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In vitro hypoglycemic effects of hot water extract from Auricularia polytricha (wood ear mushroom)
Ni-Jung Wu1, Fu-Jing Chiou, Yih-Ming Weng
1Department of Food Science, National Chia-Yi University , Chia-Yi, Taiwan , ROC and.
Abstract:
Viscous dietary fibers were shown to alleviate postprandial blood glucose. Auricularia polytricha (wood ear mushroom, WEM) contains rich amount fibers and water extract WEM was highly viscous. This study aimed to investigate whether WEM extract exhibited hypoglycemic effect in vitro. The effects of WEM extract on glucose adsorption, glucose diffusion, starch digestion and α-amylase activity were examined and compared to those of two high soluble fibers, psyllium and oat fiber and one insoluble fiber, cellulose. Our results showed that WEM extract and psyllium possessed similar ability to adsorb glucose which may thus decrease the level of dialysis glucose. The decrease of dialysis rate is dose-dependent. WEM extract can also suppress the activity of α-amylase which may thus inhibit the digestion of polysaccharides. Since WEM extract exhibited the ability to adsorb glucose and to suppress the activity of α-amylase; it might contribute a beneficial effect on postprandial levels of blood sugar.
Insights
Auricularia polytricha extract, rich in viscous dietary fiber, effectively lowers blood glucose by adsorbing glucose and inhibiting starch digestion. This wood ear mushroom extract shows promise for managing postprandial blood sugar levels.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Pharmacognosy
Background:
- Viscous dietary fibers are known to mitigate postprandial hyperglycemia.
- Auricularia polytricha (wood ear mushroom) is abundant in fiber and yields a highly viscous water extract.
- The hypoglycemic potential of Auricularia polytricha extract warrants in vitro investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro hypoglycemic effects of Auricularia polytricha (WEM) water extract.
- To compare the glucose-modulating properties of WEM extract with known soluble and insoluble fibers.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying WEM extract's potential blood glucose-lowering actions.
Main Methods:
- Assessing glucose adsorption capacity of WEM extract.
- Measuring glucose diffusion rates in the presence of WEM extract.
- Evaluating the impact of WEM extract on starch digestion.
- Determining the inhibitory effect of WEM extract on α-amylase activity.
- Comparative analysis with psyllium, oat fiber, and cellulose.
Main Results:
- WEM extract demonstrated significant glucose adsorption, comparable to psyllium.
- Glucose adsorption and reduction in dialysis glucose levels were dose-dependent.
- WEM extract effectively suppressed α-amylase activity, indicating inhibition of polysaccharide digestion.
- WEM extract showed a dose-dependent decrease in dialysis glucose levels.
Conclusions:
- Auricularia polytricha extract possesses significant glucose adsorption capabilities.
- WEM extract inhibits α-amylase activity, thereby slowing carbohydrate digestion.
- These properties suggest a beneficial role for WEM extract in managing postprandial blood glucose levels.
