Industrial and medicinal application of

Reishi and Lion’s Mane mushrooms

Christina van der Berg

2011040272

Submitted in the partial fulfilment of the requirements for degree B.Sc.

Microbiology (M.Sc.)
University of the Free State: Department of Microbial, Biochemical and
Food Biotechnology

Study Leader: Prof. B.C. Viljoen

Co-Study Leader: Prof. A. Hugo

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I. Acknowledgments

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my mentor and study leader, Professor Bennie
Viljoen in the department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology at the University
of the Free State for his unwavering guidance, advice, patience, and support during the course
of this study. Thank you for always being available to assist me and for the endless pep talks.
I value your advice immensely and I will always treasure the lessons I have learned and our
coffee breaks.

I would like to thank Prof. Maryna van de Venter and Mr Trevor Koekemoer in the Faculty of
Science at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NNMU) for opening up their lab to me
and for mentoring me in order to perform the hepatotoxicity assays. Thank you for your advice
and patience with the endless amount of questions I have asked.

I want to give thanks to Dr. Anke Wilhelm and Dr. Susan Bonnet from the Department of
Chemistry at the University of the Free State for assisting me with TLC and their advice; Prof.
Arno Hugo in the department of Food Science at the University of the Free State for his
assistance in the meat analysis and for his support; and Mr. Francois for allowing me to make
use of his facilities as well as supporting this study. Thank you for your advice, patience and
for always being prepared to help and assist me.

Lastly, I want to thank my family for making this possible. To my lovely mother, Christine van
der Berg, thank you for your unwavering support and unconditional love. Thank you so much
for funding my degree and for everything you have done to make it possible for me to further
my studies. To my dad, Louis van der Berg, thank you so much for your endless interest in my
studies as well as for always supporting and encouraging me. I appreciate it immensely. To
my amazing partner, Mr Louis Smith, words cannot express how much I appreciate your
support and words of encouragement immensely. Thank you so much for staying by my side,
for always listening to me when I was complaining, for supporting me when the going got
tough, for keeping me calm and for always being loving and caring.

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Table of Contents
I. Acknowledgments .................................................................................................... 2

Chapter 1 ............................................................................................................................. 7
II. Abstract .................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 8
1.2 Exotic mushrooms in general ............................................................................... 10
1.3 Application of G. lucidum as medicinal fungus ................................................... 12
1.3.1 History of G. lucidum mushrooms ................................................................. 13
1.3.2 History of taxonomy within the G. lucidum genus ........................................ 14
1.3.3 Taxonomy within the G. lucidum genus ........................................................ 15
1.3.4 G. lucidum species complex .......................................................................... 16
1.3.5 G. lucidum species in China ........................................................................... 17
1.3.6 Northern American G. lucidum species ......................................................... 18
1.3.7 Confusion in the nomenclature of the G. lucidum genus ............................. 18
1.3.8 Diagnostic morphological characteristics of G. lucidum ............................. 19
1.3.9 Distribution and natural habitat........................................................................20
1.3.10 Cultivation of G. lucidum ................................................................................ 21
1.3.11 Nutritional profile of G. lucidum ..................................................................... 22
1.3.12 Medicinally important compounds and extractions...................................... 22
1.3.13 Medicinal properties........................................................................................ 24
1.3.14 Application as medicinal mushroom ............................................................. 28
1.4 H. erinaceus ............................................................................................................ 29
1.4.1 History and taxonomy of H. erinaceus........................................................... 30
1.4.2 Confusion in the nomenclature ...................................................................... 31
1.4.3 Diagnostic morphological characteristics of H. erinaceus .......................... 32
1.4.4 Distribution and natural habitat...................................................................... 33
1.4.5 Cultivation of H. erinaceus ............................................................................. 34
1.4.6 Nutritional profile ............................................................................................ 35
1.4.7 Medicinally important compounds and extractions...................................... 36
1.4.8 Medicinal properties........................................................................................ 38
1.4.9 Application as medicinal mushroom ............................................................. 45
1.5 Conclusions ............................................................................................................ 47
1.6 References .............................................................................................................. 49

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Chapter 2 ........................................................................................................................... 70
III. Abstract .................................................................................................................. 70
2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 71
2.2 Materials & Methods............................................................................................... 74
2.2.1 Medium development for pure cultures ......................................................... 74
2.2.2 Cultivation to obtain pure cultures ................................................................ 74
2.2.3 Preparation of first-generation spawn ........................................................... 74
2.2.4 Preparation of second-generation spawn bags ............................................ 75
2.2.5 Growth bag preparation .................................................................................. 75
2.2.6 Cultivation of medicinal mushrooms on different substrates ...................... 75
2.2.7 Comparison of different substrates ............................................................... 76
2.3 Results & Discussions ........................................................................................... 76
2.3.1 Mushroom isolation for pure cultures ........................................................... 76
2.3.2 Cultivation of medicinal mushrooms ............................................................ 77
2.3.2.1 G. lucidum ......................................................................................................... 77
2.3.2.2 H. erinaceus ...................................................................................................... 78
2.4 Conclusions ............................................................................................................ 82
2.5 References .............................................................................................................. 84

Chapter 3 ........................................................................................................................... 86
IV. Abstract ................................................................................................................... 86
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 87
3.1.1 Live/dead cells ................................................................................................. 90
3.1.2 Lysosomes ...................................................................................................... 91
3.1.3 Mitochondrial dysfunction – mitochondrial membrane potential ................ 92
3.1.4 Mitochondrial dysfunction – mitochondrial mass......................................... 93
3.1.5 Steatosis .......................................................................................................... 93
3.2 Materials & Methods............................................................................................... 94
3.2.1 Medicinal mushroom, bacterial, and yeasts strains used ............................ 94
3.2.2 Hot water extraction of compounds in G. lucidum and H. erinaceus .......... 94
3.2.3 Alcohol extraction on G. lucidum and H. erinaceus ..................................... 95
3.2.4 Two-step extraction of compounds in G. lucidum ........................................ 95
3.2.5 Thin layer chromatography on G. lucidum and H. erinaceus ....................... 96
3.2.6 Extract preparation and identification of antimicrobial properties .............. 96
3.2.7 Cultivation of HepG2 cells (hepatocytes) ...................................................... 97

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 3.2.8 Harvesting of HepG2 cells and preparation of extracts ................................ 97
3.2.8 Hepatotoxicity assay (live/dead cells)............................................................ 97
3.2.9 Hepatotoxicity assay (lysosomes) ................................................................. 98
3.2.10 Multi-parameter hepatotoxicity assay (mitochondrial dysfunction)......... 98
3.2.11 Hepatotoxicity assay (lipid accumulation) ................................................. 99
3.3 Results & Discussions ........................................................................................... 99
3.3.1 Water extracts.................................................................................................. 99
3.3.2 Alcohol extracts ............................................................................................ 100
3.3.3 Two-step extraction of compounds in G. lucidum and H. erinaceus ......... 100
3.3.4 Thin layer chromatography .......................................................................... 100
3.3.5 Identification of antimicrobial activity.......................................................... 102
3.3.6 Hepatotoxicity assay (live/dead cells).......................................................... 108
3.3.7 Hepatotoxicity assay (lysosomes) ............................................................... 114
3.3.8 Multi-parameter hepatotoxicity assay (mitochondrial dysfunction) .......... 122
3.3.9 Hepatotoxicity assay (lipid accumulation/steatosis) .................................. 130
3.3.10 Analysis of plates ...................................................................................... 138
3.3.10.1 Live/dead cells................................................................................................. 138
3.3.10.2 Lysosomal content .......................................................................................... 147
3.3.10.3 Mitochondrial dysfunction ................................................................................ 150
3.3.10.4 Steatosis ......................................................................................................... 159
3.4 Conclusions .......................................................................................................... 162
3.5 References ............................................................................................................ 165

Chapter 4 ......................................................................................................................... 168

V. Abstract ................................................................................................................. 168
4.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 169
4.2 Materials & Methods............................................................................................. 175
4.2.1 A. mellifera used for G. lucidum cultivation ................................................ 175
4.2.2 Preparation of spawn .................................................................................... 175
4.2.3 Growth bag preparation ................................................................................ 176
4.2.4 Cultivation of G. lucidum on A. mellifera ..................................................... 176
4.2.5 Preparation of animal feed............................................................................ 176
4.2.6 Selection of ruminants .................................................................................. 177
4.2.7 Prepping of ruminants .................................................................................. 179
4.2.8 Feeding of ruminants .................................................................................... 181
4.2.9 Analysis of meat ............................................................................................ 181

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4.3 Results & Discussions ......................................................................................... 182
4.3.1 Cultivation of G. lucidum .............................................................................. 182
4.3.2 Preparation of animal feed............................................................................ 183
4.3.3 Selection of ruminants .................................................................................. 184
4.3.4 Prepping of ruminants .................................................................................. 184
4.3.5 Feeding of ruminants .................................................................................... 184
4.3.6 Analysis of meat ............................................................................................ 185
4.4 Conclusions .......................................................................................................... 193
4.5 References ............................................................................................................ 195

Chapter 5 ......................................................................................................................... 200

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 Chapter 1
Literature review

II. Abstract

Mushrooms are macro-fungi which can be identified according to their different shapes, sizes,
colours, spore colour and chemical reactions. Medicinal mushrooms have been used for
centuries for the treatment of various ailments while the high nutritional value add to their
popularity. These fungi have been distinctively studied as a healthy source of food which are
rich in protein. Recently there has specifically been an interest in bioactive compounds
responsible for antimicrobial, anti-tumour, anti-diabetes and anti-hypercholesteraemic
activities associated with mushrooms. Although Ganoderma lucidum is non-edible, it has been
used for centuries due to its medicinal value and seems to possess the most medicinal
properties. Another well-known edible mushroom, is Hericium erinaceus is currently
scrutinized due to its ability to stimulate the growth of nerve growth factors. Therefore, it may
be used as a natural alternative to treat the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s and
cognitive decline. Acacia mellifera is considered to be an encroaching tree species in South
Africa and may have economic benefits when used as substrate for the cultivation of G.
lucidum to provide animal feed. In this review, the nutritional as well as medicinal values of G.
lucidum and H. erinaceus will be addressed in order to highlight the advantages they hold for
humankind and pave the way for alternative medicinal applications.

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1.1 Introduction

Exotic mushrooms are macro-fungi identifiable according to the significant differences in their
shapes, sizes, spore colour and chemical reactions (Chang 2009). Mushrooms are defined
“as a macrofungus with a distinctive fruiting body, which can be epigeous or hypogeous and
large enough to be seen with the naked eye and picked by hand” (Chang and Miles 1992).
Exotic mushrooms are eukaryotic, heterotrophic fungi which include edible mushrooms as well
as medicinal mushrooms. Fungi were first regarded as members of the Plant Kingdom, but
are now recognized as a separate group, the Mycetea Kingdom (Smith et al. 2002). Over
12 000 mushroom species have been identified even though they are not a taxonomic group.
Mushrooms are predominantly Basidiomycetes and are ecologically classified into three
groups based on their lifestyle as saprophytes, parasites and mycorrhiza (Chang 2009).

Parasitic fungi grow on living organic material and thrive at their expense. Innumerable fungal
species are both saprophytic and parasitic since they continue to feed off a dead host (Polese
2000; Smith et al. 2002). Mycorrhizal fungi live in true symbiosis with their host plant, generally
a tree wherein essential micro-nutrients such as mineral salts are provided to their host in
exchange for energy. Plants find these mineral salts, especially nitrates, the hardest to convert
from the soil and can be obtained by making use of mushroom mycelium since it is in closer
contact with the soil than the roots (Polese 2000). Saprophytes obtain nutrients from dead,
organic material and most exotic mushrooms have been found to be saprophytic. These fungi
are known to be primary decomposers due to the production of extracellular enzymes which
results in the decomposition of woody structures (Polese 2000; Smith et al. 2002).

Exotic mushrooms can therefore be cultivated on substrates containing lignin due to their
ability to break down complex lignocellulosic materials. As a result, mushrooms provide a way
of returning carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen to the ecosystem (Chang and Miles 1992; Stamets
1993; Falandysz and Borovička 2013). Although mushrooms are predominantly saprophytes,
there are exceptions such as Pleurotus ostreatus which seems to be a carnivorous mushroom
(Barron and Thorn 1987; Chang 2009). In the case of P. ostreatus, nitrogen is believed to be
obtained by means of digesting nematodes. This is achieved by the ability to secrete a
nematoxin which results in immobilization of the nematode after which mycelium can penetrate
and colonize within the nematode (Barron and Thorn 1987).

Throughout history, mushrooms have been used as a natural alternative for the treatment of
various ailments (Smith et al. 2002). Nowadays macro fungi are known to be a source of

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bioactive compounds of medicinal value (Chang 2009). They contain compounds with various
properties including anticancer, antiviral, immunomodulating and hepatoprotective properties
(Chang and Buswell 1996; Wasser 2011). All of these properties can be enjoyed by
capsulation of liquid concentrates or dried, powdered mushrooms which are defined as
mushroom nutraceuticals. It was suggested that these properties are due to the presence of
immunomodulators which have the ability to modulate an immune response (Smith et al. 2002;
El Enshasy and Hatti-Kaul 2013). This class of compounds belong mainly to polysaccharides
(β-ᴅ-glucans), polysaccharide-protein complexes, proteoglycans, proteins and triterpenoids
(Moradali et al. 2007). Among polysaccharides, especially β (1→3)-ᴅ-glucans and their protein
derivatives polysaccharides play an important part in immunomodulating and antitumor
activities. These important β-glucans are contained within the cell walls of edible mushrooms
which can also act as antimicrobial agents, and reduce blood cholesterol and glucose levels
(Manzi and Pizzoferrato 2000; Smith et al. 2002).

In addition to its medicinal value, mushrooms have been studied extensively as a healthy food
source and are nutritionally well-balanced. They are rich in vitamins such as thiamine (B1),
riboflavin (B2), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), ergosterol, biotin and niacin (Smith et al. 2002). A
high protein (19-35%) and dietary fibre (3-35%) content on a dry weight basis are present,
which contain all nine essential amino acids required by humans as well as improving digestive
health, respectively. High proportions of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium and
phosphorus contribute to the valuable mineral content present. From a human health point of
view, mushrooms are low in calories, fat and carbohydrates. Although mushrooms contain all
the main classes of lipids, they are low in fat with 2-8% of dry weight. Fresh mushrooms
contain 70-95% moisture, whereas it is about 10-13% on a dry weight basis (Chang 2009;
Manzi and Pizzoferrato 2000; Smith et al. 2002).

In this review, exotic mushrooms consist of both edible and medicinal mushrooms. Edible
mushrooms include P. ostreatus (Grey Oyster), Lentinula edodes (Shiitake), Hericium
erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) and Grifola frondosa (Maitake) which are all recognised for their
medicinal properties. Two species, namely G. lucidum (Reishi) and Trametes versicolor
(Turkey Tail) are purely medicinal mushrooms and regarded as non-edible mushrooms
(Chang and Buswell 1996). However, this review will focus specifically on G. lucidum and H.
erinaceus to explore their benefits and applications.

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1.2 Exotic mushrooms in general

The medicinal value of higher Basidiomycetes mushrooms (both edible and medicinal) have
been acknowledged and applied for centuries in China and Japan. Worldwide, the market
value of specifically medicinal mushrooms and their derivatives was about U.S. $1.2 billion in
1991. In 1994, it was about U.S. $3.6 billion and estimated to be U.S. $6.0 billion in 1999. In
1995, the market value of G. lucidum-based nutraceuticals alone was estimated at U.S.
$1 628.4 million (Chang and Buswell 1999).

As saprophytes, exotic mushrooms are commonly found on hardwood species, causing white
rot (Goodell et al. 2009). These white-rot fungi possess both cellulolytic and lignin degrading
enzymes, resulting in the utilization of lignin as a food source while leaving behind cellulose.
Therefore they have the potential to degrade the entire wood structure when under the correct
environmental conditions (Goodell et al. 2009). As a result, exotic mushroom cultivation can
be used as an alternative for the breakdown of waste products as approximately 70% of
agricultural and forest products are discarded as wastes (Chang 2009). A new discipline,
namely applied mushroom biology, can convert these wastes into human food as well as
produce mushroom nutraceuticals with many health benefits. Additionally, this discipline can
be applied to the biota in order to create a pollution-free environment (Chang 1991).

An important group of these macro fungi are the polypore mushrooms which is defined as a
group of fungi producing pores underneath the cap (Stamets 1993). This group includes G.
lucidum, G. frondosa (Maitake) and T. versicolor (Turkey Tail) and stand in contrast to gill-
producing mushrooms such as L. edodes (Shiitake), H. erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) and P.
ostreatus (Grey Oyster). Although both G. lucidum and T. versicolor are considered non-
edible, G. lucidum has the most medicinal properties while T. versicolor is the most extensively
studied medicinal mushroom (Hobbs 1995; Wasser 2005). In contrast to G. lucidum and T.
versicolor, the Maitake mushroom (G. frondosa) is an edible polypore (Stamets 2005).

Commonly known as Maitake, G. frondosa, the most dominant property exhibited by this
specific mushroom is the reduction of blood pressure as well as cholesterol (Stamets 2005).
Other medicinal properties include anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and immunomodulating while it
may also improve the health of HIV patients (Suzuki et al. 1984; Yamada et al. 1990; Kubo et
al. 1994). In the late 1980’s, the compound responsible for immune system enhancement has
been identified as a water-soluble 1-6-monoglucosyl branched β-1,3 D-glucan, known as
Grifolan (Adachi et al. 1988; Stamets 1993; Kurashige et al. 1997). This compound has been

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found to be effective against various cancers such as breast, lung, liver, prostate and brain
cancer (Stamets 1993; Kubo et al. 1994). Furthermore, G. frondosa also have the ability to
reduce blood glucose, insulin, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) as well prevent and treat
diseases such as flu and diabetes (Kubo et al. 1994).

The Turkey Tail mushroom, scientifically known as T. versicolor, is known for its activity
against various tumours and viruses as well as antioxidant properties (Stamets 2005). This
species contains two important polysaccharopeptide compounds, both of which consist of α-
1,4 and β-1,3 glucoside linkages in the polysaccharide moieties and are found to be resistant
to enzymatic proteolysis (Ng 1998). These two compounds are polysaccharopeptide krestin
(PSK) and polysaccharopeptide (PSP) (Kobayashi et al. 1995; Collins and Ng 1997). This
species seems to have an indirect effect on cervical and liver cancer which is caused by the
human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis C virus (HEP-C), respectively (Stamets 2012).
Additionally, Turkey Tail mushrooms have antioxidant properties while they may also be useful
against HIV-1 infection (Collins and Ng 1997). Finally, PSK and PSP present in Turkey Tail
mushrooms also seem to have immunopotentiating activity (Ng and Chan 1997; Cui and Chisti
2003).

Currently, L. edodes (Shiitake) are the most popular mushroom regarding its medicinal
properties, but the second most cultivated mushroom in the world (Chang and Buswell 1996).
This specific species has been studied extensively to investigate its medicinal properties and
various compounds have been identified (Çaǧlarirmak 2007). Lentinan, a water-soluble
polysaccharide, is considered to be responsible for the majority of the medicinal properties
such as anti-cancer, antimicrobial and anti-tumour properties. It is a protein-free
polysaccharide present in both the fruiting bodies and mycelium and consists of β→ (1-3)-D-
glucopyranan with a branched chain of β→ (1-6)-monoglycosyl (Çaǧlarirmak 2007). As an
antimicrobial agent, lentinan inhibits the replication of Adenovirus type 12 and Abelson virus
as well as inhibiting bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus
aureus (Wasser and Weis 1999; Wasser 2005a; Rahman and Choudhury 2012). Even though
lentinan does not have direct cytotoxic properties, it is deemed essential for the activation of
a host-mediated response (Stamets 2005; Çaǧlarirmak 2007). Additionally, L. edodes have
anti-oxidant properties and is capable of lowering blood serum cholesterol (BSC) (Wasser
2005b).

The Grey Oyster mushroom (P. ostreatus) contains various compounds such as lovastatin,
pleuran, and an ubiquitin-like protein which is responsible for medicinal properties such as
anti-cholesterol, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, anti-tumour and immunomodulatory
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properties (Bobek and Galbavý 2001). Lovastatin, a commercially available drug for the
treatment of high cholesterol, has been approved in 1987 by the FDA (Bobek et al. 1998).
However, isomers of this drug (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase) are
naturally produced by P. ostreatus. Pleuran, a novel β-glucan, is responsible for the
antibacterial properties while a laccase isolated from P. ostreatus have antiviral activity due to
inhibiting the entry and replication of hepatitis C virus (EI-Fakharany et al. 2010). Additionally,
P. ostreatus possibly have anti-HIV properties due to the presence of an ubiquitin-like protein
which inhibits HIV-I reverse transcriptase activity by cleaving transfer RNA (Wang et al. 2000).
This species are currently undergoing trials as a natural alternative for treatment of
hyperlipidemia in HIV patients, but still needs to be confirmed (Abrams et al. 2011).

Recently there has been an increased interest in H. erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) due to the
presence of nerve growth factors (NGF) which may have application as a possible treatment
of Alzheimer’s disease since this compound seems to have the ability to regrow and rebuild
myelin by stimulating neurons (Takei et al. 1989; Allen and Dawbarn 2006). Thus, NGFs may
prevent neuronal death as well as maintain and organize neurons (Allen and Dawbarn 2006).
Additionally, two low molecular weight compounds, namely erinacines and hericenones, are
also present in Lion’s Mane mushrooms and both of these compounds seem to induce NGF
production (Kawagishi et al. 1994; Ma et al. 2010). As a result, we will focus on H. erinaceus
in this review to further explore the benefits and possible applications of this species as a
natural alternative for treating Alzheimer’s disease and neuronal death.

As the mushroom with the most medicinal properties, G. lucidum has been used for centuries
due to its health enhancing effects such as treatment of cancer as well as increasing longevity,
resistance and recovery from diseases (Kino et al. 1989; El Enshasy and Hatti-Kaul 2013).
Additionally, G. lucidum mushrooms have anti-oxidant properties, act as an antimicrobial
agents and have strong immunomodulating properties while it may also have cholesterol,
blood pressure and blood sugar lowering properties (Chang and But 1986; Lee et al. 2001;
Smith et al. 2002; Wasser 2005a). Therefore, it is clear that G. lucidum has the most medicinal
properties with the antimicrobial properties of microbiological interest and will be discussed in
depth to further explore the benefits and possible applications.

1.3 Application of G. lucidum as medicinal fungus

For over two millennia, this basidiomycete fungus has been recognised for its medicinal
purposes by Chinese medicinal professionals (Stamets 1993; Wasser 2005a; Babu and

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Subhasree 2008). In Latin, lucidum, refers to the shiny appearance of the fruiting body of this
specific mushroom as it has a varnished appearance (Wasser 2005a). Naturally, G. lucidum
grows in densely wooded mountains, but is rarely found since it mainly grows on decaying
logs and tree stumps (Babu and Subhasree 2008).

Traditionally, G. lucidum has been widely used in Japan and China for the treatment of various
ailments such as insomnia, cancer, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension resulting in G.
lucidum to be considered as the mushroom with the most medicinal properties (Stamets 1993;
Moncalvo 1996; Wasser 2005b). As treatment for cancer, G. lucidum seems to increase the
production of cytokines and antibodies which results in the inhibition of various tumours (Battle
et al. 1998; Mueller et al. 2000). Furthermore, G. lucidum has shown to act as antimicrobial
agent since activity against Helicobacter pylori as well as HIV are exhibited (Moncalvo 1996;
Wasser 2005a). Additionally, G. lucidum may also have anti-oxidant properties due to
scavenging of free radicals (Chang and But 1986; Lee et al. 2001; Smith et al. 2002). Currently,
G. lucidum is widely grown on a commercial scale and commonly applied as a dietary
supplement (Stamets 1993; Wasser 2005b).

1.3.1 History of G. lucidum mushrooms

In China, G. lucidum is commonly known as Lingzhi (“spiritual potency”), which are regarded
as the “Medicine of Kings” and is also called the “mushroom of immortality” (Babu and
Subhasree 2008). The virtues of G. lucidum extracts have been handed down for generations
and include a cancer cure, a symbol of happy augury, good fortune, good health, longevity,
and even immortality. As a traditional Chinese medicine, G. lucidum has been recognized for
treating bronchial asthma, coronary heart disease, dizziness, lengthy diseases, rhinitis and
stomach ulcers (Jones 1998).

