| Autor: |
Khatua S; Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Centre of Advanced Study, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700019, West Bengal, India. krish_paper@yahoo.com., Paloi S, Acharya K |
| Abstrakt: |
India showcases an array of fascinating and rare mushrooms that grow exclusively in the wilderness of West Bengal. Thus, the state has always been our prime choice to document myco-diversity and associated indigenous knowledge. Fortuitously, a recent expedition gifted us a violet-coloured Russuloid macrofungus, called "Jam Patra", that plays an integral part in the food security of local ethnic groups. However, the species has not received the much-needed attention among city dwellers and remains abandoned, motivating us to carry a thorough investigation. To our surprise, extensive analyses on morphological features and nrITS based phylogenetic estimation pointed the novelty of the taxon, as justified herein. Extending this research, a water-soluble polysaccharide-rich fraction was isolated to determine therapeutic prospects. Chemical characterization revealed that the backbone of the polymers, organized in triple-helical form, predominantly consisted of β-glucan accompanied by a lower extent of galactose, mannose and xylose. Subsequently, the effective antioxidant activity was noted in terms of radical scavenging, reducing power and chelating ability with EC 50 of 305-2726 μg ml -1 . Further, the macromolecules triggered murine macrophages to proliferate, phagocytose, release NO, produce intracellular ROS and change morphodynamics. A significant alleviation in the expression of TLR-2, TLR-4, NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α, Iκ-Bα, IFN-γ, IL-10 and iNOS was also observed explaining the definite immune-stimulatory activity and supporting traditional consumption of "Jam Patra" as a health-promoting food. Altogether, the study introduces a species in the world's myco-diversity and tribal food list opening doors of various opportunities in functional food and nature-based drug development arenas, which are currently in trend. |
