Chemical profile, cytoprotection study and anxiolytic potential of Lentinus edodes extracts

The present work aimed to characterize the chemical profile and evaluate the cytoprotective and anxiolytic effects of aqueous (LEAq) and hydroalcoholic (LE70) extracts derived from Lentinus edodes. The chemical profile of the extracts were analyzed by GC-MS following derivatization. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH and H₂O₂ scavenging assays. The cytotoxicity of LEAq and LE70 against PC12 cells was performed by MTT assay. The cytoprotection study was carried out by flow cytometry through the analysis of mitochondrial transmembrane potential after exposure to rotenone. The anxiolytic activity of the most promising extract (LE70) was studied using adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Chemical characterization revealed compositions rich in primary metabolites. LEAq (IC₅₀: 85.7 μg mL^-1) and LE70 (IC₅₀: 144.8 μg mL^-1) showed better antioxidant activity in the DPPH radical scavenging assay. LE70 showed lower cytotoxicity against PC12 cells (IC₅₀: 24.56 μg mL^-1), as well as demonstrated better results in the cytoprotection study and the reduction of oxidative stress was linked to this effect. Oral administration of LE70 to zebrafish did not cause animal death (LD₅₀ > 50 mg kg^-1) while reducing anxiety-like behavior, whose mechanism was linked to GABAergic modulation and its possible effects on metabolism. LE70 attenuated oxidative stress in the brain level, being able to reduce pro-oxidant mediators and preserve antioxidant parameters. Thus, these data indicate that LE70 has potential for the adjuvant treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases, due to its behavioral and neurochemical effects.