As one of the three well-known polypore mushrooms, G. lucidum was mentioned the first time
during the era of China’s first emperor, Shih-huang of the Ch’in Dynasty (221-207 B.C.)
(Wasser 2005a). This specific species has been endlessly represented in art since the Yuan
Dynasty (1280-1368 A.D.) and subsequently representations of G. lucidum proliferated
throughout Chinese literature and art (Wasser 2005a). Depictions of G. lucidum were even
found on the facades of the Emperor’s palace in the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. In Japan,
dried G. lucidum mushrooms were used as a talisman to ward off evil spirits in the home. In
Northern America and Europe, this mushroom is known as one of the “artist’s conk” fungi (the
true artist conk is G. applanatum) (Jones 1998; Wasser 2005a).

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1.3.2 History of taxonomy within the G. lucidum genus

Although there are more than 2,000 known species, G. lucidum have been classified into six
species which have all been studied extensively in order to investigate their potential health
benefits (Hapuarachchi et al. 2015). This classification was based on the colour of the fruiting
body: red (Sekishi), black (Kokushi), blue (Seishi), white (Hakushi), yellow (Oushi) and
violet/purple-like (Shishi) and consequently assigned based on the triterpenoids patterns
(Szedlay 2002) (Table 1).

The black (G. sinensis) and especially the red G. lucidum have demonstrated the most
significant medicinal properties (Babu and Subhasree 2008). Both of these varieties are
worldwide used as a health supplement with the red variety being the most commonly used
and cultivated since black G. lucidum are deemed inferior to red G. lucidum (Babu and
Subhasree 2008; Ulbricht et al. 2010). The reason being the lower polysaccharide content of
black G. lucidum compared to the red variety (Babu and Subhasree 2008). It is the high
polysaccharide content found in red G. lucidum that makes it particularly potent. Wild purple
G. lucidum share similarities with red G. lucidum regarding appearance, but can be
distinguished by the significant purple coloration in the heart of the cap. This specific type of
G. lucidum is extremely rare which resulted in the limited research being done on the purple
variety (Babu and Subhasree 2008).

In 1781, G. lucidum was first described and illustrated as Boletus lucidus by William Curtis
(Curtis 1781). Fungi Fenniae Exsiccati (1865) by Karsten contained a specimen, Polyporus
lucidus with rough basidiospores, but Curtis (1781) described G. lucidum based on material
from Peckham, London, UK (Adaskaveg and Gilbertson 1986). The epithet was however
sanctioned by Fries (1821).

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Table 1 Types of G. lucidum

Colour TASTE USE

BLACK Salty Improves lung function
BLUE Sour Improves eye sight and liver
function
PURPLE Sweet Enhances function of eye
joints, helps complexion
RED Bitter Aids internal organs and
improves memory
WHITE Hot Protects kidneys
YELLOW Sweet Strengthen spleen function
(Szedlay 2002)

1.3.3 Taxonomy within the G. lucidum genus

Taxonomically, G. lucidum belongs to the Fungi Kingdom, Basidiomycota Division,

Agaricomycetes Class, Polyporales Order, G. lucidumtaceae Family and the G. lucidum
Genus with a species name of G. lucidum (Adaskaveg and Gilbertson 1986). The G.
lucidumtaceae family consists of five genera, namely G. lucidum P. Karst 1881, Amauroderma
Murril 1905, Haddowia Steyaert 1972, Humphreya Steyaert 1972 and Polyporopsis Audet
2010 (Richter et al. 2015). Since traditional taxonomy of G. lucidum is based on morphological
traits, this genus was divided into two groups, namely the laccate (G. lucidum complex) and
the non-laccate (G. applanatum complex) species (Zheng et al. 2009).

The G. lucidumtaceae family with P. lucidus W. Curtis as its type species, was introduced by
Donk (1948) and was known to be a laccate and stipitate white rot fungus (Moncalvo and
Ryvarden 1997). The G. lucidumtaceae family was predominantly classified by making use of
morphological characteristics as well as a phonetic approach (Moncalvo 1996). As the
grouping of organisms was based on a resemblance between morphological characteristics,
a different classification system was proposed due to the assumption that morphologically
similar taxa are also similar on genetic level (Moncalvo 1996). Based on that, this family was
placed subsequently in the Polyporales order and Basidiomycotina division, resulting in the G.
lucidum genus being a cosmopolitan genus (Schwarze and Ferner 2003; Cao and Yuan 2013).
However, Karsten (1881) established the G. lucidum genus with G. lucidum (W. Curt, Fries)
as the only species in this genus (Hapuarachchi et al. 2015).

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There is clearly much taxonomic confusion in die G. lucidum species complex as the
identification and restrictions of species are unclear due to the variety of morphological
characteristics (Hapuarachchi et al. 2015). As a result, more than 290 taxonomic names have
been published. Furthermore, G. lucidum have been described 13 times as a new species in
Europe due to different authors as well as the variability in its morphological characteristics
(Ryvarden 2000).

This resulted in the use of chemical and molecular methods to enable taxonomist to distinguish
between different G. lucidum species. However, a model has been proposed by Moncalvo
and co-workers to resolve systemic similarities in G. lucidum. This specific model uses both
phylogenetic analysis (use of sequences of ITS and 26S rDNA) and morphological, ecological,
cultural, and mating studies (Moncalvo et al. 1995a, 1995b; Hseu et al. 1996). Regardless of
this model, the G. lucidum genus are still considered to be the largest of the polypore fungi
due to the extensive variance in macro- and micro-morphological characteristics (Moncalvo
and Ryvarden 1997).

1.3.4 G. lucidum species complex

In East Africa, due to a lack of a morphological solution to name different species in the G.
lucidum species complex, all names of this complex was treated as the “G. lucidum group” by
Ryvarden and Johansen (1980). This complex includes 12 taxa (Table 2) and the species are
recognised as members of the G. lucidum species complex, known as the G. lucidum sensu
lato complex. However, the taxonomy of the G. lucidum sensu lato complex have long been
the subject of debate and the validity of its members are still being investigated as different
opinions have been raised (Hapuarachchi et al. 2015).

The G. lucidum sensu lato species complex has been reported from East Asia (China, Japan
and South Korea) as well as South and Southeast Asia (India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand
and Vietnam) (Wang et al. 2012). Apart from Asia, other reported areas include East Africa
(Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania), Europe (almost all the European countries), North America
(Canada and U.S.A.), Oceania (Australia) and South America (Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay).
However, due to phylogenetic analyses of the genus, G. lucidum collections of different areas
are scattered in various separated lineages. Molecular phylogenetic analyses performed in
the mid-nineties of the 20th century clearly indicated that G. lucidum collections in East Asia
were in most cases not comparable to G. lucidum from Europe (Yang and Feng 2013). A study
performed by Saltarelli and co-workers (2009) concluded that the European G. lucidum

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species should be considered as G. lucidum sensu stricto as this species was firstly described
in Europe (Moncalvo et al. 1995a; Buchanann 2001; Saltarelli et al. 2009).

Table 2 Taxa belonging to G. lucidum complex.

Taxa Reference
G. lucidum tsugae Murr. Murril 1902
G. lucidum valesiacum Boud. Murril 1908
G. lucidum oregonense Murr. Murril 1908
G. lucidum resinaceum Boud. Patouillard 1889
G. lucidum pfeifferi Bres. Bazzalo and Wright 1982
G. lucidum oerstedii (Fr.) Torr. Adaskaveg and Gilbertson 1986
G. lucidum ahmadii Stey. Steyaert 1972
G. lucidum multipileum D. Hou. Hou 1950
G. lucidum sichuanense J.D. Zhao & X.Q. Zhao et al. 1983
Zhang.
G. lucidum lingzhi Wu et al. Cao et al. 2012
G. lucidum sessile Murrill. Murril 1902
G. lucidum zonatum Murrill. Murril 1902
(Ryvarden and Johansen 1980; Hapuarachchi et al. 2015)

1.3.5 G. lucidum species in China

The first report of G. lucidum in China was done by Patouillard (1907) after which more
collections from different regions were reported by Teng in 1934 (Wang et al. 2012). Studies
showed that G. lucidum sensu stricto was first distributed in both North and South Europe
before it probably extended to China (Moncalvo et al. 1995a). Furthermore, analyses of ITS
and 25S ribosomal DNA sequences indicated that G. lucidum species found in both Europe
and China are not comparable. This has been confirmed by other authors (Moncalvo et al.
1995; Pegler and Yao 1996; Hong and Jung 2004), but misapplication of the name is yet to
be corrected. For example, G. lucidum found in tropical Asia is actually G. multipileum and is
not comparable with G. lucidum sensu stricto found in Europe, nor with “real” G. lucidum found
in East Asia (Wang et al. 2009). However, the misapplication of G. lucidum to the Chinese
species has a very short history, although it has become more dominant due to the successful
cultivation of G. lucidum (Wang et al. 2012). Meanwhile, the distribution of true G. lucidum in
China was confirmed after the use of G. sichuanense was proposed when referring to Chinese
G. lucidum (Cao et al. 2012; Wang et al. 2012; Yang and Feng, 2013).
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1.3.6 Northern American G. lucidum species

Four North American species were identified by Overholts (1953) and placed in the Friesian
genus Polyporus instead of G. lucidum. The reason being that classification was based on
geographical distribution, host-specificity, macroscopic morphology and spore characteristics
(Adaskaveg and Gilbertson 1986). Various synonyms of P. lucidus such as Ganoderma
sessile, Ganoderma polychromum, Ganoderma zonatum and Ganoderma sulcatum were
considered by authors (Overholts 1953; Steyaert 1972; Moncalvo and Ryvarden 1997).
However, Ganoderma boninense was suggested to be the correct name of the American G.
lucidum species as Zhou et al. (2015) clearly distinguished G. boninense from G. sessile and
Ganoderma tsugae (Moncalvo et al. 1995; Zhou et al. 2015). Therefore, originally described
species from the USA need to be researched as most of the species are old and were never
subjected to phylogenetic analyses (Zhou et al. 2015).

1.3.7 Confusion in the nomenclature of the G. lucidum genus

The identification of G. lucidum species have often been unclear, resulting in controversy
regarding taxonomic classification (Moncalvo et al. 1995a). Due to the presence of
heterogenic forms, taxonomic obstacles and inconsistencies, various G. lucidum species have
been misnamed (Mueller et al. 2007). This species are genetically heterogeneous, caused by
the crossing over of different generations and geographical areas (Miller et al. 1999; Pilotti et
al. 2003). This resulted in a wide range of genetic variation which led to variation in listed
morphological features, even within same species (Hong et al. 2001).

Identification of G. lucidum species is extremely difficult as a wide range of factors such as

environmental factors, variability, inter hybridization and individual morphological preference
have to be taken in account (Zheng et al. 2009). Since traditional taxonomic methods based
on morphology are inconclusive, it can no longer be applied for establishing a stable
classification system (Hseu et al. 1996; Hong et al. 2002). This resulted in an uncertain
nomenclature due to different authors using different criteria regarding classification. Some
authors are strictly focused on host-specificity, geographical distribution and macro
morphology whereas other authors primarily focused on spore characteristics (Sun et al. 2006;
Ekandjo and Chimwamurombe 2012).

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Currently, the estimated amount of known G. lucidum species is about 80 (Kirk et al. 2008).
As species and genus concepts are confused due to similar fungi found in Fomes (Fr.) Fr
1849, Polyporus P. Micheli 1729 and Tomophagus Murril 1905, the taxonomic situation within
G. lucidum is still relatively unclear (Russell and Paterson 2006; Hapuarachchi et al., 2015).
In order to develop a more stable taxonomy for the G. lucidum genus, it was suggested to
make use of a combination of morphological, chemotaxonomic and molecular methods
(Richter et al. 2015). Regardless of years of discussion and endless debates, the taxonomy
of the G. lucidum complex still remain problematic (Hapuarachchi et al. 2015).

1.3.8 Diagnostic morphological characteristics of G. lucidum

A key diagnostic characteristic for the G. lucidum genus is the double walled basidiospores
with interwall pillars (Smith and Sivasithamparam 2000). The reason being the uniqueness of
morphology between polypores as they have two distinctive morphological properties, namely
“G. lucidumtoid” and “amaurodermatoid” (Moncalvo 1996). Basidiospore morphology are
therefore regarded to be an extremely important characteristic for distinguishing between
taxonomic groups. Consequently, the division of G. lucidumtaceae in major groups was
exclusively based on spore morphology. The “G. lucidumtoid” spore is defined by a thickened
apex (G. lucidum Karst.) whereas “amaurodermatoid” spore walls are uniformly thickened
(Amauroderma Murr.) (Moncalvo 1996).

Aside from basidiospores, the diverse pileus crust is another important characteristic for
classification (Moncalvo 1996). It can be thick, strongly laccate and composed of pilocystidia
as found in G. lucidum species group (G. lucidum subgen. G. lucidum); thin and shiny, but not
strongly laccate with pilocystidia present (Ganoderma colossum); and dull with no pilocystidia
present, as found in species such as G. applanatum - G. australe group (G. lucidum subgen.
Elfvingia). Species with amaurodermatoid spores have been found to possess a dull pileus
and lack a pilocystidia. Both Furtado (1965) and Steyaert (1972) attempted to distinguish
between different types of dull pilei in both G. lucidum and Amauroderma, but both studies
had inconclusive results (Moncalvo 1996).

Other important characteristics include an annual or perennial basidiocarp, stipitate to sessile,

pileus (cap) surface with a thick, dull cuticle or shiny with a thin cuticle, cream coloured to dark
red/brown, soft and spongy to firm-fibrous, cream coloured pore surface, 4-7 regular pores per
mm, single or stratified tube layers, central of lateral stipe if present, pale to purplish brown
stipe, dimitic hyphal system, generative hyphae with clamps, skeletal hyphae translucent to

19 | P a g e
brown coloured, non-septate hyphae, broadly to narrowly ellipsoid basidiospores with a
truncate apex and apical germ pore, brown endospore and separated from translucent
exospore by inter-wall pillars, negative reaction to Melzer’s reagent, spores are 7-30 μm in
length (Ryvarden 2004).

Furthermore, in a study conducted by Kapoor & Sharma (2004), G. lucidum were identified by
following standard description of the species: fruiting bodies are usually large, stipitate,
dimidiate, lateral and reddish brown in colour with the upper surfaces coated with a hard, shiny
substance (Kapoor and Sharma 2014). Pileus is 2-5 cm broad with the surface often appearing
varnished while the stipe is generally 0.5-2 cm thick. Produced basidiospores are brown,
ovate, with a rounded base and truncate to narrowly rounded apex; 10-12 x 6.5-8 μm in size;
slightly too strongly dimpled spore surface; wall composed of several layers. Outermost wall
connected to inner wall by inter-wall pillars. The morphology of basidiocarps and
basidiospores were also studied by Pegler and Young (1973) and Adaskaveg and Gilbertson
(1986). In 1965, Furtado reported that an amorphous substance secreted by the hyphae
responsible is for the varnished appearance of the basidiocarp of many polypores (Kapoor
and Sharma 2014).

1.3.9 Distribution and natural habitat

Considered to be the most medicinal mushroom, G. lucidum has been used for over 2000
years, regardless of being rarely found in nature (Stamets 2005; Hapuarachchi et al. 2015).
As a wood-decaying fungus, G. lucidum causes white rot of a wide variety of trees with a
worldwide distribution in green ecosystems (Stamets 2005; Kapoor and Sharma 2014;
Hapuarachchi et al. 2015). As G. lucidum can survive under hot and humid conditions, it is
usually found in both temperate and subtropical regions (Stamets 2005; Pilotti et al. 2004;
Hapuarachchi et al. 2015). However, it is more common in tropical regions such as India and
are therefore found more dominantly in Asia (Kapoor and Sharma 2014). As a result, G.
lucidum is most commonly cultivated in China, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Taiwan and North
America (Kapoor and Sharma 2014).

As a saprophyte, G. lucidum is found on the widest range of hardwood species, including

beeches, elms, oaks and even palms (Stamets 2005). However, some mycologists considered
G. lucidum to behave parasitically toward palm trees, resulting in the depiction as a
phytopathogenic fungus. Nevertheless, an emerging point of view is that G. lucidum is

20 | P a g e
facultative parasites, meaning they act as opportunistic parasite only when the tree is stressed
or diseased (Stamets 2005).

1.3.10 Cultivation of G. lucidum

In ancient times, G. lucidum was found infrequently in nature which resulted in this fungus
being highly cherished and expensive (Chang and Miles 1992). The sexual structures
(basidiocarps) of G. lucidum found on living or dead trees, are known to form brackets.
Commonly, two types of basidiocarps are produced, depending on the species: a laccate
fruiting body with a shiny upper surface, or a non-laccate fruiting body with a dull upper surface
(Smith and Sivasithamparam 2000; Pilotti et al. 2004). The preferred season for G. lucidum is
during summer to early fall when temperatures are between 15-35˚C (Stamets 2005).

Cultivation of G. lucidum has been acquired by using various different substrates as well as
maintaining specific growth parameters such as temperature, light intensity, relative humidity,
water content and air pH (Miles and Chang 2004). For mycelial growth, light and pH are of the
most important parameters while depending on some factors such as temperature, culture
media and nutrient elements (Kapoor and Sharma 2014). All of these factors were found to
greatly influence the growth of G. lucidum in both field and laboratory conditions. Therefore, it
is important to evaluate these factors in order to obtain optimum mycelial growth (Kapoor and
Sharma 2014).

Artificial cultivation of G. lucidum was successfully achieved the first time in the early 1970’s
(Chang and Buswell 1999; Chang 2009). The basic substrate for artificial cultivation is
hardwood sawdust supplemented with 20% wheat bran, 1% gypsum and 1% sucrose with a
moisture content of 60-65% and pH 5.5-6.5 (Gurung et al. 2012). Coarse sawdust mixed with
fine sawdust are preferred, resulting in increased aeration and water holding capacity in order
to allow optimum colonization of mycelia. Alder wood supplemented with wheat bran was
reported to be the best substrate for artificial cultivation of G. lucidum (Gurung et al. 2012).
Regarding spawn production, cereal grains such as barley, maize, pearl millet, soybean and
wheat can be used for spawn production with barley grains yielding the best results (Joshi and
Sagar 2016).

Since the 1980’s, the cultivation of G. lucidum has developed rapidly, especially in China
(Chang and Buswell 1999; Chang 2009). Currently wood log, short wood segments, tree
stumps, sawdust bags and bottle procedures are the most popular methods for commercial

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cultivation of G. lucidum. In the case of wood logs or stumps, dowels (overgrown wood
fragments) are used for inoculation after which logs or stumps are allowed to fruit under
natural, uncontrolled conditions. However, sawdust bags and bottle procedures produce
higher yields for a shorter time period (Chang and Buswell 1999; Chang 2009).

Optimum growth conditions for the cultivation of G. lucidum include temperature, humidity and
oxygen (Stamets 1993). Spawn production require a temperature between 25-32˚C. The
optimum moisture content of sawdust substrate is 65-70%. For primordial induction, humidity
should be maintained between 90-100%, 80-95% during cap formation and 30-40% during
the final stages of fruit body development. For primordia formation, optimum temperature
between 18-24˚C is required whereas the optimum temperature for fruiting body development
is between 21-27˚C. High CO2 levels are essential throughout cultivation as levels between
20,000-40,000 ppm are required for primordia formation. However, lower levels of < 2000 ppm
are required for fruiting body formation. Light of 200-500 lux for 4-8 hours are required during
primordial formation whereas light at 750-1500 lux at 12 hrs cycles are required for fruiting
body development. By taking all of this in consideration, primordial formation take up to 14-28
days to be completed while fruiting body formation will take up to 60 days (Stamets 1993).

1.3.11 Nutritional profile of G. lucidum

A G. lucidum extract (% of dry weight) is determined to consists of 7.3% protein, 11.1%

glucose, 68.9% folin-positive material, and 10.2% minerals (K, Mg, and Ca are the major
mineral components) (Wasser 2005a). A 100 g serving contains approximately 367 calories;
15.05 g protein; 3.48 g fat; 0.50 g polyunsaturated fat; 1.20 g total unsaturated fat; 0.27 g
saturated fat, 71 g carbohydrates; 66.80 g dietary fibre; 0 mg cholesterol; 0 IU vitamin A; 0.06
mg vitamin B1; 2.70 mg pantothenic acid; 0 mg vitamin C; 66 IU vitamin D; 37 mg calcium;
1.30 mg copper; 13.0 mg iron, 760 mg potassium; 12.40 mg niacin; 1.59 mg riboflavin; 0.014
mg selenium; and 6 mg sodium. All of this contribute to the high nutritional value of G. lucidum
(Stamets 2005).

1.3.12 Medicinally important compounds and extractions

Important compounds such as triterpenoids (triterpenes), β-D-glucans and ganomycin have

been found in G. lucidum (Chang and But 1986). Triterpenoids present in G. lucidum are
responsible for the bitter taste associated with G. lucidum. Reportedly, G. lucidum contains 40
ganoderic acids, 14 ganoderiols, 5 ganolucidic acids, and 15 lucidenic acids (Cole and

22 | P a g e
Schweikert 2003). Furthermore, two triterpenoids were described and five new 20-
hydroxylucidenic acids were isolated from the basidiocarps (Akihisa et al. 2005).

Triterpenoids are comprised of four groups, namely the volatile mono- and sesquiterpenes
(essential oils) (C10 and C15), less volatile diterpenes (C20), non-volatile triterpenoids and
sterols (C30), and the carotenoid pigments (C40). Most investigations are focused on the less
volatile triterpenoid (triterpene) and sterol forms (Paterson 2006). The chemical structure of
triterpenes is based on the structure of lanosterol, an important intermediate. Stereochemical
rearrangements of lanosterol are responsible for structural diversity and the physiochemical
properties of over 130 lanostane-type triterpenoids which have been described since the first
isolation of ganoderic acids A and B (Kim and Kim 1999).

Chemical components such as polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, steroids,
alkaloids, and phenolic compounds with potential nutritional and medicinal values have been
reported (Mizuno 1995; Paterson 2006; Boh et al. 2007; Singh et al. 2013). These compounds
are considered to be responsible for the antimicrobial, anti-tumour, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant,
anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties of G. lucidum (Paterson 2006; Cao et
al. 2012; De Silva et al. 2012a, b; De Silva et al. 2013).

Isolated polysaccharides from G. lucidum are β-1,3- and β-1,6-ᴅ-glucans with a variety of
physiochemical properties (Paterson 2006). Paterson (2006) stated that “the structure is β-
1,3-ᴅ-glucopyranan with 1-15 units of β-1,6-monoglucosyl side chains”. Other important
polysaccharides acting as alternative anti-tumour compounds include glycoproteins
(polysaccharides and proteins), heteropolysaccharides and ganoderans A, B and C
(Lindequist 1995). Increased effectiveness of anti-tumour activity are brought about by
increased water solubility as a result of the high molecular weights of the compounds
(Lindequist 1995). However, some water insoluble polysaccharides are also known to possess
anti-tumour activity where branching have an effect on activity (Wang et al. 1993). Interestingly
enough, a higher amount of bioactive water-insoluble polysaccharides compared to water-
soluble polysaccharides were reported (Kim et al. 2003).

Although polysaccharides and triterpenoids are the most thoroughly investigated, other
compounds such as sterols, lectins and proteins have also been described (Paterson 2006).
Sterols found in G. lucidum are closely related to triterpenoids and were found to have potent
cytotoxic activity as well as anti-bacterial effects (Paterson 2006). Ergosterol peroxide (5α, 8α-
epidioxy-22E-ergosta-6, 22-dien-3β-ol) is a steroid derivative isolated from G. lucidum and

23 | P a g e
has been reported to enhance the inhibitory effect of linoleic acid on mammalian DNA
polymerase (Mizushina et al. 1998b). Free sterols have been determined to contain mainly
ergosterol and 24-methylcholesta-7, 22-trien-3-ol (Shim et al. 2004). In the case of proteins,
Ling Zhi-8 (LZ-8) is a new polypeptide consisting of 110 amino acid residues with an acetylated
amino terminus and has been isolated from the mycelium of G. lucidum (Paterson 2006). An
antifungal protein, namely ganodermin, has been isolated by Wang and Ng (2006) and found
to inhibit growth of Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum and Physalospora piricola.
Additionally, proteins in the form of enzymes have also been isolated and galactosidase has
been purified form G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Paterson 2006). Therefore, it is clear that all the
compounds present in G. lucidum are important and responsible for the exhibited medicinal
properties.

