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A polysaccharide fraction extracted from Pleurotus ostreatus mycelial biomass inhibit Sarcoma 180 tumor
Elisabeth Wisbeck1, Jean M Facchini1, Endi P Alves1
1Universidade da Região de Joinville/UNIVILLE, Campus Universitário, Zona Industrial, Rua Paulo Malschitzki, 10, 89219-710 Joinville, SC, Brazil.
Abstract:
Fungi of Pleurotus genus have attracted a great interest due to their medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antitumor. These properties are attributed mainly to polysaccharides synthesized by Pleurotus. This work aimed to study the mycelial growth of P. ostreatus in submerged culture, evaluating the influence of the initial concentration of substrate (20 and 40 g/L of glucose) and the pH (4 and 6) on kinetic parameters of production of biomass. The effectiveness of different doses (10, 30 and 50 mg/kg) of a mycelium polysaccharide fraction extracted from P. ostreatus in reducing Sarcoma 180 development in mice was also verified. In the range of this study, maximum concentration of mycelial biomass (about 12.8 g/L) was obtained using 40.0 g/L of glucose, at pH 4.0. The total biomass productivity (Px) was not significantly affected by substrate concentration and pH, reaching values of 0.034 g/L.h. Sarcoma 180 tumor weight was reduced in 74.1, 75.5 and 53.7% when 10, 30 and 50 mg/kg were administered, respectively. These results show the high antitumor potential of intracellular polysaccharide fraction of mycelial biomass of P. ostreatus, particularly at lower doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg.
Insights
Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) mycelial polysaccharides show significant antitumor potential. Extracts effectively reduced Sarcoma 180 tumor weight in mice, particularly at lower doses, highlighting their therapeutic promise.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fungi of the Pleurotus genus are recognized for medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor effects.
- These beneficial properties are primarily linked to polysaccharides produced by Pleurotus species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the submerged mycelial growth of Pleurotus ostreatus.
- To evaluate the impact of glucose concentration and pH on biomass production kinetics.
- To assess the antitumor efficacy of a Pleurotus ostreatus mycelial polysaccharide fraction against Sarcoma 180 in mice.
Main Methods:
- Submerged culture of Pleurotus ostreatus with varying glucose concentrations (20 and 40 g/L) and pH levels (4 and 6).
- Analysis of kinetic parameters for mycelial biomass production.
- Administration of different doses (10, 30, 50 mg/kg) of extracted mycelial polysaccharide fraction to mice with Sarcoma 180.
Main Results:
- Optimal mycelial biomass concentration (approx. 12.8 g/L) achieved with 40 g/L glucose at pH 4.0.
- Biomass productivity (Px) remained consistent (0.034 g/L.h) across tested conditions.
- Significant reduction in Sarcoma 180 tumor weight: 74.1% (10 mg/kg), 75.5% (30 mg/kg), and 53.7% (50 mg/kg).
Conclusions:
- The intracellular polysaccharide fraction from Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium exhibits substantial antitumor activity.
- Lower doses (10 and 30 mg/kg) demonstrated particularly high efficacy in reducing tumor burden.
- These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharides for cancer treatment.

