to the growth of nerve and brain cells [197].…”

Comparative studies on the structure, biological activity and molecular mechanisms of polysaccharides from Craterellus cornucopioide (CC-M) and Dictyophora indusiata (Vent.ex Pers) Fisch (DI-Z)

“…In recent years, studies have shown that polysaccharide from Craterellus cornucopioide and Dictyophora indusiata (Vent.ex Pers) Fisch have some interesting biological activities, such as bacteriostasis, antioxidation etc. (Yang et al, 2018;Guo et al, 2019;Habtemariam, 2019). However, there are some differences in the structure of polysaccharides from different regions, and there is no report on the study of the polysaccharides of Craterellus cornucopioide and Dictyophora indusiata (Vent.ex Pers) Fisch from Qingjiang county of Sichuan Province.…”