1.3.13 Medicinal properties

Anti-cancer (including leukaemia), anti-oxidant and antimicrobial (including HIV) are of the
most extensively studied medicinal properties G. lucidum claims to possess. Research
concerning the anti-tumour and immunomodulating properties of G. lucidum have been
reported as early as 1957 and recently, compounds responsible for anti-tumour properties
have been studied more extensively (Paterson 2006). Several bioactive glucans have been
isolated in the early 1980’s and the mode of action of polysaccharides as an anti-tumour agent
is believed to be an enhancement of host-mediated immunity instead of direct cytotoxicity
(Wang et al. 1993; Kim et al. 2003). Remarkably, G. lucidum is known to be one of the most
popular species due to the variety of medicinal properties regardless of being non-edible as
a result of its bitter taste and indigestible structure (Chang and Buswell 1996). Recently G.
lucidum has become recognized as an alternative adjuvant for treating leukaemia, carcinoma,
diabetes, and hepatitis while it has traditional uses to combat migraines, hypertension,
arthritis, asthma, gastritis, hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular problems (Hobbs 1995;
Wasser 2005b; Paterson 2006).

A study performed by Sliva (2006) investigated the effects of G. lucidum on cancer cells and
observed the inhibition of proliferation as well as apoptosis in leukaemia, lymphoma and
myeloma cells. The inhibition of acute myoblastic leukaemia was associated with cell cycle
arrest and apoptosis whereas lymphoma inhibition was mediated by the upregulation of
expression. Therefore, G. lucidum appears to inhibit direct signalling pathways in different
cancer cells (Sliva 2006). Triterpenoids have potential as anti-cancer agent due to their direct
cytotoxicity activity against tumour cells as growth and invasive behaviour of cancer cells are

24 | P a g e
supressed (Gonzalez et al. 2002; Li et al. 2005; Sliva 2006). Additionally, tumour growth have
been found to be inhibited through the activation of host-mediated immune responses by
stimulating the production of cytotoxic T lymphocytes from mononuclear leukocytes (Lieu et
al. 2002). Furthermore, the production of interleukin 2 is promoted while anti-tumour effect is
increased by the attachment of polyol groups to glucans (Sone et al. 1985; Lei and Lin, 1992;
Ooi et al. 2002).

Recently, there has been an increased interest in polysaccharides associated with G. lucidum
as they are responsible for stimulating the immune system resulting in cytokine production
and activation of anti-cancer activities of immune cells (Sliva 2006). In a study performed on
mice, a glycoprotein isolated from G. lucidum were found to stimulate the proliferation of
mouse spleen lymphocytes which resulted in an increase in B cells, production of interleukin
2, secretion of immunoglobulin and expression of protein kinase. Additionally, bioactive
polysaccharides may stimulate blood mononuclear cells which resulted in the production of
cytokines, tumour necrosis factor, interferons and interleukins to be increased (Paterson
2006). Furthermore, active β-D-glucans also have anti-tumour activity as it acts by binding to
serum-specific proteins (Hobbs 1995; Wang et al. 2002). This binding is known as
polysaccharide-mediated potentiation of the immune system and results in the activation of
macrophages, T-helper, natural killer (NK) as well as other effector cells. Subsequently, the
production of cytokines and antibodies are increased (Battle et al. 1998; Mueller et al. 2000).

A G. lucidum polysaccharide peptide (GI-PP) identified by Cao and Lin (2006), demonstrated
anti-tumour as well as potential anti-angiogenesis activity. The possible mechanisms of GI-PP
action on anti-angiogenesis of tumours were elucidated while the induction of apoptosis seems
to be the mechanism for inhibition of proliferation (Paterson 2006). The exposure of human
lung carcinoma cells to high doses of GI-PP in hypoxia for 18 h resulted in a decrease in an
important chemical indicator of cancer. Furthermore, the anti-angiogenesis of GI-PP may be
due to the direct inhibition of the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells or the indirect
decrease of growth factor expression (Cao and Lin 2006). In another study where the anti-
proliferating activity of G. lucidum were investigated, profound activity against leukaemia,
lymphoma and multiple myeloma cells were observed (Müller et al. 2006). Therefore, G.
lucidum may have application as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of hematologic
malignancies (Müller et al. 2006).

The immunomodulating effects of G. lucidum were observed in patients with advanced

colorectal cancer, but further studies need to be performed in order to validate the results

25 | P a g e
(Chen et al. 2006). As immunomodulating agent, G. lucidum polysaccharide (GI-PS) have
been associated with a wide range of immune modulating effects. Results obtained from a
study performed by Zhu and Lin (2006) confirmed that GI-PS was a promising biological
response modifier and immune potentiate (Zhu and Lin 2006). Isolated triterpenoids may also
have strong immunomodulating properties due to the activation of immune effector cells such
as natural killer cells, T cells and macrophages (Smith et al. 2002). This activation results in
cytokine, interleukin, interferon, and tumour necrosis factor-α production (Smith et al. 2002).

Interestingly enough, recent research reported that anti-tumour and immunomodulating

properties were closely related to its anti-oxidant properties as extracts were found to be
effective in preventing DNA from strand breakage (Paterson 2006). Oxidation is essential for
energy production to allow functioning of biological processes (Wang et al. 2013). However,
oxidative stress is the result of over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (●OH) and singlet oxygen under pathological
conditions (Guo et al. 2010; Hu et al. 2010; Luo et al. 2010; Sun et al. 2010; Wang et al. 2010;
Xie et al. 2010). At physiological conditions, ROS may be required for normal cell function, but
excessive amounts of ROS may damage important cellular components (DNA, lipids and
proteins) as interactions with free radicals result in cellular deterioration and ageing (Wang et
al. 2013). Furthermore, the over-production of ROS are believed to be a causative agent of
diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis
(Chen et al. 2009; Sun et al. 2009; Liu et al. 2010). Although most organisms possess anti-
oxidant and repair systems, these systems are incapable of preventing the damage completely
(Tommonaro et al. 2007; Tseng et al. 2008).

A study conducted by Sun et al. (2004) investigated the anti-oxidant activity shown by isolated
peptides including polysaccharides, polysaccharide-peptide complex and phenolic
components of G. lucidum. However, G. lucidum peptide (LZ-8) were reported to be the major
anti-oxidant component due to a decrease in the oxidation of low density lipoproteins as well
as the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (Sun et al. 2004; Paterson 2006). Additionally,
triterpenoids also seem to play a role in anti-oxidant activity due to the scavenging of
superoxide anions resulting in the interruption of the chain reaction of free radicals (Chang
and But 1986; Lee et al. 2001). Furthermore, G. lucidum is capable of preventing oxidative
damage caused by chemotherapy due to the ability of inhibiting hydroxyl radicals (Lee et al.
2001). Isolated polysaccharides may enhance free radical scavenging via macrophages as
well as the activity of interleukins, tumour necrosis factors, and natural killer cells (Smith et al.
2002).

26 | P a g e
In a study performed by Wang et al. (2013), extracted polysaccharides from G. lucidum fruiting
bodies were sulphated and carboxymethylated in order to investigate the free radical
scavenging and immunomodulatory effects (Wang et al. 2013). The injection of the two
derivatives in female mice resulted in an increase in the mouse thymus and spleen index
which is an indicator of increased immunity. Additionally, the production of two of the most
important enzymes of the anti-oxidant defence system, namely superoxide dismutase and
glutathione peroxidase were effectively increased. Finally, it was reported that the anti-oxidant
activity of sulphated polysaccharides are superior to that of carboxymethylated
polysaccharides (Wang et al. 2013).

Since G. lucidum is directly active as an antimicrobial agent, antibacterial, antiviral and

antifungal activity have been reported (Wasser 2005a). As an antibacterial agent, extracts of
G. lucidum mushrooms have the ability to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori which is
mostly associated with gastro-intestinal diseases such as gastric carcinoma, peptic ulcers,
and gastritis (Wasser 2005a). Moreover, activity against gram-positive bacteria were observed
from fruiting body extracts (Kim et al. 1993). Methanol extracts of the mycelium as well as
culture extracts inhibited B. subtilis while ethanol extracts from the mycelium were found to
have anti-inflammatory activity (Kendrick 1985).

Activity against various viruses including HIV and herpes have been observed, resulting in an
increased interest in the antiviral activity of G. lucidum. The activity of G. lucidum
polysaccharides are reported to be linked to their anionic characteristics and can inhibit the
very early stages of viral infection such as attachment and penetration (Shannon 1984).
Additionally, antiviral activity increases with molecular weight or degree of sulfation which is
defined as the enzyme-catalysed conjugation of a sulfo group to another molecule (Witvrouw
et al. 1994). Isolated triterpenoids have been reported to be responsible for the antiviral activity
against HIV due to the ability to inhibit the activity of DNA polymerase, HIV-1 reverse
transcriptase, HIV-1 protease and HIV-2 protease (El-Mekkawy et al. 1998; Min et al. 1998;
Wasser 2005a).

The antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV) have been associated with an acidic
protein bound polysaccharide (APBP) (Paterson 2006). This activity appeared to be related to
the binding of APBP with HSV-specific glycoprotein at the cell membrane (Huie and Di 2004).
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) have been found to be responsible
for a wide range of infectious diseases (Eo et al. 1999). Furthermore, HSV infections were

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reported as a risk factor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while HSV-2 are recognized
as an oncogenic virus due to its ability to convert cells into tumour cells (Hook 3rd et al. 1992;
Lapucci et al. 1993). In a previous study, HSV-1 and HSV-2 were reported to be sensitive to
water soluble compounds such as protein-bound polysaccharides (Eo et al. 1999). Isolated
polysaccharides responsible for antiviral or anti-tumour property were reported to be branched
β-glucans with (1,3)-β-, (1,4)-β- and (1,6)-β-linkages which may be responsible for the
inhibitory effect on the proliferation of HSV in vitro (Mizuno et al. 1984). The protein and
polysaccharide appeared to be bound as the protein moiety was not completely removed
during purification. However, the entity of this binding is still uncertain and therefore the
mechanism is not fully understood (Eo et al. 1999).

1.3.14 Application as medicinal mushroom

When all of the previously discussed properties are taken in consideration, it is clear that G.
lucidum has tremendous value which resulted in an increased interest in the possible
applications it may have. Commercially known as “Lingzhi”, G. lucidum has been widely used
due to its health benefits and products are available as powders, coffee, tea, drinks, tablets,
capsules, syrups and dietary supplements (Chang and Buswell 1999; Lai et al. 2004; Singh et
al. 2013; Kapoor and Sharma 2014). These products have effectively been commercialized
as a food and drug supplement for health benefits (Hapuarachchi et al. 2015). Hence the
increased popularity of G. lucidum fruiting bodies as a dietary supplement in China, Japan and
North America (Hapuarachchi et al. 2015).

Annually, the sale of G. lucidum derived products is estimated to be more than US$ 2.5 billion
in Asian countries, including China, Japan and Korea (Li et al. 2013; Kapoor and Sharma
2014). In 2002, about 4900-5000 tonnes was produced with approximately 3800 tonnes
produced in China (Lai et al. 2004). Due to artificial cultivation, about 4300 tonnes of G.
lucidum are annually being produced in over ten countries with USA being the biggest market
for G. lucidum based nutraceuticals (Kapoor and Sharma 2014).

As a functional food, it is a popular remedy to prevent and treat immunological diseases such
as cancer; blood pressure; hypercholesterolemia; hepatitis A, B and C; hypertension;
diabetes; cardiovascular problems; rheumatism; ulcers; gastritis; nephritis; bronchitis; asthma
and arthritis (Liu et al. 2002; Paterson 2006; Wang et al. 2012; Kapoor and Sharma 2014).
Additionally, G. lucidum has the unique property of strengthening the immune system as well
as promoting longevity (Kapoor and Sharma 2014).

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The anti-tumour activity of G. lucidum has been investigated and may have application as
adjunctive therapy for the treatment of hematologic malignancies as well as leukaemia (Müller
et al. 2006). Additionally, isolated triterpenoids and polysaccharides may have application as
an immunomodulating agent due to the activation of immune effector cells (Smith et al. 2002).
Furthermore, G. lucidum may aid anti-oxidant and repair systems naturally found in most
organisms due to their ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (Sun et al. 2004; Paterson
2006; Tommonaro et al. 2007; Tseng et al. 2008). The capability of G. lucidum to inhibit
hydroxyl radicals result in the possible application to prevent oxidative damage caused by
chemotherapy (Lee et al. 2001). Finally, G. lucidum has medicinal application as an
antimicrobial agent due to its ability to inhibit H. pylori, B. subtilis, gram-positive bacteria, HIV
and HSV-1 and HSV-2 (Kendrick 1985; Kim et al. 1993; Eo et al. 1999).

An interesting application of G. lucidum as animal feed recently emerged due to its ability to
degrade the lignocellulosic complex in wood. Lignin is a heterogeneous polymer occurring in
woody structures and surrounds cellulose in woody cell walls by forming a matrix (ten Have
and Teunissen 2001). As a result, hemicellulose and cellulose, known as holocellulose are
protected against microbial depolymerisation. As white-rot fungi, G. lucidum is capable of
completely breaking down lignin to CO2 and H2O while also allowing access to holocellulose
as a source of carbon and energy (Kirk and Farrell 1987; ten Have and Teunissen 2001).
Enzymes capable of degrading the lignocellulosic complex such as α-amylase, β-glucosidase,
cellulase, laccase, lignin- and manganese peroxidase, and xylanase are produced by G.
lucidum, contributing to its application. The cultivation of G. lucidum on encroaching wood
such as Acacia mellifera may aid in relieving stress caused by the recent drought. In addition,
land is cleared to allow grazing for animals. Composted spent mushroom substrate from G.
lucidum have application as animal feed due to breaking down of lignin and cellulose, allowing
animals to further digest the wood.

1.4 H. erinaceus

H. erinaceus is an edible fungus with great significance in medicine and is commonly known
as Lion’s Mane due to the appearance of a mane of cascading white spines (Stamets 2005)
(Sokół et al. 2016). Previously known as Hydnum erinaceum, this mushroom is one of only a
few that produces a lobster or shrimp flavour when cooked. Although not common in Europe,
this species is found throughout Asia and Northern America (Thongbai et al. 2015).

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Both the fruiting bodies and mycelia of H. erinaceus have been recognized by traditional
Chinese and Japanese healers for years for as both medicine and cuisine (Stamets 2005;
Sokół et al. 2016). Traditional Chinese healers used it for medicinal purposes such as treating
gastritis for centuries. Additionally, H. erinaceus were also prescribed by Chinese medicinal
practitioners for the prevention of gastrointestinal cancer (Stamets 2005). Recently there has
been a great interest in this species since H. erinaceus may be used as a natural alternative
to treat symptoms of dementia and cognitive decline in the elderly (Mizuno 1999; Ueda et al.
2008).

Studies have been performed and in vitro studies of extracted compounds performed on mice
exhibited promising results (Sokół et al. 2016). The extracts have been found to be of use in
the treatment of cancer, hepatic disorders, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. This is
due to the production of low molecular compounds, known as nerve growth factors (NGF)
(Takei et al. 1989; Allen and Dawbarn, 2006). Interestingly enough, this specific species have
also been found to have antimicrobial activity against two fungal species, namely Aspergillus
species and Candida species (Stamets 2005). The numerous bioactive compounds
associated with H. erinaceus resulted in the development of food supplements and as
alternative medicines. Regardless of various studies, the mode of action of these active
compounds is however still unclear (Thongbai et al. 2015).

1.4.1 History and taxonomy of H. erinaceus

Although H. erinaceus has a long history of traditional medicine in Asia, it was first described
in Northern America (Thongbai et al. 2015). Detailed descriptions and illustrations are mostly
from European countries and is also reported to be found in Southern America. According to
the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF; http://www.gbif.org/species/5248508), H.
erinaceus was also recorded from Australia, but interestingly enough there are no records
from Asia, regardless of large-scale cultivation. No Hericium species have been recorded in
Africa, where the genus Dentipellis Donk is the only related existing species (Hallenberg et al.
2012; Zhou and Dai 2013). A new taxon, namely Hericium erinaceum subsp. erinaceo abietis,
was described in the late 1970’s (Sokół et al. 2016). However, this taxon was different from
the typical H. erinaceus by means of morphological traits of the fruiting bodies, spore size and
mycelial growth rate since studies have proved the described subspecies to be a sterile hybrid
between H. erinaceus and H. abietis (Burdsall Jr. et al. 1978).

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The H. erinaceus species used to belong to the class Basidiomycetes, subclass
Holobasidiomycetidae, order Hericiales and family Hericiaceae (Wojewoda 1998). However,
Index Fungorum presents the currently adopted taxonomy described by Persoon (1797).
Taxonomically, H. erinaceus (Bull.:Fr.) Pers. 1797 belongs to the Fungi Kingdom,
Basidiomycota Division, Agaricomycetes Class, Russulales order, Hericiaceae family, and
Hericium genus with a species name of H. erinaceus (Thongbai et al. 2015).

The epithet is often still being misspelt, even in the current literature, as “erinaceum” (Thongbai
et al. 2015). The correct epithet “erinaceus” literally means “hedgehog” in Latin and was
proposed by Buillard as it reminded him of this animal. Alternatively, H. erinaceus is also
known as “Bearded Hedgehog” and “Hedgehog Mushroom”. In Japan, this fungus is known
“Yamabushitake” which means “Mountain Priest”. In China, “Houtou” which means “monkey
head”, is the common name for H. erinaceus. In other parts of the world, H. erinaceus is also
known as “Monkey’s Mushroom”, “Bear’s Head”, “Hog’s Head Fungus”, “White Beard”, “Old
Man’s Beard”, “Pom Pom” and “Bearded Tooth” (Thongbai et al. 2015).

1.4.2 Confusion in the nomenclature

Previously known as Hydnum erinaceum Fr., the taxonomy of H. erinaceus remained

unchanged for the past decade (Thongbai et al. 2015). However, two species, namely
Hericium coralloides and Hericium abietis are both similar to H. erinaceus, but are distinct in
both their preferred habitat and form. Additionally, H. coralloides has been described under
various synonyms, but didn’t have any effect on the taxonomy of the Hericium genus.
Furthermore, the taxonomic situation of Hericium cirrhatum is still debated as this species is
often being referred to as Creolophus cirrhatus by some mycologists and therefore considered
to represent a separate genus (Thongbai et al. 2015). Recently, three new species were
described with phylogenetic inference, namely Hericium bharengense and Hericium
yumthangense from Himalaya, India (Das et al. 2011, 2013) as well as Hericium rajchenbergii
from Argentina (Hallenberg et al. 2012).

It is easy to identify H. erinaceus in the mature state as the basidiomes consist of various
single spines (Thongbai et al. 2015). Differentiation between species in the Hericium genus
are done macroscopically by the presence of branched or unbranched hymenophore
structures supporting various lengths of spines, occurrence of single spines or multiple
clumps, and microscopically by amyloid basidiospores (Harrison 1973; Ginns 1985). However,
basidiomes of Hericium often form a single clump from the primordia after which branches

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only develop with age. This results in confusion as long-spine species may have short spines
(1 cm in length or less) at their youngest age (Thongbai et al. 2015). In most cases,
macromorphology of H. erinaceus is sufficient for identification. It is, however, difficult to
differentiate certain growth forms of H. erinaceus from H. coralloides as both species have
similar basidiospore sizes. Although H. coralloides basidiomes tend to be more branched,
basidiomes with a massive body and long, graceful spines similar to H. erinaceus are known
to exist, resulting in confusion. However, host substrates can be used as a way of identification
as H. coralloides tends to occur on conifers while H. erinaceus are associated with deciduous
trees. Furthermore, both H. coralloides and H. erinaceus can be cultivated on sawdust with
the difference being that the spines of H. coralloides fork rather than emerge individually as in
the case of H. erinaceus (Thongbai et al. 2015).

However, molecular methods can be applied to differentiate between species in the Hericium
genus in order to clear up confusion in nomenclature (Thongbai et al. 2015). Identification of
H. erinaceus can be done by making use of a set of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers
specific to the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) nrDNA locus of Hericium species (Lu et al.
2002; Parfitt et al. 2005). Since studies have shown the close relation of the Hericiaceae family
with different species of families Auriscalpiaecae, Echinadontaceae, Russulaceae,
Schizophyllaceae and Stereaceae, the application of PCR made the verification of taxonomy
possible. In a study conducted by Lu and colleagues, taxonomic identification and
phylogenetic affiliation of representatives of the Hericiaceae family with other
Holobasidiomycetidae were determined (Lu et al. 2002). As a result, Canadian strains
previously known as H. erinaceus were isolated as a new taxon, namely Hericium
americanum, as described in 1984 (Ginns 1985).

1.4.3 Diagnostic morphological characteristics of H. erinaceus

Consisting of downward, cascading, non-forking spines, H. erinaceus is typically white with

the occurrence of discolouring to brown of yellowish brown when aged. Microscopic features
include white spores; 4.5-5.5 by 4.0-4.5 μm in diameter; smooth or minutely punctate-
roughened; apiculate; short ellipsoid to sub globose; amyloid; smooth to slightly roughened
and infrequent clamp connections. This species typically has a low spore load compared to
other species (Hall and Stuntz 1971; Stamets 2005).

The basidiocarp of H. erinaceus is a solid knot of tissue; unbranched and long spines borne
on the periphery of the carpophore (± 4 cm) (Hall and Stuntz 1971). Furthermore, the basidia

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are clavate, 40-50 x 5.3-6.0 μm and contains 4 spores. The cystidia is 43-52 x 5-7 μm;
cylindrical; thick-walled, with denser contents than those of surrounding cells; and evenly
distributed throughout the hymenial layer. The hyphae are 14μm; dimitic; moderately
branched; thick-walled; curling and inter-woven; and clamp connections are present. H.
erinaceus produces extensively branched fruiting bodies which are attached sideways to the
substrate with a rounded or sub globose base (Gumińska and Wojewoda 1985; Stamets
1993). Since H. erinaceus mostly occurs on hardwoods, the long, peripheral spines and
tuberculate sporocarp can be applied for identification (Hall and Stuntz 1971).

Mycelia of H. erinaceus are divided into two groups, namely monokaryotic and dikaryotic
mycelia (Sokół et al. 2016). It has been found that only approximately 3% of monokaryotic
mycelia are capable of yielding fruiting bodies while produced fruiting bodies were always
smaller when compared to fruiting bodies produced by dikaryotic mycelia. A big difference
between the two types are the production of hyphae with clamp connections in the case of
dikaryotic mycelia while it is absent in the monokaryotic form. According to Sokół et al (2016),
monokaryotic mycelia form 4 types of colonies, namely (i) thin, semi-airborne, showing a rapid
growth comparable to that of a dikaryotic mycelium; (ii) compact, slower growing; (iii) thick
and robust, characterized by very slow growth, and (iv) thin, with the slowest growth rate.
Furthermore, monokaryotic mycelia is capable of producing chlamydospores (spindle-shaped,
6-8 x 8-10 μm in diameter) which may remain viable for approximately 7 years (Sokół et al.
2016).

1.4.4 Distribution and Natural Habitat

Although commonly found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including Northern America,
China and Japan, H. erinaceus is rarely found in tropical and polar regions (Doll 1979; Zhou
and Liu 1988; Mao 1989; Stamets 1993; Grace and Mudge 2015). However, H. erinaceus is
the most abundant species of the Hericium genus in the southern regions of the United States
(Stamets 1993). In contrast, H. erinaceus is rarely found in Europe and was red-listed in 2003
in 13 of the 25 European countries are their natural habitats are deteriorating (Boddy et al.
2011; Govaerts et al. 2011). In Poland, all species from the Hericiaceae family are legally
protected due to their rarity (Gumińska and Wojewoda 1985; Wojewoda 2003).

This specific species naturally occurs on dead or dying oak, walnut, beech, maple, sycamore,
and other broadleaf trees. H. erinaceus is most commonly found on logs or stumps (Stamets
2005). Although H. erinaceus is predominantly a saprophytic mushroom, occasionally it may

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also be considered as a weak parasite of trees as it is commonly found on dead or dying
deciduous trees belonging to genera Acer sp., Fagus sp., Juglans sp., Quercus sp., and Ulmus
sp. (Gumińska and Wojewoda 1985; Stamets 1993; Pegler 2003; Fora et al. 2009). However,
the fruiting bodies of H. erinaceus may originate sometimes from knotholes or cracks of living
hardwoods, indicating an endophytic lifestyle (Thongbai et al. 2015). In the UK, H. erinaceus
commonly occurs on the central deadwood of trunks from September to December (Boddy
and Wald 2003; Boddy et al. 2004, 2011).

