“Highly potent immuno-stimulators”: Glucans in mushroom extract cocktail provide boost

12 Nov 2019 --- A synergistic formula with a specific ratio of Maitake, Reishi and Shiitake mushroom extracts provides an increase in immune stimulation compared to the additive effect of the three individual extracts. This is according to an Integria Healthcare-sponsored study, now patented and published in PLOS ONE. This is the first report of a synergistic immune-modulating response in human macrophages elicited from a mushroom formula that is rationally derived from beta- and alpha-glucan content.

“These findings help underpin the immune-stimulating effects mushrooms have on macrophages and, as such, may play an important role in people with compromised immune function. Beta-glucans are well-known but they are structurally complex and variable. Research is only now starting to unravel what aspects are important for their function,” Associate Professor Joe Tiralongo, who led the research and is from Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics, tells NutritionInsight.

The research team analyzed nine commercially available preparations from three mushroom species: Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake. Based on beta-glucan and alpha-glucan content, three extracts were selected to combine into a formula. The team then evaluated the ability of each individual extract and the formula to impact on the expression of certain cytokines (small proteins excreted by immune cells important in cell signaling) in human macrophages (a type of white blood cell).

The majority of mushroom extracts and the formula were found to be highly potent immuno-stimulators. The mushroom formula showed increased potency in the expression of certain cytokines, compared to the individual extracts suggesting a potential synergistic effect of the mushroom formula.

Eating mushrooms is beneficial for health and well-being.Supporting immune function
Mushroom polysaccharides that elicit an immune-modulating response are rich in beta-glucans and low in alpha-glucans. Alpha-glucans are important for nutrition and supply the bulk of carbohydrates in the diet.

Meanwhile, beta-glucans, which are polymers of glucose linked in a specific manner, are particularly important for supporting immune function, potentially offering protection from pathogenic microbes, environmental toxins and carcinogens. They are seen by the innate immune system as foreign bodies and are dealt with by scavenger systems associated with immune function.

In September, experts from the International Society for Glucan Research highlighted that the immunomodulator is seeing increased interest as new research bolsters various health claims related to a range of topics from immunity and cholesterol to wound healing and bone marrow protection. The dietary fiber taps into other trends, including wellness and probiotics, but still lacks the prestige of more traditional nutrients.

“Clearly the variety of mushroom is important for the observed synergy, however, little is known about the vast array of mushrooms that exist,” notes Tiralongo. He adds that there is no doubt that eating mushrooms is beneficial for health and well-being, although the extracts tested are more concentrated.

The investigation was inspired by the strong traditional use of medicinal mushrooms and the need to have some quality control processes in place, as well as providing a better understanding of the science behind mushroom beta-glucans that stimulate the immune system. “It’s very important to provide consumers with some confidence around these products that are on the market. A vast range of mushroom products currently exist comprising of a variety of mushroom extracts and other ingredients, which is why it is important to provide evidence for their effects,” Tiralongo explains.

There is now extensive research planned to get a better understanding of what components are important for the observed synergy. “There is still more to understand about the root cause of the synergistic effect of the combined mushrooms, in order to provide the best possible health outcomes. The research phase will also focus on the development of lab-on-a-chip technology to enable better quality control of mushroom products,” he concludes. 

Last month, Scelta Mushrooms was presenting at Anuga 2019, where Rico Lansbergen told NutritionInsight how its mushroom-based soups and capsules deliver high on vitamin D. Before now, most vitamin D products had been animal-based. 

By Katherine Durrell