1.4.5 Cultivation of H. erinaceus

As H. erinaceus is rare to found in nature and habitats are threatened, artificial cultivation of
this valued mushroom are increasing and was first documented in 1988 (Suzuki and Mizuno
1997). This species is known to be one of the few mushrooms that will produce well on walnut
logs, regardless of decelerating cultivation due to the density of walnut wood (Stamets 2005).
Preferred wood substrates include oak, elm, beech and other hardwood species while “paper”
bark hardwoods such as alder and birch are not recommended. The preferred season of H.
erinaceus is during the warm, wet months when temperatures are between 18-24˚C (Stamets
2005).

Various substrates may be used for the cultivation of H. erinaceus such as sawdust
supplemented with cereal bran and beech sawdust supplemented with wheat bran or corn
meal (Kirchhoff 1996; Royse 1996; Oei 2003). High yields were obtained when wheat bran
(20%), corn meal (7%) and glucose (3%) was added to sawdust as supplement (Siwulski and
Sobieralski 2007; Siwulski et al. 2009). The process of primordia formation may be accelerated
by adding an enriching substrate such as rice straw (20% of total substrate weight) of cultivars
rich in nutrients (Zheng et al. 2002).

In China, large scale cultivation of H. erinaceus is achieved by making use of wood logs or
stumps by inoculating these with dowels (wood fragments overgrown with H. erinaceus
mycelium) after which they are incubated at high humidity (Sokół et al. 2016). Logs or stumps
are allowed to fruit under natural, uncontrolled conditions which results in fruiting bodies to
appear at various times ranging between several months to a year. However, the production
of high yields with good quality fruiting bodies, require cultivation in bottles or bags containing
sterilized substrates. Although cultivation in bags are cheaper and simpler, fruiting bodies are
smaller compared to those growing from bottles, producing a single, large fruiting body
(Stamets 1993; Sokół et al. 2016).

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For mycelial growth of Hericium species, various factors need to be taken in consideration
(Sokół et al. 2016). Temperature and pH were found to be the most important parameters
while depending on some factors such as light, moisture content and nutrient elements. The
optimum temperature for mycelial growth is between 21-25˚C while best growth was observed
at pH 6 (Imtiaj et al. 2008). Optimum moisture content of substrate is 50-70%. Furthermore,
mycelial growth is promoted by most carbon sources, except for lactose. Alanine proved to be
the best nitrogen source while histidine was found to be the least advantageous source (Le
Minh et al. 2009). According to Hu et al (2008) is the mycelial growth influenced by its
enzymatic activity since H. erinaceus produces hydrolytic enzymes such as α-amylase, β-
amylase and protease to aid in the decomposition of lignin, cellulose, proteins and starch in
the substrate (Kim et al. 2000b). Additionally, cellulose and laccase are also present with the
latter having an effect on the growth period of H. erinaceus since high activity of laccase results
in a shorter growth period (Hu et al. 2008; Sun et al. 2011; Fen et al. 2014).

Optimum growth parameters for the cultivation of H. erinaceus include temperature and
humidity (Stamets 1993). Spawn production requires a temperature between 21-25˚C with a
relative humidity of 95-100%. The optimum moisture content of the substrate should be
between 50-70% while CO2 levels should be >5000-40 000 ppm with fresh air exchange every
hour. For primordia formation, optimum temperature between 10-16˚C is required whereas
the optimum temperature for fruiting body development is between 18-24˚C. It was suggested
by Hu et al (2008) that a constant temperature of 23˚C should be maintained for optimum
yields of fruiting bodies. A relative humidity of 95-100% needs to be maintained for primordia
formation while a lower humidity between 85-95% are required for fruiting body development.
Relative low CO2 levels between 500-700 ppm are required for primordia formation. However,
higher levels of 500-1000 ppm are required for fruiting body formation. For both primordia and
fruiting body formation, fresh air exchange every 5-8 hours are required. Light of 500-1000 lux
are required during both primordial and fruiting body development. By taking all of this in
consideration, primordial formation take up to 3-5 days to be completed while fruiting body
formation will take up to 4-5 days (Stamets 1993).

1.4.6 Nutritional profile

A 100 g serving of H. erinaceus contains approximately 375 calories and 6.69 g moisture while
providing 20.46 g protein; 5.06 g fat; 0.76 g saturated fat; 0.83 g polyunsaturated fat; 1.85 g
total unsaturated fat; 61.80 g carbohydrates; 39.20 g dietary fibre; 0 mg cholesterol; 0 IU
vitamin A; 0.16 mg vitamin B1; 2.26 mg B2 (riboflavin); 7.40 mg B5 (pantothenic acid); 0 mg

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vitamin C; 57 IU vitamin D; 8 mg calcium; 1.66 mg copper; 6 mg iron; 11.80 mg niacin; 2.7 g
potassium; 0.091 mg selenium; 4 mg sodium; and 5.99 g ash. Due to its lobster or shrimp
flavour, it is often used as a meat alternative in soups (Stamets 2005).

1.4.7 Medicinally important compounds and extractions

Numerous studies conducted in recent years resulted in the isolation of various biologically
active compounds from H. erinaceus (Qian et al. 1990; Kenmoku et al. 2001; Thongbai et al.
2015). Both the fruiting bodies and mycelia contain these compounds which have
demonstrated therapeutic properties as well as pharmaceutical activity (Thongbai et al. 2015).

The most important bioactive compound include polysaccharides such as xylan, hericenones
and erinacines which have been studied extensively for their potential and existing
applications as functional foods and in pharmaceuticals (Mizuno and Nishitani 2013; Giavasis
2014; Sokół et al. 2016). Polysaccharides are mainly present in the cell walls of fungi and
large quantities (approximately 20% of the biomass) are present in the fruiting bodies as well
as mycelia (Lee et al. 2009). However, the total polysaccharide content in the fruiting bodies
are 26.63% in contrast to 18.71% present in the mycelia (Mori et al. 1998). Four different
polysaccharides, namely xylan, glucoxylans, heteroxyloglucans and galactoxyloglucans were
isolated from H. erinaceus (Mizuno et al. 1992). A new heteropolysaccharides (HEPF4)
composed of D-fructose, D-galactose and D-glucose with 3-O-methyl rhamnose as minor
component was isolated by Zhang et al. (2006, 2007). In a study conducted by Lee et al
(2009), the crude water-soluble polysaccharides from the fruiting bodies were extracted and
fractionated, yielding a β-1, 3-branched β-1, 6-glucan with a laminarin-like triple helix
conformation (Lee et al. 2009). Alkaline extracts of the fruiting bodies resulted in a
polysaccharide containing β-(1, 3)-linked D-glucopyranosyl residues with single galactose
branches (Dong et al. 2006).

Aside from polysaccharides, various low-molecular weight secondary metabolites have been
isolated from both the fruiting bodies and mycelia of H. erinaceus (Thongbai et al. 2015).
These metabolites generally have poor water-solubility and organic solvents such as methanol
or ethyl acetate are required in order to perform extractions. This also concerns erinacerins A
and B, which are both fruiting body metabolites and seems to have no significant biological
activities (Yaoita et al. 2005). Furthermore, various chlorinated aromatic compounds were
isolated from submerged cultures and non-specific activities in biological systems are
exhibited (Qian et al. 1990). Therefore, care should be taken that no significant amount is

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present when dietary supplements are produced from H. erinaceus mycelia. Pyranones, such
as erinapyrone A and B were also isolated from submerged cultures and found to have
cytotoxic effects against HeLa S3 cells (Kawagishi et al. 1992; Ueda et al. 2009).

Two low-molecular weight compounds, known as hericenones and erinacines, isolated from
the fruiting body and mycelium of H. erinaceus, respectively, may promote the biosynthesis of
NGF (Takei et al. 1989; Ma et al. 2010). Recently, there has been an increased interest in
possible alternatives for treating Alzheimer’s disease which are caused by the functional
deficiency of NGF and as such, plays a role in the advancement of the disease (Allen and
Dawbarn 2006). NGF has potent biological activities, such as preventing neuronal death,
promoting the outgrowth of neurite and is essential for maintaining and organizing neurons
(Takei et al. 1989; Obara and Nakahata 2002). However, NGFs are proteins incapable of
crossing the blood-brain barrier due to their size and being easily metabolized by peptidases
(Ma et al. 2010). In contrast, hericenones and erinacines are capable of crossing the blood-
brain barrier and may have application as treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (Takei et al.
1989).

Aromatic compounds isolated from the fruiting body of H. erinaceus are known as
hericenones. This compound is extracted with acetone, followed by “repeated
chromatography of the chloroform-soluble fraction obtained by solvent partitions (chloroform
and then ethyl acetate) of the extract with silica gel followed by HPLC with ODS column” (Ma
et al. 2010). Benzyl alcohol derivatives, namely hericenones A, B, (Kawagishi et al. 1990), C,
D, E, (Kawagishi et al. 1991), F, G, H, (Kawagishi et al. 1993), hericenes A-C (Alberto et al.
1995) and hericerin (Kimura et al. 1991) were isolated from H. erinaceus fruiting bodies.
Hericenones A and B exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells while NGF
biosynthesis were stimulated by hericenones C, D and E. According to Phan et al. (2014), the
chain length and presence of double bonds in fatty acids have an effect on the activity of
individual hericenones. In turn, hericenone E was found to have the greatest capacity for
stimulating NGF biosynthesis due to the presence of two double bonds (Phan et al. 2014).
Additionally, erinacerin A and B, 3-hydroxyhericenone F, hericenone I and hericenone J were
also isolated from the fruiting bodies of H. erinaceus (Ma et al. 2010).

Erinacines A, B, C (Kawagishi et al. 1994), D (Kawagishi et al. 1996a), E, F, G (Kawagishi et

al. 1996b), H, I (Lee et al. 2000), P (Kenmoku et al. 2000), Q (Kenmoku et al. 2002), J, K
(Kawagishi et al. 2006), R (Ma et al. 2008) and erinacol (Kenmoku et al. 2004) were isolated
from the mycelia of H. erinaceus. Consisting of angularly condensed five-, six-, and seven-

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membered rings, erinacines are known to be cyathane-type diterpenoids (Ma et al. 2010).
Erinacines A, B, C, E, F and H have exhibited potent inductive activity for the biosynthesis of
NGF, both in vivo and in vitro (Kawagishi et al. 1994, 1996b; Kenmoku et al. 2000; Lee et al.
2000). Erinacine Q was isolated in 2002 by Kenmoku et al. (2002), who described its
biosynthetic route to erinacine C (Kenmoku et al. 2002). Furthermore, Kenmoku et al. (2004)
isolated both cyatha-3, 12-dien-14-β-ol, known as erinacol, and 11-O-acetylcyathin A3, which
were reported to be possibly related to biosynthesis of erinacine Q (Kenmoku et al. 2004).
Erinacines are extracted with ethanol after which the extract is “fractionated by solvent partition
between ethyl acetate and water followed by repeated silica gel chromatography and HPLC
of the ethyl acetate extract” (Ma et al. 2010). Additionally, a biosynthetic intermediate of
cyathane diterpenoids, namely cyatha-3, 12-diene and its isomer was also isolated from the
mycelia of H. erinaceus (Ma et al. 2010).

However, a bioassay using mouse astroglial cells was performed by Mori et al. (2008), showed
that the presence of erinacines resulted in greater amounts of NGF secreted than for
hericenones. As a result, erinacines have been studied and found to be of value as potential
alternatives for treating Alzheimer’s disease and peripheral nerve regeneration. Unfortunately,
the detailed mechanism of NGF biosynthesis induction by erinacines remain unknown and
further research are required (Shimbo et al. 2005).

Aside from the above-mentioned compounds, glycoside and six ergosterol derivatives were
also isolated from dried fruiting bodies (Takaishi et al. 1991). Alternatively, ergosterol peroxide,
a cytotoxic steroidal derivative, was isolated from the mycelia of H. erinaceus (Krzyczkowski
et al. 2009). Furthermore, an alkaloid with anti-inflammatory activity, named hericirine was
isolated as well as a new glycoprotein, namely HEG-5 with antineoplastic and
hemagglutinating activities (Cui et al. 2014; Li et al. 2014d). Although H. erinaceus is one of
the best medicinal mushrooms, new compounds are still being isolated and described,
including ten new isoindolin-1 metabolites, namely erinacines C-L (Wang et al. 2015).

1.4.8 Medicinal properties

For centuries, H. erinaceus had application as anti-inflammatory medicine, immune booster,

treatment of neurasthenia and general debility in Eastern Asia (Ying et al. 1987). Until recently
the use of H. erinaceus as medication was only justified by the achievements and traditions of
Chinese medicine (Sokół et al. 2016). However, the market in Europe and the USA are
catching up since extracts (raw extracts or its fractions) were subjected to various tests to

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exclude any harmful effects while confirming their health benefits, including treatment of
Alzheimer’s disease and leukaemia, enhancing mechanism of cancer cell apoptosis. Although
various studies have been conducted, only preliminary clinical trials have been performed on
humans. Regardless of this, the results of studies performed on animals are promising (Sokół
et al. 2016).

Due to the production of erinacines and hericenones capable of inducing NGF production, H.
erinaceus is commonly known for its nerve-regenerating abilities (Thongbai et al. 2015). As a
highly-conserved protein, NGF is critical for survival as it is involved in promoting outgrowth of
neuritis, preventing neuronal death, maintaining and organizing neurons, supporting formation
of synapses, and enhancing memory (Obara and Nakahata 2002). A deficiency in NGF plays
a role in Alzheimer’s disease which is “identified in patients by synaptic injury, deficiency of
neurotransmitters, un-functioning and/or death of neuronal cells, and possibly by interference
with the process of adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus”, according to (Crews and Masliah
2010). However, NGF is unable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and are also easily
metabolized by peptidases (Thongbai et al. 2015). In turn, hericenones and erinacines were
investigated as they are low-molecular weight compounds capable of crossing the barrier,
resulting in increasing the mRNA expression of NGF biosynthesis. Unfortunately the
mechanism by which these compounds stimulate NGF production are still unknown and
requires further investigation (Thongbai et al. 2015).

Hericenones A and B have shown significant cytotoxic effects against HeLa cells while
hericenones C, D, E and H stimulated NGF synthesis in vitro (Thongbai et al. 2015). In
contrast, other studies have reported the inability of hericenones C and D to increase synthesis
of NGF in cell line 1321N1 (Mori et al. 2008). In the case of hericenone E, NGF synthesis was
stimulated in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells while also increasing the secretion of NGF.
Additionally, phosphorylation on mitogen-regulated kinases or extracellular signal regulated
kinases (MEK/ERKs) pathways was increased as well as protein kinase B (PKB) (Phan et al.
2014). However, hericenones F and G showed no stimulating activity on the synthesis of NGF
under the same conditions (Kawagishi et al. 1991, 1993; Mizuno 1999). Furthermore,
hericenones I, J and L were also identified with hericenone L showing cytotoxic effects against
EC109 tumour cells (Ma et al. 2012). Regardless of all the evidence, the stimulating activity of
hericenones on NGF biosynthesis is still heavily debated (Thongbai et al. 2015).

Erinacines are considered to have potential as alternative medicine for treating degenerative
neuronal disorders as well as peripheral nerve regeneration (Thongbai et al. 2015). Erinacines

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A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I have shown a strong stimulating activity on NGF biosynthesis in a
study performed on murine astroglial cells with erinacine A exhibiting the strongest activity
(Kawagishi et al. 1994, 1996a, b; Lee et al. 2000). As a result, NGF levels in the locus
coeruleus and hippocampus of the rat were considerably increased, no increase in the
cerebral cortex occurred (Shimbo et al. 2005).

Various studies have been performed in order to evaluate the mechanisms involved in the
neuroprotective effects of erinacines and hericenones on the brain (Mori et al. 2008, 2009,
2011; Hazekawa et al. 2010; Phan et al. 2014). Erinacine A was found to have neuroprotection
due to its ability of possibly acting as anti-inflammatory agent as well as preventing ischemic
injury to neurons by making use of the global ischemic stroke model and the involved
mechanisms (Lee et al. 2014). Additionally, potent nerve growth enhancing properties and the
effective inhibition of neuronal cell death by means of phosphorylating p38 MAPK and CCAAT
enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) and homologous protein (CHOP) as well as reducing levels
of proteins containing nitrotyrosine was exhibited by erinacine A (Thongbai et al. 2015).

Abnormal accumulation of amyloid-β peptide containing neurofibrillary tangles consisting of

hyperphosphorylated Tau proteins are associated with patients with Alzheimer’s disease
(Murphy and Harry 2010). The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is extremely important for inducing
apoptosis, resulting in ER stress leading to the development of neurodegenerative diseases
(Ueda et al. 2008). However, ER stress and amyloid-β peptide toxicity seems to be reduced
by isolated dilinoleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DLPE) since neuronal death of neuro-2a
cells are decreased by means of the protein kinase C pathway (Nagai et al. 2006).
Furthermore, 3-hydroxyhericenone F seems to protect neuro-2a cells against neuronal death
caused by ER stress (Ueda et al. 2008).

Myelin sheaths play an important role due to supporting and speeding up neural signals
(Thongbai et al. 2015). Since these sheaths are wrapped around neuronal axons, damage to
the structure leads to deterioration of the nerve system, resulting in neurodegenerative
diseases. However, H. erinaceus has shown to effect the nerve tissue in vitro. Organic extracts
from the fruiting bodies of H. erinaceus seems to have an enhancing effect on the myelination
process (Moldavan et al. 2007). In a study conducted by Mori et al. (2008), it was reported
that ethanol extracts have a stimulating effect on NGF biosynthesis by activating the c-Jun N-
terminal kinases (JNKs) pathway (Mori et al. 2008).

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In a separate study performed by Mori et al. (2009), the powder of air-dried H. erinaceus
fruiting bodies, showed a significant prevention of cognitive impairment (Mori et al. 2009). In
this preliminary clinical trial, H. erinaceus on 50-80 years old individuals with mild cognitive
impairment was administered orally in a double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study.
The cognitive ability of the H. erinaceus treated group have shown a significant increase on
the cognitive function scale compared to those in the placebo group (Mori et al. 2009).
Alternatively, an aqueous extract from H. erinaceus fruiting bodies, which were orally
administrated, showed ability to promote the regeneration of a nerve-injury in an injured adult
rat during the early stages of recovery (Wong et al. 2009, 2011). However, the mechanisms
of hericenones and erinacines still needs to be determined and further studies are needed to
confirm whether the compounds are capable of stimulating NGF synthesis in the brain in vivo
(Thongbai et al. 2015).

Aside from neuroprotective activity, H. erinaceus also exhibited anti-tumour and immune-
modulating activities (Thongbai et al. 2015). Various studies have been performed in order to
evaluate the anti-tumour properties of H. erinaceus extracts on several cancers such as
oesophageal-, intestinal-, pancreatic- and stomach cancers. Fewer side effects were reported
for cancer patients treated with H. erinaceus compared to those being treated with
chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Water-soluble polysaccharides have shown effectiveness
against tumour cell lines in vitro, including oesophageal cancer (EC109), lymphoma (EL4),
mammary carcinoma (MCF-7) and malignant hepatocytes (HepG2). Furthermore, various
studies have reported the immunomodulatory effect of both aqueous and organic extracts of
H. erinaceus, with the mechanisms of both activities seeming to rely on the same biochemical
targets (Lee et al. 2010).

The anti-tumour activity of polysaccharides are characterised by activating different immune

cells, such as expressing cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-β) and by activating nitric oxide (NO)
production (Thongbai et al. 2015). In addition, the activation of c-Jun-N-terminal kinases
(JNKs) revealed strong anti-tumour due to its involvement in apoptosis as well as suppressing
the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κβ) increasing in order to increase intracellular
doxorubicin-mediated apoptotic signalling (Lee et al. 2010). Polysaccharides from aqueous
extracts had shown anti-tumour activity against hepatocarcinoma while indirectly activating
natural killer (NK) cells via the induction of IL-12 in splenocytes (Xu et al. 1994; Yim et al.
2007). HEP3 β-D-glucans was characterized and anti-tumour activity on sarcoma 180 (S-180)
in mice as well as artificial pulmonary metastatic tumour in was reported (Liu et al. 2000; Dong
et al. 2006).

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Moreover, these results have shown immunomodulating activities by increasing the amount
cytotoxic cells, such as CD4+ cell, T lymphocytes (T cells) and macrophages (Thongbai et al.
2015). Thus, boosting the immune system by increasing the secretion of cytokines IL-10, IL-
12 and IFN-γ (Sheu et al. 2013). In a study conducted by Kim et al. (2011, 2013), CT-26 colon
cancer was intra-cutaneous transplanted on the backs of Balb/c mice. By injecting the tumour
daily for 2 weeks with a freeze-dried hot water extract and a microwave extract, there was a
significant decrease of 38 and 41%, respectively, in the weight of the tumour (Kim et al. 2011,
2013). Therefore, the immune response is highlighted via increased phagocytosis of cytokines
such as tumour-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 which enhance the
activity of NK cells. Furthermore, a significant suppression of neo-angiogenesis inside the
tumour was observed which mediated by decreasing pro-angiogenic factors, cyclooxygenase
2 (COX-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX).
Additionally, NO production was restored up to 95-98% of normal levels and was observed in
peritoneal macrophages (Kim et al. 2011, 2013).

Recently, erinacine D exhibited substantiate anti-tumour activity of on TNF-α and instigated

inhibitory activity of NF-κβ, which plays a vital role in the transcriptional regulation of adhesion
molecules and various cytokines (Thongbai et al. 2015). Inhibitory activity of NF-κβ was
evaluated in human keratinocytes and found to have an IC50 value of 9.7 μm (Li et al. 2014a).
However, results are yet to be reproduced in vivo and further evaluation of the results are
needed as activity are low compared to commercially available drugs acting in the low
nanomolar range in similar in vitro tests and (Thongbai et al. 2015).

Gastric cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and a 25% increase in all
gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including liver-, gastric- and colorectal cancers, has been
documented by the National Cancer Institute in the USA (Dicken et al. 2005; Anand et al.
2008). Currently, the chemotherapeutic drug, fluorouracil (5-FU), is the main treatment for
several types of cancer, but toxicity is severe (Thongbai et al. 2015). The potential of H.
erinaceus extracts to treat gastrointestinal cancer in both in vivo and in vitro assays was
investigated by Li et al. (2014a), who reported 5-FU to be less efficient and more toxic
compared to H. erinaceus extracts (Li et al. 2014a). Furthermore, the effectiveness of extracts
against colon cancer cells HT-29, and hepatic cancer cells HepG-2 and Huh-7 was confirmed
in an in vitro study conducted by Li et al. (2014c). Additionally, water extracts as well as ethanol
and ethyl acetate from H. erinaceus fruiting bodies have exhibited protective activity against
gastric ulcers since isolated polysaccharides effectively inhibited H. pylori, the causative agent
of many gastric disorders (Choi et al. 2012; Shang et al. 2013; Wong et al. 2013; Zhu et al.

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2014) Interestingly enough, the immunomodulatory activity of H. erinaceus compounds may
aid in overcoming bacterial infections by boosting the immune system of the human host
(Thongbai et al. 2015).

Phenol-like and fatty acid-like compounds from H. erinaceus extracts act as antimicrobial
agents against fungi and bacteria (Thongbai et al. 2015). Antimicrobial activity of water and
alcohol extracts of H. erinaceus have been reported by Wang et al. (2001) after experiments
were conducted on Salmonella Typhimurium TA98 in an in vivo assay by means of stimulating
the immune system (Wang et al. 2001; Kim et al. 2012). A stronger anti-mutagenic activity
was exhibited by the alcohol extract compared to the water extract while extracts produced
from fruiting bodies also showed stronger activity than those produced from mycelia (Wang et
al. 2001). However, Okamoto et al. (1993) reported antimicrobial activity of 4-chloro-3, 5-
dimethoxybenzyl alcohol, 4-chloro-3, 5-dimethoxylbenzaldehyde and chlorinated orcinol
isolated from mycelial extracts (Okamoto et al. 1993). Hericene A, B, C and erinapyrone C
exhibited moderate activity against gram-positive bacteria (Kawagishi et al. 1992; Alberto et
al. 1995). In a study conducted by Eo et al. (2000) and Kim et al. (2000a), the gram-positive
methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was inhibited by mycelial extract of H. erinaceus with
erinacine K showing direct inhibitory activity against MRSA (Kim et al. 2000a).

Anti-hyperglycemia effects of H. erinaceus extracts of mycelia and fruiting bodies were also
reported in diabetic animals (Thongbai et al. 2015). In a study conducted by Vertesy et al.
(1999), hericenal A, B and C were evaluated for therapeutic treatment of diabetes mellitus
(Vertesy et al. 1999). The anti-hyperglycemia effects of fruiting body components, namely α-
D-glucan, D-arabinitol, D-threitol, and palmitic acid were also demonstrated (Wang et al. 2005;
Hiwatashi et al. 2010). In addition, anti-hypercholesterolemic effects of these compounds were
also exhibited due to a reduction in plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
(LDL-C), triglycerides, phospholipid, atherogenic index and hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-
methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase activity. The oral administration of H.
erinaceus extracts demonstrated increased levels of plasma high-density lipoprotein
cholesterol (HDL-C) in rats compared to the control group fed with saline (Yang et al. 2002,
2003; Wang et al. 2005).

The significant anti-hyperglycemia and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects of aqueous and

methanol H. erinaceus extracts fed to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were demonstrated
in various studies (Wang et al. 2005; Liang et al. 2013). Increased serum insulin levels and
significantly lower elevation rates of blood glucose levels occurred in rats fed with a methanol

43 | P a g e
H. erinaceus extract compared to an untreated control group. Moreover, hypoglycemic effects
were demonstrated by ethanol extracts of H. erinaceus due to the possible regulation of lipid
metabolic gene expression of C57BL/6 in mice with diabetes mellitus (Hiwatashi et al. 2010).
Although no clinical trials on humans have been conducted yet, various studies on H.
erinaceus extracts have indicated the potential of treating metabolic disorders as well as
preventing cardiovascular diseases (Thongbai et al. 2015).

Polysaccharides isolated from H. erinaceus have shown anti-ageing properties by enhancing

the activity anti-oxidant enzymes (Xu et al. 2010). Lipopolysaccharide (LPSs) isolated from
mycelia have shown significant anti-oxidant activities in mice by increasing hepatic glutathione
levels (Jang et al. 2010). The pre-administration of β-glucans resulted in increased activities
of anti-oxidant enzymes as well as decreasing levels of lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, anti-
ageing activities were reported for β-glucans as they are capable of inhibiting matrix
metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1
activities in aged rat models (Ma et al. 2010; Xu et al. 2010). Additionally, methanol extracts
from dried fruiting bodies are capable of anti-oxidant activity due to the presence of
polyphenols (Mau et al. 2002; Huang et al. 2008; Mujic et al. 2010). Endo-polysaccharides
isolated from ethanol extracts of mycelia, were reported to exhibit exceptionally high anti-
oxidant activity in vitro (Zhang et al. 2012). Mycelial extracts were reported to exhibit the
highest total phenol content as well as the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP),
resulting in hot water extracts of H. erinaceus mycelia being investigated in order to evaluate
the anti-oxidant activity in vitro (Ferreira et al. 2009; Abdullah et al. 2012; Thongbai et al.
2015).

Methanol extracts from H. erinaceus proved to have hepatoprotective activity since three
polysaccharide fractions, namely HEP40, HEP60 and HEP 80, showed protective action to
liver cells (Choi et al. 2005; Zhang et al. 2012). The hepatoprotective activity observed in vivo
are debated by many scientists to be related to the anti-oxidant activity observed in vitro.
Furthermore, apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells has been reported to be
induced by H. erinaceus while supplementation with H. erinaceus could have a restraining
effect on hepatic damage caused by severe alcohol exposure (Lee and Hong 2010; Liu et al.
2015). Methanol extracts of H. erinaceus mycelia also showed protective action on CCI4-
induced hepatic damage (Choi et al. 2005). Therefore, H. erinaceus has application in
preventing and treating various hepatic disorders (Zhang et al. 2012).

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1.4.9 Application as medicinal mushroom

All of the medicinal properties and compounds associated with H. erinaceus, contribute to its
practical applications. High enzymatic activity for α-amylase, β-glucosidase, cellulase,
laccase, lignin- and manganese peroxidase, and xylanase are demonstrated by H. erinaceus
(Ko et al. 2005). As a result, composted spent mushroom substrate from H. erinaceus has
application for the commercial scale production of above-mentioned enzymes as it is a readily
available and cheap source of enzymes to be used for bioremediation such as treating sewage
in the paper and pulp industry (Wang et al. 1992; Phan and Sabaratnam 2012). Furthermore,
H. erinaceus associated enzymes may have applications in the food industry since derived
substrates from edible fungi are often regarded safe and more easily improved for industrial
applications compared to enzymes from unidentified organisms (Thongbai et al. 2015).

Although research is still fairly new, H. erinaceus proved to be a good candidate for promoting
health. Various commercial products and promising novel drugs, especially
immunosuppressive agents are available in various forms (Thongbai et al. 2015). Due to the
enhancement of the immune system, H. erinaceus is now being used as food supplement.
Nevertheless, there are still some challenges regarding the development of pharmaceutical
standards for extracting compounds from H. erinaceus fruiting bodies and mycelia. Sandwich
biscuits containing H. erinaceus fruiting bodies have contributed to the therapeutic treatment
and prevention of nutritional anaemia in pre-school children (Liu et al. 1992). Healthy
beverages, including a sport drink and tea, was prepared from extracts of dried fruiting bodies
and mycelia and demonstrated improved liver function as well as preventing of diabetes in
China (Wang et al. 2005; Imtiaj et al. 2008; Qin et al. 2015). H. erinaceus tablets used in
Chinese hospitals have proved to be effective anti-aging and anti-inflammatory agents as well
as effectively treating oesophageal carcinoma and digestive tract ulcers while extending life
expansion of cancer patients (Ying et al. 1987; Chen 1992; Liu et al. 1992; Poucheret and
Rapior 2006; Li et al. 2014a).

In Malaysia, 100% pure H. erinaceus powder are capsulated and marketed as a supplement
capable of promoting regeneration after peripheral nerve injury (Wong et al. 2013). In addition,
the potential of H. erinaceus to stimulate synthesis of NGF resulted in H. erinaceus being
placed on the list of “Nature’s Nutrients for the Neurons” (Kawagishi et al. 2004). Various
patents regarding inventions related to the application of hericenones and erinacines as
nutraceutical or medicinal products for patients with neurological trauma have been submitted

45 | P a g e
in recent years. Recently, pharmaceutical products containing erinacerin A and B claimed to
be protective agents for preventing dementia by stimulating NGF (Noh et al. 2004).

Since erinacines have good potential for treating neurological disorders, various studies have
been conducted in order to investigate synthetic methods to provide erinacines for further
exploitation (Ma et al. 2010). However, the biosynthesis of natural products is complex with
many factors influencing the expression of many key genes responsible for synthesis. The
construction of the 5-6-7 tricyclic core of erinacines is the key step for producing these natural
products. Currently, a low yield, multi-step synthetic method is being used for producing large
quantities of erinacines. However, this restricts their commercial application, resulting in
fermentation being investigated for providing erinacines for industrial use (Ma et al. 2010).

Extensive research has been done on the anti-tumour activity of H. erinaceus extracts and
may have applications in treating gastrointestinal-, colon- and hepatic cancer (Li et al. 2014a,
b). Isolated polysaccharides and erinacine D are responsible for anti-tumour activity with the
activation of different immune cells as the mode of action (Thongbai et al. 2015). Additionally,
H. erinaceus extracts also have strong immunomodulating activity by boosting the immune
system of the human host (Thongbai et al. 2015). Three polysaccharide fractions of H.
erinaceus exhibited hepatoprotective activity while protective action on CCI4-induced hepatic
damage were also reported (Choi et al. 2005). Additionally, hepatic damage caused by severe
alcohol exposure may be restricted via supplementation with H. erinaceus extracts (Lee and
Hong 2010; Liu et al. 2015). In turn, H. erinaceus has application in preventing and treating
various hepatic disorders (Zhang et al. 2012).

Polysaccharides isolated from extracts of H. erinaceus exhibited both anti-hyperglycaemic and

anti-hypercholesterolemic effects (Thongbai et al. 2015). Even though no human clinic trials
have been performed, this species may have application for the treatment of metabolic
disorders while also preventing cardiovascular diseases (Thongbai et al. 2015). In addition,
anti-ageing activity was also exhibited by polysaccharides and polyphenols via enhancement
of anti-oxidant enzymes (Mau et al. 2002; Huang et al. 2008; Mujic et al. 2010; Xu et al. 2010).
Extracts from H. erinaceus have applications as antimicrobial agents due to the inhibitory
activity of phenol-like and fatty acid-like compounds against fungi and bacteria (Thongbai et
al. 2015). Furthermore, protective activity against gastric ulcers are due to the inhibition of the
gram-negative bacteria, H. pylori (Choi et al. 2012; Shang et al. 2013; Wong et al. 2013; Zhu
et al. 2014).

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1.5 Conclusions

To conclude, both G. lucidum and H. erinaceus have an extensive range of medicinal

properties, resulting in being used for centuries in Asia. Recently, the interest of these species
increased in European as well as Western populations. In Northern America, mushroom
extracts are sold without the need of being approved or registered.

For the cultivation of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus, various substrates can be used while
different factors were found to greatly influence the growth of both species in both field and
laboratory conditions. Therefore, it is important to evaluate these factors in order to obtain
optimum mycelial and fruiting body growth (Kapoor and Sharma 2014).

A wide range of medicinal properties are exhibited by G. lucidum and H. erinaceus, adding to
their potential as natural alternatives for the treatment of various ailments. Moreover, their
nutritional value will further add to the overall benefits. Since they are low in fat with no
cholesterol, they can be used as a natural alternative to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and
blood glucose levels. It can also be used as an alternative to treat diabetes since insulin levels
are lowered. The high protein content (38-43%) of mushrooms compared to protein content of
meats (17-22%) makes this food product a highly popular alternative to obtain protein under
vegetarians. Their richness in vitamins and minerals can also be used as a natural alternative
to prevent deficiencies and ailments linked to deficiencies. As a result, these species have a
variety of applications, including providing nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products.
Therefore, medicinal mushrooms and their derivatives as nutraceuticals/dietary supplements
may help to alleviate suffering caused by various diseases (Chang and Buswell 1996).

Various clinical trials have been performed and G. lucidum seems to be effective against a
wide range of viral infections such as HPV, HEC-V and HIV. Moreover, further research on
antimicrobial agents of basidiomycetes are anticipated to lead to new antibiotics on the market
(De Silva et al. 2013; Stadler and Hoffmeister 2015). Clinical trials performed in Asia (China,
Korea, Japan and Malaysia), focusing on the effectiveness of bioactive compounds isolated
from H. erinaceus, are now receiving much attention since promising potential of hericenones
and erinacines capable of enhancing NGF synthesis were reported (Thongbai et al. 2015).
These compounds are currently being scrutinized as they may be apply as natural alternative
to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s diseases and senility in the elderly. Moreover, clinical
trials have also been done in order to determine whether certain medicinal mushroom species
are effective against cancer. Clinical trials have proved H. erinaceus to be effective against

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gastric and oesophageal cancer. The anti-tumour activity of G. lucidum are brought about by
inhibiting DNA polymerase and post-translational modification of the Ras oncoprotein, or the
stimulation of cytokine production (Mizushina et al. 1998a; Sliva 2006).

Furthermore, mushrooms can aid in recycling waste via bioremediation in order to reduce
environmental pollution as well as producing animal feed (Stamets 2005). Both species
produce various enzymes with various applications. For G. lucidum, enzymes can aid in the
degradation of lignocellulosic substances in order to provide animal feed of high nutritional
value. In the case of H. erinaceus, composted spent mushroom substrate can be applied to
produce of high quantities of enzymes to be used in the food industry as well as for
bioremediation.

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1.6 References

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from a dual use rice cultivar. Agric Sci China 1:271–277
Zheng L, Jia D, Fei X, et al (2009) An assessment of the genetic diversity within Ganoderma
strains with AFLP and ITS PCR-RFLP. Microbiol Res 164:312–321. doi:
10.1016/j.micres.2007.02.002
Zhou G, Liu L (1988) First discovery of Hericium erinaceus in Qinghai Prefecture. Edible
Fungi of China 6:
Zhou L, Dai Y (2013) Taxonomy and phylogeny of wood-inhabiting hydnoid species in
Russulales: two new genera, three new species and two new combinations. Mycologia
105:636–649
Zhou LW, Cao Y, Wu SH, et al (2015) Global diversity of the Ganoderma lucidum complex
(Ganodermataceae, Polyporales) inferred from morphology and multilocus phylogeny.
Phytochemistry 114:7–15. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2014.09.023
Zhu X, Lin Z (2006) Modulation of cytokines production, granzyme B and perforin in murine
CIK cells by Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides. Carbohydr Polym 63:188–197. doi:
10.1016/j.carbpol.2005.08.002
Zhu Y, Chen Y, Li Q, et al (2014) Preparation, characterization, and anti-Helicobacter pylori
activity of Bi3+-Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide complex. Carbohydr Polym
110:231–237. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.03.081

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 Chapter 2
Optimisation of growth conditions for the cultivation of medicinal
G. lucidum and H. erinaceus mushrooms

III. Abstract

From literature, it is clear that both Ganoderma lucidum and Hericium erinaceus have various
medicinal properties. In order to allow investigation of these medicinal properties, cultivation
of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus had to be optimised. Acacia mellifera is considered to be an
encroaching tree species in South Africa and may have economic benefits when used as
substrate for the cultivation of G. lucidum to provide animal feed due to the ability of G. lucidum
to break down complex lignocellulosic materials. As a result, the conversion of A. mellifera to
animal feed may aid in relieving the stress of the drought. Modifications to various factors
resulted in improve yields of G. lucidum when cultivated on A. mellifera wood and resulted in
the application as animal feed which will be discussed and investigated further on in chapter
4. For H. erinaceus, cultivation on A. mellifera wood and pecan nut shells proved to be a
sustainable method for removal of these waste products. Obtained yields for both G. lucidum
and H. erinaceus were standardized and running costs were reduced. Cultivated G. lucidum
and H. erinaceus can further be used to verify medicinal assumptions as well as aid in the
sustainable removal of waste products. In this chapter, the optimum growth conditions for the
cultivation of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus will be investigated as optimisation of cultivation for
both species are important for further investigation of medicinal properties as well as possible
applications.

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2.1 Introduction

Mushrooms are macro-fungi which can be identified according to their different shapes, sizes,
colours, spore colour and chemical reactions. For this chapter, the growth conditions for
cultivation of medicinal G. lucidum and H. erinaceus were optimised. Although G. lucidum is
non-edible and infrequently found in nature, it is considered to be the most superior medicinal
mushroom and has been used for centuries due to its medicinal value (Stamets, 2005;
Hapuarachchi et al. 2015). As a saprophyte and wood-decaying fungus, G. lucidum causes
white rot of a wide variety of trees and are found on the widest range of hardwood species,
including beeches, elms, oaks and even palms (Stamets 2005; Kapoor and Sharma, 2014;
Hapuarachchi et al. 2015).

Various different substrates have been used for the cultivation of G. lucidum while also
maintaining specific growth parameters such as temperature, light intensity, relative humidity,
water content, air and pH (Miles and Chang 2004). For mycelial growth, light and pH are of
the most important parameters while some factors such as temperature, culture media and
nutrient elements are also essential (Kapoor and Sharma 2014). All of these factors were
found to greatly influence the growth of G. lucidum in both field and laboratory conditions.
Therefore, it is important to evaluate these factors in order to obtain optimum mycelial growth
(Kapoor and Sharma 2014). Artificial cultivation of G. lucidum was successfully achieved the
first time in the early 1970’s (Chang and Buswell 1999; Chang 2009). Since the 1980’s, the
cultivation of G. lucidum has developed rapidly, especially in China (Chang and Buswell 1999;
Chang 2009). Currently, wood logs, short wood segments, tree stumps, sawdust bags and
bottle procedures are the most popular methods for commercial cultivation of G. lucidum. In
the case of wood logs or stumps, dowels (overgrown wood fragments) are used for inoculation
after which logs or stumps are allowed to fruit under natural, uncontrolled conditions. However,
sawdust bags and bottle procedures produce higher yields within a shorter time period (Chang
and Buswell 1999; Chang 2009).

Optimum growth conditions for the cultivation of G. lucidum include temperature, humidity and
oxygen (Stamets 1993). Spawn production requires a temperature between 25-32˚C with an
optimum moisture content of 65-70%. For primordial induction, humidity should be maintained
between 90-100%, 80-95% during cap formation and 30-40% during the final stages of fruiting
body development. For primordia formation, optimum temperature between 18-24˚C is
required whereas the optimum temperature for fruiting body development is between 21-27˚C.
High CO2 levels are essential throughout cultivation as levels between 20,000-40,000 ppm

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are required for primordia formation. However, lower levels of < 2000 ppm are required for
fruiting body formation. Light of 200-500 lux for 4-8 hours are required during primordial
formation whereas light at 750-1500 lux at 12 hrs cycles are required for fruiting body
development. By taking all of these in consideration, primordial formation takes up to 14-28
days to be completed while fruiting body formation will take up to 60 days (Stamets 1993).

As a saprophytic mushroom, G. lucidum is commonly found on hardwood species, causing

white rot (Goodell et al. 2009). Since white-rot fungi possess both cellulolytic and lignin
degrading enzymes, they have the potential to degrade an entire wood structure when under
the correct environmental conditions, resulting in the utilization of lignin as a food source while
leaving behind cellulose (Goodell et al. 2009). Therefore, G. lucidum can be cultivated on
substrates containing lignin due to their ability to break down complex lignocellulosic materials.
As a result, mushroom cultivation has application as an alternative method for the breakdown
of agri-waste products as approximately 70% of agricultural and forest products are discarded
as wastes (Chang 2009).

An encroaching tree species in South Africa, namely A. mellifera, is currently occupying large
areas of farm land in the Northern Cape Province and has a detrimental impact on grazing
land due to supressing the growth of grass (Hagos 2001; Lukomska et al. 2010; Joubert et al.
2012; Lohmann et al. 2014; Fourie 2015). Furthermore, the loss of grazing and grassland have
a detrimental effect on the availability of animal feed, especially during times of drought (Fourie
2015). Therefore, the conversion of the encroaching A. mellifera to animal feed by cultivation
of G. lucidum, may aid in relieving the stress of the drought if the wood could be degraded
sufficiently to expose the cellulose and hemicellulose within (Fourie 2015).

Another well-known edible mushroom, H. erinaceus, is currently being scrutinized due to its
ability to stimulate the growth of nerve growth factors. Therefore, it may be used as a natural
alternative to treat the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. This
mushroom species naturally occurs on dead or dying oak, walnut, beech, maple, sycamore,
and other broadleaf trees and are most commonly found on logs or stumps (Stamets 2005).
Although H. erinaceus is predominantly a saprophytic mushroom, occasionally it may also be
considered as a weak parasite of trees as it is commonly found on dead or dying deciduous
trees belonging to genera Acer sp., Fagus sp., Juglans sp., Quercus sp., and Ulmus sp.
(Gumińska and Wojewoda 1985; Stamets 1993; Pegler 2003; Fora et al. 2009). H. erinaceus
is known to be one of the few mushrooms that will produce well on walnut logs regardless of
decelerating cultivation due to the density of walnut wood (Stamets 2005). The preferred wood

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substrates include oak, elm, beech and other hardwood species. However, “paper” bark
hardwoods such as alder and birch are not recommended.

In China, large scale cultivation of H. erinaceus is achieved by making use of wood logs or
stumps by inoculating these with dowels (wood fragments overgrown with H. erinaceus
mycelium) after which they are incubated at high humidity (Sokół et al. 2016). Logs or stumps
are allowed to fruit under natural, uncontrolled conditions which result in fruiting bodies to
appear at various times ranging between several months to a year. However, the production
of high yields with good quality fruiting bodies, require cultivation in bottles or bags containing
sterilized substrates. Although cultivation in bags are cheaper and simpler, fruiting bodies are
smaller compared to those growing from bottles, producing a single, large fruiting body
(Stamets 1993; Sokół et al. 2016). Due to the rarity of H. erinaceus in nature and threatened
habitats, artificial cultivation is increasing and was first documented in 1988 (Suzuki and
Mizuno 1997). A wide variety of substrates such as sawdust supplemented with cereal bran
and beech sawdust supplemented with wheat bran or corn meal may be used for the
cultivation of H. erinaceus (Kirchhoff 1996; Royse 1996; Oei 2003). The preferred season of
H. erinaceus is during the warm, wet months when temperatures are between 18-24˚C
(Stamets 2005).

Optimum growth parameters for the cultivation of H. erinaceus include temperature and
humidity (Stamets 1993). For mycelial growth of Hericium species, various factors need to be
taken in consideration (Sokół et al. 2016). Temperature and pH were found to be the most
important parameters while depending on some factors such as light, moisture content and
nutrient elements. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth is between 21-25˚C while
best growth was observed at pH 6 (Imtiaj et al. 2008). The optimum moisture content of the
substrate is between 50 and 70%.

Spawn production requires a temperature between 21-25˚C with a relative humidity of 95-
100%. The optimum moisture content of the substrate should be between 50-70% while CO2
levels should be >5000-40 000 ppm with fresh air exchange every hour. For primordia
formation, optimum temperature between 10-16˚C is required whereas the optimum
temperature for fruiting body development is between 18-24˚C. It was suggested by Hu et al.
(2008) that a constant temperature of 23˚C should be maintained for optimum yields of fruiting
bodies. A relative humidity of 95-100% needs to be maintained for primordia formation while
a lower humidity between 85-95% is required for fruiting body development. Relative low CO2
levels between 500-700 ppm are required for primordia formation. However, higher levels of

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500-1000 ppm are required for fruiting body formation. For both primordia and fruiting body
formation, fresh air exchange every 5-8 hours is required. Light of 500-1000 lux is required
during both primordial and fruiting body development. By taking all of these in consideration,
primordial formation take up to 3-5 days to be completed while fruiting body formation will take
up to 4-5 days (Stamets 1993).

2.2 Materials & Methods

2.2.1 Medium development for pure cultures

For the cultivation of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus, sorghum agar was prepared by milling
sorghum to a powder. Three litres of distilled water (dH2O) and 15 g/l agar were added to 1kg
of milled sorghum. Glucose (2%) was added to serve as carbon source. The mixture was
microwaved until boiling occurred. The supernatant was used to fill Schott bottles up to 400
ml. The mixture was autoclaved for 15 minutes at 121˚C and 100 kPa. After cooling down to
50˚C, the medium was used to pour petri dishes.

2.2.2 Cultivation to obtain pure cultures

Prepared sorghum agar was used to obtain pure cultures of G. lucidum (UFS-GL1) and H.
erinaceus (UFS-L1). The isolates, cultivated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), were received
from the Mushroom Guru. Isolates were cut into squares with a sterile needle and placed on
sorghum agar. The plates were incubated at 25˚C for 14-21 days. Additionally, both strains
were also transferred to PDA as back-up.

2.2.3 Preparation of first-generation spawn

For the preparation of first-generation spawn, loose sorghum grains were soaked overnight in
water with the addition of 2% gypsum. Drainage of excess water was achieved by spinning
sorghum in a washing machine (SpeedyVac) at the lab. Coffee bottles were filled with 400 g
sorghum and autoclaved as the preferred method for sterilization. Agar squares were cut with
a sterile needle and added to the sorghum to produce spawn to be used as inoculum for
second generation spawn bags. After inoculation, the bottles were incubated at 25˚C for 1-2
weeks to allow full colonization to take place.

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2.2.4 Preparation of second-generation spawn bags

For the preparation of second-generation spawn bags, the same method was used as with
first-generation spawn. However, polypropylene bags instead of coffee bottles were used.
Polypropylene bags were filled to a weight of 800 g and autoclaved as the preferred method
for sterilization. First generation spawn (400 g) were divided (200 g) to inoculate two sorghum
bags, respectively, to be used as inoculum for both G. lucidum and H. erinaceus. After
inoculation, the bags were incubated at 25˚C for 1-2 weeks to allow full colonization.

2.2.5 Growth bag preparation

Waste products such as pecan nutshells and encroaching A. mellifera (blackthorn wood) were
desired substrates for cultivation. In the case of G. lucidum, A. mellifera was the desired
substrate. Wood chips were soaked in water for 24 h. Drainage of excess water was achieved
by spinning the substrates in a washing machine (SpeedyVac at the lab). Polypropylene bags
were used as the whole growth block needs to be exposed to allow fruiting. The bags were
filled to a weight of 800g (wet weight) and sterilized. However, for H. erinaceus cultivation,
three different substrates, namely pecan nutshells, A. mellifera wood and a combination of
pecan nutshells and A. mellifera wood were the desired substrates. Both A. mellifera and
pecan nutshells are considered to be a waste product. In order to determine the effect of
different substrates on yields, dry weight of substrates was measured and soaked separately
for 4 hrs by making use of stockings. Dry weights for different substrates were as follow: ±
220g of pecan nutshells; ±110g of A. mellifera wood; and ±85g of A. mellifera wood and ± 75g
of pecan nutshells for combined substrate. For drainage of excess water, spinning of
substrates in a washing machine (SpeedyVac at the lab) was performed after which wet
weights were determined. For H. erinaceus, coffee bottles were used in order to support
fruiting bodies. The bottles were filled with the substrates and sterilized.

2.2.6 Cultivation of medicinal mushrooms on different substrates

Cultivation on different substrates was performed using a modified protocol from Stamets
(1993). For artificial cultivation of G. lucidum, sterile substrate bags containing A. mellifera
were inoculated with second generation spawn. The bags were incubated at 25˚C for
approximately 4-6 weeks to allow colonization until the appearance of mycelium growth onto
bag. Bags were transferred to fruiting chamber to allow antler and cap formation. For fruiting
of G. lucidum, black containers with aeration holes at the top and LED lights inside the box

75 | P a g e
(12 V and 6 500 K) were used to allow control over both the lighting and CO 2/O2
concentrations. For further control over CO2/O2 concentrations and humidity, the aeration
holes were covered with 3M Micropore Dressing Tape (24mm x 10m). This allowed control
over high CO2 concentrations needed during the initial stages for antler formation as the
Micropore tape acted as selective membrane for oxygen transfer. As soon as antler formation
was completed, higher O2 concentrations were needed. The Micropore tape was removed as
G. lucidum fruiting bodies grow in the direction of O2 to escape the high CO2 blanket at the
bottom. During both antler and fruiting body formations, high humidity levels were achieved
by wetting Perlite every 1-2 hrs while optimum light cycles of 4—8 hrs and 12 hrs were also
incorporated for antler and fruiting body formation, respectively.

In the case of H. erinaceus, sterile coffee bottles were inoculated with second generation
spawn. The bags were incubated at 25˚C for approximately 4-6 weeks to allow formation of
pins. As soon as pins appeared, the bags were transferred to a fruiting chamber for 7-15 days
or until fruiting bodies appear.

2.2.7 Comparison of different substrates

Selection of optimum substrates was based on calculations using wet and dry weights to
compare yields.

2.3 Results & Discussions

2.3.1 Mushroom isolation for pure cultures

Pure mycelial cultures were obtained within 15 days after isolation of G. lucidum and H.
erinaceus on sorghum-based medium (Stamets 1993). The cultivation of the mushrooms on
this specific medium was successful with enhanced growth compared to standard cultivation
media and both mushrooms were cultivated on the same medium instead of having to use
different media. The sorghum based agar proved to be a better medium for the cultivation of
these mushrooms than PDA and malt extract agar (MEA), as used by Stamets (1993).

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2.3.2 Cultivation of medicinal mushrooms

2.3.2.1 G. lucidum

The cultivation of G. lucidum on A. mellifera wood was successful as antlers (Fig. 1) were
obtained within 28 days and fruiting bodies (Fig. 2) were obtained after 65 days. Optimum
growth conditions were achieved and contributed to the successful cultivation. These
conditions include a spawn production temperature between 28-30˚C and a moisture content
of 68%; a humidity of 96%, 90% and 35% for primordial induction cap formation and final
fruiting stages, respectively. Furthermore, optimum temperatures for primordia formation and
fruiting body development were found to be 23˚C and 27˚C, respectively. The CO2 levels were
found to be 40,000 ppm and < 2000 ppm for primordia and fruiting body formation,
respectively. Finally, 8hrs of light at 500 lux were used during primordial formation whereas
light at 1500 lux at 12 hrs cycles was used for fruiting body development. Since A. mellifera
wood is considered to be a waste product in South Africa, cultivation may have economic
benefits. More importantly, A. mellifera wood has application as animal feed after cultivation
since the complex and indigestible lignocellulosic complex are degraded. By determining the
lignin and cellulose content before and after cultivation, it can be evaluated whether the
complex was sufficiently degraded, resulting in the application as animal feed. Due to the use
of waste products for cultivation, the costs have been reduced with more than 70% compared
to cultivation on standard substrates.

Fig. 1. Antler formation of G. lucidum.

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Fig. 2. Development of G. lucidum fruiting bodies on A. mellifera wood in laboratory conditions.

2.3.2.2 H. erinaceus

The distinctive fruiting body of H. erinaceus resulted in the common name, the Lion’s Mane
mushroom. The cultivation of this mushroom on three different substrates was successful and
optimum growth conditions contributed to the successful cultivation (Fig. 3). For evaluating
the effect different substrates have on H. erinaceus cultivation, two waste products as well as
a combination of these products were used for cultivation (Fig. 3). Both A. mellifera wood and
pecan nut shells are currently considered to be waste products in South Africa and the use of
these products as substrates for the cultivation of medicinal mushrooms, may have economic
benefits and is considered to be a sustainable method of removal. Instead of using a liquid
inoculation as described by Stamets (1993), spawn bags were prepared by using sorghum.
Even though liquid inoculation of grain filled spawn jars is the preferred method, the use of
spawn to inoculate substrate had no negative effect on the cultivation of H. erinaceus since
the growth was successful and high yields were obtained.

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Optimum conditions include weak, diffused light, a temperature of 25˚C and a humidity of 95-
100%, which were achieved by using Perlite. The use of transparent fruiting chambers did not
have a negative effect on the growth of H. erinaceus.

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Fig. 3. Cultivation of H. erinaceus on different substrates with optimum growth conditions.

As depicted in Fig. 4, a dry yield of 42.62% was obtained for cultivation on A. mellifera wood
whereas a dry yield of only 14.01% was obtained when cultivated on pecan nut shells (Fig.
5). When cultivated on a combination of A. mellifera wood and pecan nut shells, a dry yield of
42.01% was obtained (Fig. 6). By comparing Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, it is clear that the different
substrates had a significant effect on the yields obtained from H. erinaceus since the mean
difference between the yields were 28.61%. Therefore, it is clear that A. mellifera wood is the
preferred substrate as the highest yield were obtained.

In the case of cultivation on A. mellifera as well as on the combination, five flushes were
obtained whereas only three flushes were obtained when cultivated on pecan nut shells only.
When cultivated on A. mellifera only (Fig. 4), flushes 1-3 showed high yields of fruiting bodies
as wet weights varied between 18.34 to 30.38 g whereas lower yields between 2.43 and 8.9
g were obtained during flushes 4 and 5. For cultivation of a combination of A. mellifera wood
and pecan nut shells (Fig. 6), flushes 1-3 showed high yields of fruiting bodies as wet weights
varied between 16.15 and 51.99 g while lower yields between 3.8 and 9.35 g were obtained
for flushes 4-5. However, during the first flush for cultivation on pecan nut shells (Fig. 5), yields
between 18.39 and 23.57g were obtained while significantly lower yields were obtained during
the final flushes. The reason for pecan nut shells resulting in such low yields is unknown and
further investigation is required. Therefore, it is clear that the first flushes resulted in higher
yields than the last flushes, which is due to the depletion of nutrients.

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 Cultivation of H. erinaceus on A. mellifera wood

5
4,5
4
3,5
Dry Weight (g)

3
2,5
2
1,5
1
0,5
0
1 2 3 4 5
Flushes

Bottle 1 Bottle 2 Bottle 3 Bottle 4 Bottle 5 Yield = 42.62 %

Fig. 4. Illustration of yields for H. erinaceus cultivation on A. mellifera wood.

Cultivation of H. erinaceus on pecan nut shells

5
Dry Weight (g)

0
1 2 3
Flushes
Bottle 1 Bottle 2 Bottle 3 Bottle 4 Bottle 5 Yield = 14.01%

Fig. 5. Yields obtained for H. erinaceus cultivation on pecan nut shells.

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 Cultivation of H. erinacues on A. mellifera and pecan nut shells

6
Dry weight (g)

0
1 2 3 4 5
Flushes

Bottle 1 Bottle 2 Bottle 3 Bottle 4 Bottle 5 Yield = 42.01%

Fig. 6. Obtained yields for cultivation of H. erinaceus on a combination of A. mellifera wood

and pecan nut shells.

2.4 Conclusions

Recently, there has been an increase in the popularity of medicinal mushrooms as a natural
alternative to treat a wide range of ailments. Both G. lucidum and H. erinaceus have extensive
applications and have been used for centuries in Japan and China. Throughout literature, the
medicinal properties of these two species are mentioned with antimicrobial properties being
specifically important. The reason being the possibility of serving as natural alternatives to
treat bacterial infections in the case of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In the case of H. erinaceus,
various studies have been conducted to investigate the ability to treat symptoms of
Alzheimer’s disease naturally, but this is still ongoing.

Before medicinal properties can be investigated, cultivation of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus

had to be optimised in order to perform various extractions. As cultivation requires pure
cultures, the need for a single medium that allows cultivation of both G. lucidum and H.
erinaceus was imperative. Therefore, sorghum agar was developed, resulting in better growth
compared to YMA or MEA. Sorghum was used as it is considered to be an extremely good
source of nitrogen and nutrients. Furthermore, it is considered to be a simpler medium as no
additional supplements are required.

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For G. lucidum cultivation various factors were taken in consideration and modified to improve
yields on A. mellifera wood. These modifications were based on improved lighting and different
lighting cycles, humidity control as well as CO2 regulation in order to improve both antler and
fruiting body formation. Due to sufficient breakdown of lignin, A. mellifera wood has application
as animal feed which will be further investigated. In the case of H. erinaceus, humidity control
resulted in high yields of fruiting bodies. Cultivation on A. mellifera wood and pecan nut shells
proved to be a sustainable method for removal of these waste products.

For the cultivation of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus, the obtained yields were standardized and
as a result, running costs were reduced. This reduction was more significant in the case of A.
mellifera wood as it is currently a waste product in South Africa and there are no additional
costs involved when used as a substrate. Due to sufficient yields and decreased costs, both
G. lucidum and H. erinaceus fruiting bodies were pulverized and used for the development of
capsules in collaboration with the pharmaceutical company, Sfera. Currently, AntiflamCare:
Inflammation Support is commercially available and has been produced by using Reishi and
Lion’s Mane cultivated during this study. These capsules contain a combination of Reishi and
Lion’s Mane which are a formidable combination against inflammation. The addition of
Athriblend® containing Glucosamine sulphate, Boswellin®, Curcumin C3 Complex® and
Bioperine® support the medicinal mushrooms against inflammation.

From literature, it is clear that these species have various medicinal properties, rendering them
great natural alternatives due to a rise in the need for natural alternatives to treat various
ailments. Therefore, optimisation of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus cultivation are important for
further investigation of medicinal properties as well as possible applications. Cultivated G.
lucidum and H. erinaceus can be used to verify medicinal assumptions as well as aid in the
sustainable removal of waste products.

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2.5 References

Chang ST (2009) Overview of Mushroom Cultivation and Utilization as Functional Foods. In:
Cheung PCK (ed) Mushrooms as Functional Foods. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, Hong
Kong, pp 1–33
Chang ST, Buswell JA (1999) Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst.
(Aphyllophoromycetideae)—a mushrooming medicinal mushroom. Int J Med Mushr
1:139–146
Fora C, Lauer K, Stefan C, Banu C (2009) Hericium erinaceus and Sacroscypha coccinea in
deciduous forest ecosystem. J Hortic For Biotechnol 13:67–68
Fourie S (2015) The use of mushroom mycelium to convert woody biomass to ruminant
fodder by unlocking the carbohydrates (cellulose and hemi-cellulose) from the lignin
matrix in the wood structure. University of the Free State
Goodell B, Qian Y, Jellison J (2009) Fungal Decay of Wood: Soft Rot-Brown Rot-White Rot.
In: Development of Commercial Wood Preservatives. pp 9–31
Gumińska B, Wojewoda W (1985) Grzyby i ich oznaczanie, 3rd edn. Państowe
Wydawnictwo Rolnicze i Leśne
Hagos MG (2001) The influence of tree thinning and subhabitat differentiation on the
reproductive dynamics of Acacia Mellifera subsp. Detinens. University of the Free
State, South Africa
Hapuarachchi K, Wen T, Deng C, et al (2015) Taxonomic Confusion in the Ganoderma
lucidum Species Complex. Mycosphere 6:542–559. doi: 10.5943/mycosphere/6/5/4
Hu S, Wang J, Wu C, et al (2008) Bioconversion of agro wastes for the cultivation of
culinary-medicinal Lion’s Mane mushrooms, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. and H.
laciniatum (Leers) Banker (Aphyllophoromycetideae) in Taiwan. Int J Med Mushrooms
10:385–398
Imtiaj A, Jayasinghe C, Lee GW, et al (2008) Vegetative growth of four strains of Hericium
erinaceus collected from different habitats. Mycobiology 36:88–92
Joubert DF, Smit GN, Hoffman MT (2012) The role of fire in preventing transitions from a
grass dominated state to a bush thickened state in arid savannas. J Arid Environ 87:1–
7. doi: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2012.06.012
Kapoor P, Sharma BM (2014) Studies on different growth parameters of Ganoderma
lucidum. Int J Sci Environ Technol 3:1515–1524
Kirchhoff B (1996) Biotechnological investigations of Hericium erinaceum (Bull.: Fr.) Pers.
baglog cultivation to increase yield. In: Royse D (ed) Proceedings of the 2nd
International Conference on Mushroom Biology and Mushroom Products.

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Lohmann D, Tietjen B, Blaum N, et al (2014) Prescribed fire as a tool for managing shrub
encroachment in semi-arid savanna rangelands. J Arid Environ 107:49–56. doi:
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Lukomska N, Quaas MF, Baumgärtner S (2010) Bush encroachment control and risk
management in semi-arid rangelands. J Environ Manage 145:24–34. doi:
10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.06.005
Miles PG, Chang S-T (2004) Mushrooms: Cultivation, nutritional value, medicinal effect, and
environmental impact
Oei P (2003) Mushroom cultivation, appropriate technology for mushroom growers.
Backhuys Publishers, Leiden
Pegler DN (2003) Useful fungi of the world: The monkey head fungus. Mycologist 17:120–
121. doi: 10.1017/S0269915X03003069
Royse D (1996) Specialty mushrooms. Progress in new crops. In: Proceedings of the Third
National Symposium. ASHS Press, Idianapolis, Indiana, USA, pp 464–475
Sokół S, Golak-siwulska I, Sobieralski K (2016) Biology , cultivation , and medicinal functions
of the mushroom Hericium erinaceum. Acta Mycol 1–18. doi: 10.5586/am.1069
Stamets P (1993) Growth parameters for gourmet and medicinal mushroom species. In:
Growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. Ten Speed Press, Berekely, CA, pp 259–
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Stamets S (2005) Magnificent mushrooms: The cast of species. In: Mycelium running: How
mushrooms can help save the world. Ten Speed Press, Berekely, CA, pp 210–302

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 Chapter 3
Optimisation of extraction methods, evaluation of antimicrobial
properties and hepatotoxicity assays

IV. Abstract

Fungi are considered to be an important source of traditional medicine in both Asian and
Western countries. Different extraction methods were employed for extraction of valuable
compounds of two South African macro-fungal species, namely Ganoderma lucidum and
Hericium erinaceus. Preliminary separation of compounds was done with thin layer
chromatography to proof the presence of multiple foreign compounds. The antimicrobial
activity of the extracts was investigated against 12 different pathogens. Combined water and
alcohol extracts of G. lucidum fruiting bodies and spent mushroom substrate (SMS) showed
the most promising results. Hepatotoxicity assays of the extracts were performed on HepG2
cells using different parameters such as live/dead cells, lysosomes, mitochondrial dysfunction
and steatosis to evaluate toxicity. A limited number of the extracts showed toxicity, with alcohol
extracts proving to be more toxic compared to water extracts. Interesting data are presented
in this study as the effect of extracts on antimicrobial activity were limited. Additionally,
hepatotoxicity assays are considered to be novel and this study provides interesting data on
the cytotoxicity of two macro-fungal species, G. lucidum and H. erinaceus.

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3.1 Introduction

Various medicinal mushrooms have been screened for their medicinal properties, especially
for anti-cancer application (Mizuno 1999). Additionally, some species have been found to be
powerful immune system enhancers, leading to the potentiation of animal and human
immunity against cancer (Borchers et al. 1999; Wasser and Weis 1999; Ikikawa 2000; Kidd
2000; Feng et al. 2001). Aside from China, the use of medicinal mushroom extracts is well
documented in Japan, Korea, Russia and recently in the USA (Mizuno et al. 1995). However,
the application of chemical technology for isolating relevant compounds to be used in
controlled experiments only recently received attention. Although various species have yielded
compounds with strong anti-cancer activity, only a small number of mushroom species have
been used in clinical trials for assessing the anti-cancer potential in humans (Smith et al.
2002).

Various studies have been conducted in recent years to improve production and utilization of
G. lucidum and H. erinaceus compounds. The major bioactive compounds include
polysaccharides, sterols, lectins and proteins, with the first two being the most extensively
studied. Although β-glucans are generally more abundant than other polysaccharides, they
are still poorly characterised due to difficulty to isolate and identify (Askin et al. 2007). The
major bioactive polysaccharides are β-1, 3- and β-1, 6 glucans, with a basic structure of β-1-
3 D-glucopyronan with 1-15 units of β-1-6 monoglycosyl side chains (Mizuno et al. 1995). The
isolation and identification of polysaccharides commonly involve various steps (Villares et al.
2012). Since it has been demonstrated that both the molecular structure and arrangement
have a significant effect on the biological activity, various analytical methods are used for the
interpretation of the chemical structures. It has been established that molecular weight,
primary structure, solution conformation, and polymer charge may play a role in determining
whether and with what affinity polysaccharides bind to receptors and exhibit biological activity
(Villares et al. 2012). Therefore, the extraction of polysaccharides is thus extremely important
for the application of both G. lucidum and H. erinaceus (Huang and Ning 2010).

Up until recently, numerous extraction methods have been developed with the main objective
being to obtain higher yields of extracts at a lower cost. Extractions with organic solvents such
as methanol (Escribano-Bail´on et al. 1992; Fuleki and Da Silva 1997), ethanol (Kallithraka et
al. 1997) and acetone (Vernhet et al. 1996) proved to be of value. However, these methods
have the disadvantage of leaving residual solvent in the product, which is unacceptable for
human application. As a result, researchers have been focusing on finding alternatives, such

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as hot water extraction which is the most widely used traditional method (Huang and Ning
2010). Different classes of compounds are extracted when making use of hot water, but is
however dependant on the temperature being used. Since the majority of compounds are
effectively extracted while retaining their effectivity, the interest in hot water extractions are
justified. Advantages of this extraction method include efficiency, low costs, clean, quick, and
has the possibility of automation and selectivity due to the ability of modifying the polarity of
the extraction medium (Askin et al. 2007).

For determination of compounds, UV spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid

chromatography (HPLC) can be used (Askin et al. 2007). For determination of
polysaccharides, glucose is often used as standard with the HPLC method for polysaccharide
determination being gradually developed. For triterpenoid determination, oleanolic acid or
ursolic acid is commonly used as the standard substance (Askin et al. 2007). Thin layer
chromatography (TLC) can be applied for identifying compounds present in G. lucidum and H
erinaceus. As a solid-liquid technique, a solid (stationary phase) and a liquid phase are present
as different compounds have different solubility and adsorption to the two phases between
which they are to be partitioned.

Several triterpenoids and polysaccharides isolated from G. lucidum have been investigated
regarding their physiological effects (Komoda et al. 1989; Shao 1992). Isolated triterpenoids
from G. lucidum are responsible for important anti-cancer activity as they are capable of
inhibiting the blood-supply to cancerous cells, resulting in the absence of oxygen and nutrients
(Kimura et al. 2002). The main polysaccharides isolated from G. lucidum have been identified
as ganoderan and ganopoly, both consisting of a β-linked glucose backbone with different
patterns and degrees of branching (Villares et al. 2012). Isolated polysaccharides have been
proven to have a wide range of medicinal properties, with immune system modulation being
the most extensively studied. Specifically polysaccharides with β-linkages have been found to
show significant anti-oxidant, antimicrobial and anti-tumour activity due to the activation of the
immune system (Villares et al. 2012).

In the case of anti-tumour activity, various mechanisms such as anti-proliferation of cancer

cells and induction of apoptosis, immune system regulation and anti-metastatic effects are
involved in the mitogenic activity of fungal polysaccharides (Villares et al. 2012). Recently,
there has been an increase in compounds isolated from G. lucidum as triterpenoids,
polysaccharides and fungal immunomodulatory proteins (FIPs) exhibited anti-tumour activity
by means of inhibiting DNA polymerase and post-translational modification of Ras oncoprotein

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as well as stimulating cytokine production (Sliva 2006). For anti-oxidant activity,
polysaccharides have shown activity for the scavenging of free radicals and superoxide
radicals, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and suppression of proliferation and oxidative stress
(Villares et al. 2012). In addition, increased activity of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase
and catalase, which are involved in removing ROS, are also exhibited by polysaccharides
(Bishop et al. 2015).

The fruiting bodies of H. erinaceus contain bioactive substances such as aromatic compounds,
sterols, diterpenoids, and polysaccharides (Huang and Ning 2010). Various studies have
identified polysaccharides with immunomodulatory activity while aromatic compounds such as
erinacines and hericenones have showed to promote the synthesis of nerve growth factors
(NGF) (Ma et al. 2010). Additionally, hericenones also have cytotoxic effects against various
cancer cell lines, but the mechanisms by which aromatic compounds exhibit anti-cancer
activity are not fully understood (Li et al. 2015).

Cellomics, also referred to as high content analysis, are used to identify bioactive compounds
(synthetic or from natural products) to aid in the development of new drugs as well as to
investigate the molecular mode of action (van de Venter 2018). The ImageXpress® Micro XLS
System is a wide-field automated microscope capable of fluorescence, transmitting light, and
phase-contrast imaging and high content analysis of fixed- or live-cell assays, tissues and
small organisms. It is equipped with a 4.66-megapixel scientific CMOS camera, objectives
ranging from 10x-60x with optional phase contrast and a sample preparation station for the
preparation of 384-well plates. The solid-state white-light engine is suitable for most
fluorescence applications with excitation wavelengths ranging between 380-680 nm. The
detection of chromogenic- and most fluorescent dyes are possible due to a colorimetric filter
cube and eight fluorescence filter cubes. Environmental control allows regulation of
temperature, humidity and CO2 for high-content analysis and time lapse experiments over
extended time periods. Finally, MetaXpress Imaging and Analysis software are being used by
the instrument. Using automated imaging capabilities, morphological features are observed
and recorded while changes in cell populations are quantified by the powerful software (van
de Venter 2018).

Although there is a wide believe that herbal medicine is relatively safe as they are derived
from nature, this belief is however untrue and misleading (van de Venter 2018). Several known
toxic compounds have been isolated from nature and various reports highlighted the
consequences from certain herbal remedies despite years of folk usage. In contrast to acute

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toxicity being easily identified due to clear overt symptoms, idiosyncratic and chronic toxicity
is unlikely to be identified unless fully investigated clinically. Moreover, herbal medicines have
been shown to inhibit and/or induce drug-metabolizing enzymes. Herbal medicines are
nowadays used together with conventional drugs, giving rise to the relatively modern
phenomenon of kinetic and clinical drug interactions. Furthermore, due the continuous
development of new drugs, potential drug interactions will continue to modify the safety
landscape of herbal medicine (van de Venter 2018).

Similar to conventional drugs, the safety of herbal medicines also needs to be undergone both
pre-clinical and clinical evaluation for toxicity (van de Venter 2018). Even though animal
models (particularly rodent models) form an integral part of pre-clinical drug efficacy, it has
been established that these models poorly portray toxicity in humans and therefore have little
predictive value. Due to the availability of an enormous amount of herbal medicines, it is clear
that clinical safety evaluation will be time-consuming and expensive. An achievable and more
practical approach to explore potential adverse effects of herbal medicines, is the use of
human derived cells for in vitro screening, provided there is confidence in the predictive
capacity of such tests (van de Venter 2018).

A new in vitro approach for medicinal plant research, is hepatotoxicity assays (HCA) (van de
Venter 2018). Since toxicity is regarded as the main reason for drug attrition, it presents a
major challenge for the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, the early identification of potential
toxicity has become a key research objective for pharmaceutical companies. To this end, HCA
has emerged as a suitable predictive tool for the identification of toxicity and currently
represents the most promising approach to early drug development. The complex nature of
macro-fungal extracts may be expected to interact simultaneously at various targets, resulting
in the multi-parameter capacity of image cytometry to be well suited for early identification of
toxicity. Moreover, HCS has developed extensively over the past few years, resulting in an
increase in the most predictive endpoint parameters to accurately identify toxicity potential.
For this chapter, hepatotoxicity assays for live/dead cells, lysosomes, mitochondrial
dysfunction and steatosis will be investigated (van de Venter 2018).

3.1.1 Live/dead cells

Live/dead cell assays are important for evaluating effects of compounds on cells
(Immunochemistry Technologies). Hoechst 33342 is a popular cell-permeant, benzimidazole
nuclear stain, emitting blue fluorescence when bound to dsDNA by binding to the minor groove

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of adenine and thymine-rich sequences (Sabnis 2010). This dye is often used for visualization
the nuclei of living cells. Additionally, Hoechst 33342 is used for cell cycle studies due to the
ability to distinguish condensed pyknotic nuclei in apoptotic cells from living cells (Lalande et
al. 1981; Burres et al. 1992; Sabnis 2010).

In the case of dead cells, a popular red-fluorescent nuclear dye known as propidium iodide
(PI) is used to evaluate cell viability (ThermoFisher). This dye is not permeant to live cells and
can only enter the cell after cell death occurred, resulting in application for detecting dead cells
as well as to differentiate necrotic, apoptotic and healthy cells (ThermoFisher; Suzuki et al.
1997). PI binds to DNA by intercalating between the bases with no or little preference to
sequences (ThermoFisher).

3.1.2 Lysosomes

Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed organelles containing a variety of enzymes capable of

degrading proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids by means of engulfment (Kuehnel
2003). Since lysosomes function as the digestive system, it is responsible for degradation of
material taken up from outside the cell as well as digestion of obsolete compounds of the cell
itself. As enzymes responsible for hydrolysis require an acidic environment for optimal activity,
the lysosome maintains a pH ranging from 4.5 to 5.0 by pumping in protons from the cytosol
(pH 7.2) via proton pumps and chloride ion channels. In case of leakage, the rest of the cell is
protected as the degradative enzymes of the lysosomes do not function well or at all in the
alkaline environment of the cytosol (Kuehnel 2003).

In addition to degrading molecules, lysosomes are capable of conducting autophagy and

phagocytosis (Cooper 2000; Kuehnel 2003). In the case of autophagy, damaged structures
are removed through cooperation of phagosomes. According to Cooper (2000), “the first step
of autophagy appears to be the enclosure of an organelle (e.g., a mitochondrion) in membrane
derived from the endoplasmic reticulum”. As a result, the contents are digested due to the
fusion of the autophagosome with the lysosome. For phagocytosis, large particles such as cell
debris, aged cells, bacteria and virus particles are taken up and degraded by macrophages.
Phagosomes (phagocytic vacuoles) are responsible for taking up these particles after which it
fuses with lysosomes, resulting in digestion (Cooper 2000; Kuehnel 2003).

LysoTracker® Red is a highly selective dye for labelling and tracking acidic organelles in live
cells. This dye consists of a fluorophore linked to a weak base that is only partially protonated

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at neutral pH and can be detected using the Texas Red filter sets. As a deep red-fluorescent
dye, live cells are effectively labelled at nanomolar concentrations as cell membranes are
freely permeated (ThermoFisher).

3.1.3 Mitochondrial dysfunction – mitochondrial membrane potential

Mitochondrial dysfunction comprises of two parts, namely mitochondrial membrane potential

and mitochondrial mass (van de Venter 2018). The mitochondria are known to play a crucial
role in various biochemical processes associated with life and death of eukaryotic cells. In the
case mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidation of glucose and fatty acids by the
mitochondrial respiratory chain results in a proton and pH gradient across the mitochondrial
inner membrane. Subsequently, a transmembrane electrical potential gradient (∆Ψm) is
established. Under normal physiological conditions, a membrane-based proton pump is
responsible for maintaining the electrochemical gradient, enabling ATP production for use in
driving the energy requiring processes of cells. In the case of pancreatic β-cells, generated
ATP helps to activate the secretion of insulin, thereby linking insulin secretion to blood glucose
levels (van de Venter 2018).

Loss of ∆Ψm results in an opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, resulting
in leakage of intermembrane proteins, including cytochrome c which facilitates apoptosis
induction through the production of apoptosomes (van de Venter 2018). Cytochrome c is
essential for production of the mitochondrial membrane potential as it promotes the pumping
of protons into the inner-membrane space. This is achieved by shuttling electrons between
complex II and IV in the electron transport chain. During apoptosis, cytochrome c is released
into the cytosol thereby impairing the ability to shuttle electrons, resulting in a rapid dissipation
of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Thus, loss of cytochrome c is associated with a drop
in mitochondrial membrane potential and are therefore often used as a marker for apoptosis.
For this reason, apoptotic drugs such as etoposide and melphalan can be used as positive
controls when screening for changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, the
activation of caspase has also been shown to accelerate the process of ∆Ψm loss.
Additionally, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via a feedback mechanism also
promote accelerates apoptosis and the rate of cell death (van de Venter 2018).

Detection of mitochondrial ∆Ψm are achieved by making use of slow, lipophilic, cationic
fluorescent dyes such as tetramethylrhodamine ethyl (TMRE) (van de Venter 2018). Although
a delocalized positive charge is dispersed throughout their molecular structure, the lipophilic

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solubility of TMRE allows them to be penetrate living cells. Due to its nature, TMRE
redistributes across cell membranes according to the Nernst equation in a voltage dependant
manner. The negatively charged mitochondria are entered where it accumulate according to
the mitochondrial inner membrane potential. During apoptosis, the collapse of the
mitochondrial ∆Ψm results in the TMRE dye becoming evenly distributed throughout the
cytosol as it is no longer accumulating inside the mitochondria. When dispersed in this
manner, overall cellular fluorescence levels drop dramatically. This can easily be
visualized/quantified by means of fluorescence microscopy/cytometry (van de Venter 2018).

3.1.4 Mitochondrial dysfunction – mitochondrial mass

The number of mitochondria can change according to the energy demands of the cell (van de
Venter 2018). This change is most notable during differentiation and proliferation. However,
mitochondrial mass may also react to environmental factors such as toxins, which may either
directly inhibit mitochondrial proliferation (such as drugs inhibiting mtDNA replication) or
indirectly increase the energy demands of the cell, resulting in increased mitochondrial content
in order to sustain survival of the cell (van de Venter 2018).

MitoTracker Green is a mitochondrial selective dye which stains mitochondria independent of

membrane potential and are therefore used to assess the mitochondrial content of cells (van
de Venter 2018). This fluorescent dye selectively accumulates in the mitochondrial matrix
where it covalently binds to certain mitochondrial proteins by reacting with free thiol groups of
cysteine residues. The concentration of the dye is approximately 300 times higher in the
mitochondrial matrix than in the surrounding cytoplasm, thus selectively labelling proteins
found in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Therefore, it is assumed that dye accumulation
indicates increased mitochondrial proteins and thus increased mitochondrial mass (van de
Venter 2018).

3.1.5 Steatosis

The abnormal retention of lipids within a cell, is known as steatosis, also called lipid
accumulation (Wilson et al. 2015). No single mechanism is responsible for steatosis as a
variety of pathologies are responsible for disrupting normal lipid movement through the cell,
causing accumulation. These mechanisms can be separated based on whether an oversupply
of lipids, which cannot be removed quickly enough, are caused or whether a failure in lipid
breakdown are caused. Failure of lipid metabolism can also cause impairment of mechanisms
which usually would utilise and remove lipids, resulting in the accumulation of unused lipids.
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Although mild cases of lipid accumulation may not have particular detrimental effect on cells,
large accumulation can result in disruptions of the cell components, causing the cell to burst
in severe cases (Wilson et al. 2015).

LipidTox Red was specifically developed to characterize the potentially toxic effects of
compounds on lipid metabolism in mammalian cell lines. This dye has an extremely high
affinity for neutral lipid droplets and can be detected via fluorescence microscopy
(ThermoFisher).

3.2 Materials & Methods

3.2.1 Medicinal mushroom, bacterial, and yeasts strains used

South African isolates of two different medicinal mushrooms, namely G. lucidum (UFS-GL1)
and H. erinaceus (UFS-L1) were obtained from the UFS fungal collection. Bacterial strains of
Bacillus cereus (ATCC 10876), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6051), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922),
E. coli O157:H7 (SAIM M0770), Klebsiella pneumonia (ATCC 31488), Listeria monocytogenes
(LMG 13305), Salmonella Diarizonae (ATCC 29934), Salmonella Typhimirium,
Staphylococcus areus (ATCC 6538) and Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 10389) were
obtained from the UFS culture collection. Yeast strains of Candida albicans and Cryptococcus
neoformans were obtained from the Unesco Mircen Yeast collection (UFS).

3.2.2 Hot water extraction of compounds in G. lucidum and H. erinaceus

Two different approaches to hot water extraction were performed to compare results and
applicability for future reference. Macro-fungal material of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus was
dried in a 25-30˚C oven for 2-3 days and then briefly submerged in liquid nitrogen and crushed
using a mortar and pestle. Water extracts were prepared by using a material: solvent ratio of
1: 15 (w/v) for 24 hrs at room temperature with frequent mixing. Extracts were centrifuged at
3, 000 rpm for 5 min, and the supernatant was filtered twice through Whatman filter under
vacuum. Extracts were freeze-dried using a VirTis SP Scientific sentry 2.0 freeze dryer
(Gardiner, NY, USA) and stored in a desiccator in the dark at 4˚C until further use.

The second water extraction method was performed in two phases to extract valuable
compounds associated with G. lucidum and H. erinaceus. Water extracts were prepared by
using a material: solvent ratio of 1: 15 (w/v). Macro-fungal material of G. lucidum and H.

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erinaceus were again briefly submerged in liquid nitrogen and crushed using a mortar and
pestle. Water was added and kept at a temperature of 90˚C for 2 hrs after which the extracts
were cooled down. For the second extraction step, the extracts were kept at a temperature
between 65˚C -90˚C for 1h to allow further extraction of the compounds. Extracts were freeze-
dried using a VirTis SP Scientific sentry 2.0 freeze dryer (Gardiner, NY, USA) and stored in a
desiccator in the dark at 4˚C until further use.

3.2.3 Alcohol extraction on G. lucidum and H. erinaceus

Macro-fungal material derived from G. lucidum and H. erinaceus was dried at 25-30˚C for 2-3
days and the dried cells briefly submerged in liquid nitrogen and crushed using a mortar and
pestle. Ethanolic (80%) extracts were prepared by using a material: solvent ratio of 1: 15 (w/v)
for 24 hrs at room temperature with frequent mixing. Extracts were centrifuged at 3, 000 rpm
for 5 min, and the supernatant filtered twice through a Whatman filter under vacuum. Ethanol
was evaporated using a BUCHI Rotavapor R-210 (Switzerland) at 50˚C and extracts were
freeze-dried using a VirTis SP Scientific sentry 2.0 freeze dryer (Gardiner, NY, USA). Extracts
were stored in a desiccator in the dark at 4˚C until further use.

3.2.4 Two-step extraction of compounds in G. lucidum

A two-step extraction method involving both ethanol and water were performed in duplicate
on the spent mushroom substrate (SMS) block, fruiting bodies and mycelia of G. lucidum.

SMS of G. lucidum was dried in a 25-30˚C oven for 2-3 days after which it was milled. Ethanolic
(80%) extracts were prepared by using a material: solvent ratio of 1: 5 (w/v) for 8 weeks at
room temperature with frequent mixing (100, 07 g and 100, 15 g were weighed off and 500 ml
ethanol was added, respectively). Extracts were centrifuged at 3, 000 rpm for 5 min, and the
supernatant ‘filtered twice through Whatman filter under vacuum. Ethanol extracts were stored
in a desiccator in the dark at 4˚C until further use. Water extracts were prepared by using a
material: solvent ratio of 1: 5 (w/v) - 500 ml H2O was added to both Schott bottles containing
SMS used for ethanol extracts. Water was evaporated to 400 ml by maintaining a temperature
of 100˚C. Water extracts were centrifuged at 3, 000 rpm for 5 min, and the supernatant filtered
twice through Whatman filter under vacuum. Stored ethanol extracts were added to water
extracts. Ethanol was evaporated using a BUCHI Rotavapor R-210 (Switzerland) at 50˚C and
extracts were freeze-dried using a VirTis SP Scientific sentry 2.0 freeze dryer (Gardiner, NY,
USA). Extracts were stored in a desiccator in the dark at 4˚C until further use.

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For the fruiting bodies and mycelia of G. lucidum, macro-fungal material was dried in a 25-
30˚C oven for 2-3 days. The material of G. lucidum was briefly submerged in liquid nitrogen
and crushed using a mortar and pestle. Ethanolic (80%) extracts were prepared by using a
material: solvent ratio of 1: 15 (w/v) for 2 weeks at room temperature with frequent mixing.
Extracts were centrifuged at 3, 000 rpm for 5 min, and the supernatant was filtered twice
through Whatman filter under vacuum. Ethanol extracts were stored in a desiccator in the dark
at 4˚C until further use. Water extracts were prepared by using a material: solvent ratio of 1:
15 (w/v) - 150 ml of H2O was added to Schott bottles containing G. lucidum fruiting bodies and
mycelia used for ethanol extracts, respectively. Water was evaporated to 50 ml by maintaining
a temperature of 100˚C. Water extracts were centrifuged at 3, 000 rpm for 5 min, and the
supernatant filtered twice through a Whatman filter under vacuum. Stored ethanol extracts
were added to water extracts. Ethanol was evaporated using a BUCHI Rotavapor R-210
(Switzerland) at 50˚C and extracts were freeze-dried using a VirTis SP Scientific sentry 2.0
freeze dryer (Gardiner, NY, USA). Extracts were stored in a desiccator in the dark at 4˚C until
further use.

3.2.5 Thin layer chromatography on G. lucidum and H. erinaceus

One gram of crushed dried fruiting bodies of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus were placed in test
tubes and covered with n-hexane (10 ml), respectively. The test tubes were placed in an
ultrasonic bath for one hour. The n-hexane was decanted and evaporated under reduced
pressure. TLC was used to separate the components of the n-hexane extract with an eluent
of a Toluene: EtOAc ratio of 9:1. The above process was repeated another three times with
the exception of using dichloromethane (10 ml), methanol (10 ml), and ethanol (10 ml) instead.

3.2.6 Extract preparation and identification of antimicrobial properties

The freeze-dried extracts previously obtained were weighed and 1% DMSO was added. The
pathogens were plated out in triplicate on nutrient agar (NA) to allow the growth of bacteria
and yeasts. Extracts of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus were added by means of the spot-on-
lawn method. Plates were incubated at 37˚C for 24 h after which the zones of inhibition were
determined.

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3.2.7 Cultivation of HepG2 cells (hepatocytes)

HepG2 cells were maintained in 10% fetal bovine serum (HighClone Laboratories, Utah, USA)
in the presence of penicillin-streptomycin solution (100 μl/ml, Lonza, BioWhiitaker, Verviers,
Belgium). Cells were incubated in a humidified 5% CO2 incubator at 37˚C for 72 hrs.

3.2.8 Harvesting of HepG2 cells and preparation of extracts

HepG2 cells were harvested by adding trypsin to tissue culture dish in order to break down
proteins on the bottom of the dish. Serum was gently removed using a vacuum. Cells were
washed with 5-10 ml DPBS/Modified to ensure all serum were removed. 1 ml trypsin was
added to tissue culture dish and incubated at 37 ˚C for 15 min to allow breakdown of proteins
to ensure all cells were released. Growth media to be used for wells were prepared by adding
500 μl Penicillin-Streptomycin solution, 500 μl non-essential amino acids and 5 ml Hyclone
serum containing growth factors to a test tube after which MEM/EBSS was added to make
media with a final volume of 50 ml. After incubation, HepG2 cells were harvested by adding 2
ml of growth media to cells in order to inactivate trypsin. 50 μl of cells were stained with Trypan
Blue and counted using haemocytometer to determine cell viability. HepG2 cells were seeded
in 96-well plates at cell densities of 5000 cells (100 μl/well). Plates were incubated in a
humidified 5% CO2 incubator at 37˚C for 24 hrs in order to allow cells to attach to the bottom
of the plate.

Stock concentrations of macro-fungal extracts were prepared in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at

100 mg/ml. Working concentrations (400 μg/ml) were prepared in complete media
(MEM/EBSS, fetal bovine serum containing growth factors, penicillin-streptomycin solution,
non-essential amino acids). A dilution series, ranging between 12.5 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml was
prepared. Cells were treated with test samples (extracts) at the different concentrations. A
negative control, with no addition of extracts and two positive controls namely Melphalan
(chemotherapeutic drug) and Chloroquine (anti-malaria drug) were used at working
concentrations ranging between 12.5 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml to allow comparison. The plates
were incubated at 37˚C in a humidified 5% CO2 incubator for 48 hrs.

3.2.8 Hepatotoxicity assay (live/dead cells)

A hepatotoxicity assay of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus extracts for the evaluation of live/dead
cells was performed. Harvested C3A cells were loaded in 96-well plate at a density of 5000

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cells per well and allowed to attach overnight at 37˚C. Cells were treated with 100 μl of
indicated concentrations of test sample and incubated at 37˚C in a humidified 5% CO2
incubator for 48 hrs. Spent culture medium was gently removed prior to staining and replaced
with 100 µl PBS containing bisBenzamide H 33342 trihydrochloride (Hoechst 33342) at a
concentration of 5 µg/ml. The cells were stained for 20 min at 37˚C. Propidium Iodide was
added to a final concentration of 10 µg/ml using 10 µl per well directly before imaging. Image
acquisition was performed using an ImageXpress Micro XLS Widefield High-Content Analysis
System (Molecular Devices®) at 20x magnification. Hoechst 33342 was acquired with the
DAPI and Propidium Iodide with the PI filter sets. The images were analysed using the
MetaXpress® High-Content Image Acquisition & Analysis Software and Multi-wavelength Cell
Scoring analysis module.

3.2.9 Hepatotoxicity assay (lysosomes)

A hepatotoxicity assay of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus extracts for the evaluation of lysosome
content was performed. Harvested C3A cells were loaded in 96-well plate at a density of 5000
cells per well and allowed to attach overnight at 37˚C. Cells were treated with 100 μl of
indicated concentrations of test sample and incubated at 37˚C in a humidified 5% CO2
incubator for 48 hrs. A working concentration of 50 nM LysoTracker Red was prepared in PBS.
Spent culture medium was aspirated from the wells and replaced with 100 µl of the
LysoTracker solution after which the plates were incubated at 37˚C for 30 min. After
incubation, the dye solution was replaced with fresh PBS containing Hoechst 33342 (10 mg/ml
in 1 ml DMSO) and incubated for a further 30 min before acquisition. Image acquisition was
performed using an ImageXpress Micro XLS Widefield High-Content Analysis System
(Molecular Devices®) at 20x magnification. Hoechst 33342 was acquired with the DAPI and
LysoTracker Red with the Texas Red filter sets. The images were analysed using the
MetaXpress® High-Content Image Acquisition & Analysis Software and Multi-wavelength Cell
Scoring analysis module.

3.2.10 Multi-parameter hepatotoxicity assay (mitochondrial dysfunction)

A hepatotoxicity assay of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus extracts for the evaluation of

mitochondrial dysfunction was performed. Harvested C3A cells were loaded in 96-well plate
at a density of 5000 cells per well and allowed to attach overnight at 37˚C. Cells were treated
with 100 μl of indicated concentrations of test sample and incubated at 37˚C in a humidified
5% CO2 incubator for 48 hrs. Spent culture medium were gently removed prior to staining and

98 | P a g e
wells were washed with 200 μl/well PBS. Tetramethylrhodamine ethyl (TMRE) stock solution
(5 mg into 1 ml DMSO) were prepared and 1 μl TMRE were diluted into 200 μl RPMI (Roswell
Park Memorial Institute) medium prior to staining. Mito-Tracker Green stock solution was
prepared by adding 1 mM to 1ml DMSO. A staining cocktail was prepared by adding 5 ml PBS,
50 μl TMRE working stock, 1 μl Mito-Tracker Green and 2 μl Hoechst 33342 solution (10mg/ml
in 1ml DMSO) to 5 ml of RPMI. Spent medium was aspirated from the wells and replaced with
50 μl staining solution after which the plates were incubated at 37˚C for 30 min before
acquisition before acquisition. Acquire images with ImageXpress Micro XLS Widefield High-
Content Analysis System (Molecular Devices®) at 20x magnification. Hoechst 33342 Hoechst
33342 was acquired with the DAPI, TMRE with the FITC and Mito-Tracker Green with the
TRITC filter sets. The images were analysed using the MetaXpress® High-Content Image
Acquisition & Analysis Software and Multi-wavelength Cell Scoring analysis module.

3.2.11 Hepatotoxicity assay (lipid accumulation)

A hepatotoxicity assay of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus extracts for the evaluation of lipid
accumulation in cells was performed. Harvested C3A cells were loaded in 96-well plate at a
density of 5000 cells per well and allowed to attach overnight at 37˚C. Cells were treated with
treated with 100 μl of indicated concentrations of test sample and incubated at 37˚C in a
humidified 5% CO2 incubator for 48 hrs. Spent culture medium were aspirated and wells were
washed with 200 μl/well PBS. Cells were fixed for 15 min with 4% formaldehyde. A staining
solution was prepared by adding 1 μl LipidTox Red and 2 μl Hoechst 33342 solution to 10 ml
PBS. Fix solution was removed and replaced with 50 μl staining solution after which the plates
were incubated at room temperature for 30 min before acquisition. Acquire images with
ImageXpress Micro XLS Widefield High-Content Analysis System (Molecular Devices®) at
20x magnification. Hoechst 33342 was acquired with the DAPI and LipidTox Red with the
Texas Red filter sets. The images were analysed using the MetaXpress® High-Content Image
Acquisition & Analysis Software and Multi-wavelength Cell Scoring analysis module.

3.3 Results & Discussions

3.3.1 Water extracts

Hot water extracts of G. lucidum mycelia and fruiting bodies as well as H. erinaceus fruiting
bodies were obtained and used for evaluation of antimicrobial activity as well as to perform
hepatotoxicity assays (Fig. 1.).

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Fig. 1. Water extracts of G. lucidum mycelia and fruiting bodies and H. erinaceus fruiting
bodies.

3.3.2 Alcohol extracts

Alcohol extracts of G. lucidum mycelia and fruiting bodies and H. erinaceus fruiting bodies
were obtained and used for evaluation of antimicrobial activity as well as to perform
hepatotoxicity assays.

3.3.3 Two-step extraction of compounds in G. lucidum and H. erinaceus

Combined alcohol and water extracts of G. lucidum mycelia, fruiting bodies and SMS were
obtained and used for evaluation of antimicrobial activity as well as to perform hepatotoxicity
assays.

3.3.4 Thin layer chromatography

The first TLC (Fig. 2) showed the components of the n-hexane extract with an eluent of a
Toluene: EtOAc ratio of 9:1. The components of the dichloromethane extract with an eluent of
EtOAc: Toluene with a 5:5 ratio, can be seen in Fig 3. The methanol extract (Fig. 4) showed
the most components in each of the samples with EtOAc: EtOH with a ratio of 7:3 as the eluent
being used. For the ethanol extract (Fig. 5), an eluent of EtOAc: MeOH with a 7:3 ratio was
used. Based on the variety of spots exhibited on each plate further separation and
identification of compounds need exploration and will be performed in the future.

100 | P a g e
Fig. 2. n-hexane Fig. 3. Dichloromethane

Fig. 4. Methanol Fig. 5. Ethanol

101 | P a g e
3.3.5 Identification of antimicrobial activity

The different extracts of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus were evaluated to determine antagonistic
effects on yeasts, gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Fig. 6 depicts the inhibitory effect
of the hot water and water extracts G. lucidum mycelia and fruiting bodies and H. erinaceus
fruiting bodies. For this study, 1-3 on the agar plates represented the hot water extracts of G.
lucidum mycelia, G. lucidum fruiting bodies and H. erinaceus fruiting bodies, respectively,
whereas 4 represented the water extract of G. lucidum mycelia. No inhibitory effects was
detected for the hot water extracts, which may be due to the shorter extraction time. For future
work, the extraction time will be lengthened in order to allow extraction of all compounds.
However, the water extract of G. lucidum mycelia (number 4 on plates) showed inhibitory
effects against a variety of pathogens such as C. neoformans, E. coli, E. coli O157:H7, K.
pneumonia and S. Typhimirium, S. aureus and S. pyogenes.

From Fig. 7 the inhibitory effects of the water and alcohol extracts can be seen. For this study,
5-6 on the agar plates represented the water extracts of G. lucidum fruiting bodies and H.
erinaceus fruiting bodies, respectively, whereas 7-8 represented the alcohol extracts of G.
lucidum mycelia and G. lucidum fruiting bodies. Inhibitory effects for the water extracts of G.
lucidum fruiting bodies (number 5 on plates) were limited as inhibition was only detected
against C. neoformans and S. aureus whereas water extracts of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies
(number 6 on plates) showed inhibition against C. neoformans, B. cereus, E. coli, E. coli
O157:H7, K. pneumonia, L. monocytogenes, S. Typhimirium and S. pyogenes. Good inhibitory
effects were detected for the alcohol extracts of both G. lucidum mycelia (number 7 on plates)
and G. lucidum fruiting bodies (number 8 on plates) against most of the pathogens evaluated
such as C. neoformans, B. cereus, E. coli, E. coli O157:H7, K. pneumonia, L. monocytogenes,
S. Typhimirium, S.aureus and S. pyogenes.

In the case of Fig. 8, the combined extracts of G. lucidum mycelia, fruiting bodies and SMS
were represented by 9-11, respectively. The combined extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies
(number 10 on plates) showed the most promising results with inhibition against all
pathogens tested except for C. albicans and B. subtilis followed by the combined extracts of
G. lucidum SMS (number 11 on plates) with inhibition against all pathogens tested except for
C. albicans, C. neoformans, B. subtilis and Salmonella. In the case of the combined extract
of G. lucidum mycelia (number 9 on plates), inhibition was detected against all pathogens
tested except for C. albicans, B. subtilis, Salmonella and S. aureus.

102 | P a g e
Fig. 6. 1-3: Hot water extracts of G. lucidum mycelia, G. lucidum fruiting bodies and H.
erinaceus fruiting bodies. 4: Water extract of G. lucidum mycelia.

103 | P a g e
Fig. 7. 5-6: Water extracts of G. lucidum fruiting bodies and H. erinaceus fruiting bodies. 7-8:
Alcohol extracts of G. lucidum mycelia and G. lucidum fruiting bodies.

104 | P a g e
Fig. 8. 9-11: Combined extracts of G. lucidum mycelia, fruiting bodies and SMS.

In the case of yeasts, no inhibitory effect on C. albicans was detected by any of the extracts
whereas good results were detected for activity against C. neoformans. From Fig. 9, none of
the hot water extracts showed inhibitory effects. However, the water extract of G. lucidum
fruiting bodies showed the best inhibitory effect followed by the water extract of H. erinaceus
fruiting bodies. Both the water and alcohol extract of G. lucidum mycelia showed inhibitory
effects although the combined extract of G. lucidum mycelia showed no effect. Furthermore,
the combined extracts of G. lucidum fruiting bodies and spent substrate showed good
inhibitory effects.

Similar inhibitory effects were detected against gram-positive bacteria. From Fig. 10, none of
the extracts showed inhibitory effects against B. subtilis. Again, none of the hot water extracts
resulted in positive results. It is interesting to note that the combined extract of G. lucidum
fruiting bodies and spent substrate showed similar results as inhibitory effects against B.
cereus, L. monocytogenes, S. aureus and S. pyogenes were detected while the combined
extract of G. lucidum mycelia only showed inhibitory effect against B. cereus and L.
monocytogenes. This is important as spent substrate which is considered to be agricultural
105 | P a g e
waste, have similar positive effects and can therefore be applied as animal feed, thus utilising
waste. Inhibitory effects against L. monocytogenes were detected for various extracts,
including all three combined extracts of the different growth phases for G. lucidum. Water
extract of G. lucidum mycelia showed positive results against S. aureus as well as S. pyogenes
whereas the water extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies only showed inhibitory effect against
S. aureus. Furthermore, positive effects against B. cereus, L. monocytogenes and S.
pyogenes were detected for the water extract of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies. Alcohol extracts
of G. lucidum mycelia and fruiting bodies showed inhibitory effect against all gram-positive
bacteria except for B. subtilis.

Good inhibitory effects were also detected against gram-negative bacteria. From Fig. 11, none
of the hot water extracts resulted in positive results. Also, none of the extracts, except for the
combined extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies showed inhibitory effects against Salmonella.
It is again interesting to note that the combined extracts of the different growth phases for G.
lucidum showed positive results against all five gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, E. coli
O157:H7, K. pneumonia, Salmonella and S. Typhi) used for evaluation of antibacterial activity.
Water extracts of G. lucidum mycelia and H. erinaceus fruiting bodies showed positive results
against all gram-negative bacteria, except for Salmonella while no inhibitory effects were
detected for the water extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies. Alcohol extracts of both G. lucidum
mycelia and fruiting bodies showed inhibitory effect against all gram-negative bacteria except
for Salmonella.

106 | P a g e
 Inhibitory effect on yeasts
14

12
Inhibition zone (mm)

10

0
C. albicans C. neoformans
Organisms

Hot water extract: G. lucidum mycelia Hot water extract: G. lucidum FB

Hot water extract: H. erinaceus FB Water extract: G. lucidum mycelia
Water extract: G. lucidum FB Water extract: H. erinacues FB
Alcohol extract: G. lucidum mycelia Alcohol extract: G. lucidum FB
Combined extract: G. lucidum mycelia Combined extract: G. lucidum FB
Combined extract: G. lucidum spent substrate

Fig. 9. Inhibitory effect of different extracts on yeasts.

Inhibitory effect on gram-positive bacteria

14

12
Inhibition zone (mm)

10

0
B. cereus B. subtilis L. monocytogenes S. aureus S. pyogenes

Organisms

Hot water extract: G. lucidum mycelia Hot water extract: G. lucidum FB

Hot water extract: H. erinaceus FB Water extract: G. lucidum mycelia
Water extract: G. lucidum FB Water extract: H. erinacues FB
Alcohol extract: G. lucidum mycelia Alcohol extract: G. lucidum FB
Combined extract: G. lucidum mycelia Combined extract: G. lucidum FB
Combined extract: G. lucidum spent substrate

Fig. 10. Inhibitory effect of different extracts on gram-positive bacteria.

107 | P a g e
 Inhibitory effect on gram-negative bacteria
16
14
Inhibition zone (mm)

12
10
8
6
4
2
0
E. coli E. coli O157 K. pneumonia Salmonella S. Typhi

Organisms

Hot water extract: G. lucidum mycelia Hot water extract: G. lucidum FB

Hot water extract: H. erinaceus FB Water extract: G. lucidum mycelia
Water extract: G. lucidum FB Water extract: H. erinacues FB
Alcohol extract: G. lucidum mycelia Alcohol extract: G. lucidum FB
Combined extract: G. lucidum mycelia Combined extract: G. lucidum FB
Combined extract: G. lucidum spent substrate

Fig. 11. Inhibitory effect of different extracts on gram-negative bacteria.

3.3.6 Hepatotoxicity assay (live/dead cells)

When compared to the negative control (Fig. 12), the positive control, Melphalan (Fig. 13),
did show a significant decreased number of nuclei (live cells) and increased number of dead
cells. In the case of dead cells, PI is only taken up by the cell after the cells had died, resulting
in an increased number of dead cells for the positive control, Melphalan (Fig. 13). For the
live/dead cells assay, only the images of wells C7, D8 and E8 are shown (letters indicate
different concentrations while numbers indicate extracts). The alcohol extracts of G. lucidum
fruiting bodies (Figs. 14-16) at different concentrations (50, 25, and 12.5 μg/ml) showed a
slight decrease in the nuclei (live cells) while only a few numbers of dead cells were detected
as PI was only taken up by a few cells when compared to the negative control (Fig. 12). From
Fig. 14, the effect of the alcohol extract G. lucidum fruiting bodies at a concentration of 50
μg/ml can be seen and more toxicity was detected compared to the lower concentrations
(Figs. 15-16).

108 | P a g e
Fig. 12. Nuclei (live cells) and dead cells for the negative control (F10).

109 | P a g e
Fig. 13. Nuclei (live cells) and dead cells for the positive control (Melphalan).

110 | P a g e
Fig. 14. Nuclei (live cells) and dead cells for C7, alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies
(50 μg/ml).

111 | P a g e
Fig. 15. Nuclei (live cells) and dead cells for D8, alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies
(25 μg/ml).

112 | P a g e
Fig. 16. Nuclei (live cells) and dead cells for E8, alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies
(12.5 μg/ml).

113 | P a g e
3.3.7 Hepatotoxicity assay (Lysosomes)

In the case of lysosomes, LysoTracker Red was used to stain lysosomes which can be seen
as brightly red fluorescent cells. By comparing the negative (Fig. 17) and the positive control
(Fig. 18), an increase in lysosomes was detected for the positive control, Melphalan. From the
combined images of the negative (Fig. 19) and positive controls (Fig. 20), the increased
number of lysosomes compared to the number of nuclei (live cells) can clearly be seen for the
positive control, melphalan. For the lysosome assay, only the images of wells B5 and D5 are
shown (letters indicate different concentrations while numbers indicate extracts). For the
combined extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Figs. 21-24) at different concentrations (100
and 25 μg/ml), the combined extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Figs. 21-24) showed no
increase in the lysosome content at either of the concentrations. No increase in dead cells
was detected for the combined extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Figs. 21-24) compared
to the positive control, Melphalan (Fig. 18). Therefore, the extract resulted in no toxicity.

114 | P a g e
Fig. 17. Nuclei (live cells) and lysosomal content for the negative control.

115 | P a g e
Fig. 18. Combined image of nuclei (live cells) and lysosomal content for the negative control.

116 | P a g e
Fig. 19. Nuclei (live cells) and lysosomal content for the positive control, Melphalan.

117 | P a g e
Fig. 20. Combined image of nuclei (live cells) and lysosomal content for the positive control,
Melphalan.

118 | P a g e
Fig. 21. B5 - Nuclei (live cells) and lysosomal content for the combined extract of G. lucidum
fruiting bodies (100 μg/ml).

119 | P a g e
Fig. 22. Combined image of nuclei (live cells) and lysosomal content for G. lucidum fruiting
bodies (100 μg/ml).

120 | P a g e
Fig. 23. D5 – Nuclei (live cells) and lysosomal content for the combined extract of G. lucidum
fruiting bodies (25 μg/ml).

121 | P a g e
Fig. 24. Combined image of nuclei (live cells) and lysosomal content for the combined extract
of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (25 μg/ml).

3.3.8 Multi-parameter hepatotoxicity assay (Mitochondrial dysfunction)

For the mitochondrial dysfunction assay, only the images of wells C12 and D9 are shown
(letters indicate different concentrations while numbers indicate extracts). Hoechst 33342 was
used to stain the nuclei blue. When comparing the negative control (Fig. 25) to the positive
control, Melphalan (Fig. 26). Both the combined extract of G. lucidum SMS (Fig. 27) and the
alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig. 28) at a concentration of 50 μg/ml and 25
μg/ml, respectively, had no effect on nuclei, resulting in no hepatotoxicity.

In the case of mitochondrial membrane potential, TMRE was used for staining the cells yellow.
When compared to the negative control (Fig. 25), a decrease in intensity can be seen for the
positive control, melphalan (Fig. 26) whereas a slight decrease in the mitochondrial membrane
potential can be detected for both the combined extract of G. lucidum SMS (Fig. 27) and the
alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig. 28) at a concentration of 50 μg/ml and 25
μg/ml, respectively. Thus, no hepatotoxicity was detected for both extracts.

122 | P a g e
The mitochondrial membrane was stained green using Mito-Tracker Green, which stains
mitochondria independent of the membrane potential. When compared to the negative control
(Fig. 25), a significant increase in the mitochondrial membrane was detected for the positive
control, Melphalan (Fig. 26). This increase is due to cells trying to compensate for the loss of
membrane potential. When compared to the negative control (Fig. 25), the combined extract
of G. lucidum SMS (Fig. 27) and the alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig. 28) at
concentrations of 50 μg/ml and 25 μg/ml, respectively, seemed to only result in a slight
increase in mitochondrial membrane.

123 | P a g e
124 | P a g e
Fig. 25. Images of the nuclei (blue), mitochondrial potential (yellow) and mitochondrial
membrane (green) for the negative control (F8).

125 | P a g e
126 | P a g e
Fig. 26. Images of the nuclei (blue), mitochondrial potential (yellow) and mitochondrial
membrane (green) for the positive control, Melphalan (G2).

127 | P a g e
Fig. 27. Images of the nuclei (blue), mitochondrial potential (yellow) and mitochondrial
membrane (green) for C12, combined extract of G. lucidum SMS (50 μg/ml).

128 | P a g e
129 | P a g e
Fig. 28. Images of the nuclei (blue), mitochondrial potential (yellow) and mitochondrial
membrane (green) for D9, alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (25 μg/ml).

3.3.9 Hepatotoxicity assay (lipid accumulation/steatosis)

For lipid accumulation (steatosis), only the images of wells D7 and E7 are shown (letters
indicate different concentrations while numbers indicate extracts). LipidTox Red was used to
stain lipids accumulating in the cells red while Hoechst 33342 was used for staining nuclei
blue. When compared to the negative control (Fig. 29), the positive control, Chloroquine (Fig.
31), showed an increase in accumulated lipids. From the combined images of the negative
(Fig. 30) and positive controls (Fig. 32), the increased amount of accumulated lipids compared
to the number of nuclei (live cells) can clearly be seen for the positive control, Chloroquine
(Fig. 32). The alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Figs. 33 and 35) at different
concentrations (25 and 12.5 μg/ml) showed no increase in the accumulation of lipids resulting
in no toxicity of the extracts. From the combined images (Figs. 34 and 36), no increase in lipid
accumulation or decrease in nuclei content were detected for the alcohol extract of G. lucidum
fruiting bodies at different concentrations (25 and 12.5 μg/ml).

130 | P a g e
Fig. 29. Images of nuclei (blue) and lipid accumulation (red) for the negative control (F4).

131 | P a g e
Fig. 30. Combined image of nuclei (blue) and lipid accumulation (red) for the negative control
(F4).

132 | P a g e
Fig. 31. Images of nuclei (blue) and lipid accumulation (red) for the positive control,
Chloroquine (G8).

133 | P a g e
Fig. 32. Combined image of nuclei (blue) and lipid accumulation (red) for the positive control,
Chloroquine (G8).

134 | P a g e
Fig. 33. Images of nuclei (blue) and lipid accumulation (red) for D7, alcohol extract of G.
lucidum fruiting bodies (25 μg/ml).

135 | P a g e
Fig. 34. Combined image of nuclei (blue) and lipid accumulation (red) for D7, alcohol extract
of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (25 μg/ml).

136 | P a g e
Fig. 35. Images of nuclei (blue) and lipid accumulation (red) for E7, alcohol extract of G.
lucidum fruiting bodies (12.5 μg/ml)

137 | P a g e
Fig. 36. Combined image of nuclei (blue) and lipid accumulation (red) for E7, G. lucidum
fruiting bodies (12.5 μg/ml).

3.3.10 Analysis of plates

3.3.10.1 Live/dead cells

After image acquisition using ImageXpress Micro XLS Widefield High-Content Analysis
System (Molecular Devices®) at 20x magnification, the images were analysed using the
MetaXpress® High-Content Image Acquisition & Analysis Software and Multi-wavelength Cell
Scoring analysis module.

Different plates were used, thus resulting in different effects of controls. From Fig. 37, the
effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and Etoposide) at different
concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts at different
concentrations. For this part, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative control for comparison to show
any effect that may have occurred. From Fig. 37, no significant effect of the water extract of
G. lucidum fruiting bodies can be detected for the total cells per site at high concentrations,
compared to the negative control (0 μg/ml). However, a decrease was detected for the lowest
concentration (12.5 μg/ml), but this might be due to contaminated wells and further
138 | P a g e
investigation is required. Although no significant effect was detected for the water extract of
G. lucidum mycelia (Fig. 37) at concentrations between 100-25 μg/ml, a decrease in total cells
per site for concentrations of 200 and 12.5 μg/ml were detected. This was unexpected and
might be due to contaminated wells and further investigation is required. For the water extract
of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies (Fig. 37), no decrease in total cells per site were detected for
any of the concentrations compared to the negative control (0 μg/ml). Moreover,
concentrations of 50, 25 and 12.5 μg/ml showed an increase in total cells per site and further
investigation is required. For the alcohol extract of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies (Fig. 37), no
significant effect was detected apart from the highest concentration of 200 μg/ml resulting in
a slight decrease of total cells per site.

From Fig. 38, the effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and
Etoposide) at different concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts
at different concentrations. For comparison of the extracts, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative
control to show any effect that may have occurred. For the combined extract of G. lucidum
mycelia (Fig. 38), a significant decrease of total cells per site were detected for the highest
concentration (200 μg/ml) was detected while only a slight decrease in total cells per site were
detected for concentrations between 100 and 12.5 μg/ml when compared to the negative
control (0 μg/ml). In contrast to the water extract, the alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting
bodies (Fig. 38) proved to be me toxic than the water extract as a significant decrease in total
cells were detected at concentrations between 200 and 25 μg/ml. For the combined extract of
G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig. 38), only a slight decrease in total cells per site were detected
while a significant decrease was detected for the 200 μg/ml concentration when compared to
the negative control (0 μg/ml). The combined extract of G. lucidum SMS (Fig.38) showed no
significant effect apart from the highest concentration of 200 μg/ml resulting in a slight
decrease of total cells per site.

139 | P a g e
 3000

2500
Total cells per site

100 μM
2000
50 μM
25 μM
1500
12.5 μM

1000 6.25 μM
3.1 μM
500 Untreated

0
Melphalan Etoposide Untreated

Controls

3500 3000
3000 2500
Total cells per site
Total cells per site

2500
2000
2000 G. lucidum G. lucidum
fruiting 1500
1500 mycelia
bodies (water
(water 1000
1000 extract)
extract)
500 500

0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

3000 3000
Total cells per site

2500 2500
Total cells per site

2000 2000
H. erinaceus H. erinaceus
1500 fruiting 1500 fruiting
bodies bodies
1000 (water 1000 (alcohol
500 extract) extract)
500
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 37. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on total cells per
site (plate1).

140 | P a g e
 900

800

700
Total cells per site

600 100 μM
50 μM
500
25 μM
400
12.5 μM
300 6.25 μM
200 3.1 μM

100 Untreated

0
Melpahalan Etoposide Untreated

Controls

900 900
800 800
Total cells per site
Total cells per site

700 700
600 G. lucidum 600 G. lucidum
500 mycelia 500 fruiting
(combined bodies
400 400
extract) (alcohol
300 300 extract)
200 200
100 100
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

900 1000
800 900
Total cells per site
Total cells per site

700 800
600 G. lucidum 700 G. lucidum
fruiting 600 SMS
500
bodies 500 (combined
400 extract)
(combined 400
300 300
extract)
200 200
100 100
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0
Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 38. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on total cells per
site (plate 2).

Different plates were used, thus resulting in different effects of controls. From Fig. 39, the
effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and Etoposide) at different
concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts at different
concentrations. For this part, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative control for comparison to show
any effect that may have occurred. From Fig. 39, no significant effect of the water extract of

141 | P a g e
G. lucidum fruiting bodies can be detected for the % live cells for any of the concentrations
compared to the negative control (0 μg/ml). No decrease in % live cells were detected for the
water extract of G. lucidum mycelia (Fig. 39) at any of the concentrations. For both the water
and alcohol extracts of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies (Fig. 39), no decrease in % live cells were
detected for any of the concentrations compared to the negative control (0 μg/ml).

From Fig. 40, the effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and
Etoposide) at different concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts
at different concentrations. For comparison of the extracts, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative
control to show any effect that may have occurred. For the combined extract of G. lucidum
mycelia (Fig. 40), only a slight decrease in % live cells were detected for all the concentrations
with the highest concentration of 200 μg/ml causing the most significant decrease in % live
cells. For the alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig. 40), a significant decrease in
% live cells were detected for concentrations of 100 and 50 μg/ml while concentrations at 25
and 12.5 μg/ml showed a slight decrease in % live cells, which might be due to contaminated
wells. However, for the 200 μg/ml concentration, an increase in % live cells were detected and
further investigation is required. For the combined extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig.
40), no decrease in % live cells were detected for concentrations of 25 and 12.5 μg/ml while
only a slight decrease in % live cells for concentrations of 100 and 50 μg/ml with the most
significant decrease in % live cells detected for 200 μg/ml concentration. The combined extract
of G. lucidum SMS (Fig. 40) showed no significant effect apart from the highest concentration
of 200 μg/ml resulting in a slight decrease of % live cell.

142 | P a g e
 120

100

80 100 μM
% Live cells

50 μM
60 25 μM
12.5 μM
40 6.25 μM
3.1 μM
20
Untreated

0
Melphalan Etoposide Untreated

Controls

120 120

100 100

80 80
% Live cells

% Live cells

G. lucidum
G. lucidum
60 fruiting 60
mycelia
bodies
40 40 (water
(water
extract)
extract)
20 20

0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 h 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

120 120

100 100
80
% Live cells

80
% Live cells

H. erinaceus H. erinaceus
60
60 fruiting fruiting
bodies 40 bodies
40 (alcohol
(water
20 extract)
20 extract)
0
0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 39. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on % live cells
(plate1).

143 | P a g e
 100
90
80
70
100 μM
% Live cells

60 50 μM
50 25 μM
40 12.5 μM
30 6.25 μM

20 3.1 μM

10 Untreated

0
Melphalan Etoposide Untreated

Controls

100 100
90 90
80 80
70 G. lucidum 70
% Live cells

G. lucidum
% Live cells

60 mycelia 60 fruiting
50 (combined 50 bodies
40 extract) 40 (alcohol
30 30 extract)
20 20
10 10
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

100 100
90 90
80 80
70 G. lucidum 70 G. lucidum
% Live cells

% Live cells

60 fruiting 60 SMS
bodies 50 (combined
50
(combined extract)
40 40
extract)
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 40. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on % live cells (plate
2).

Different plates were used, thus resulting in different effects of controls. From Fig. 41, the
effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and Etoposide) at different
concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts at different
concentrations. For comparison of the extracts, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative control to
indicate any effect that may have occurred. From Fig. 41, a decrease in % dead cells were

144 | P a g e
detected for concentrations of 100, 50 and 25 μg/ml for the water extract of G. lucidum fruiting
bodies with the most significant decrease in % dead cells at 12.5 μg/ml concentration.
However, the 200 μg/ml concentration showed a slight increase in the % dead cells when
compared to the negative control (0 μg/ml). Although no significant effect on % dead cells
were detected for the water extract of G. lucidum mycelia (Fig. 41) at concentrations between
100 and 12.5 μg/ml concentrations, the 200 μg/ml concentration showed an increased amount
of % dead cell. For the water extracts of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies (Fig. 41), the 50 μg/ml
concentration showed the smallest percentage of dead cells compared to the negative control
(0 μg/ml) whereas the 200 μg/ml concentration showed the highest percentage of dead cells.
In the case of the alcohol extract of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies (Fig. 41), the smallest
percentage of dead cells were detected for the 50 and 12.5 μg/ml concentrations with the 100
μg/ml concentration showing the highest percentage of dead cells.

For Fig. 42 the effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and
Etoposide) at different concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts
at different concentrations. For comparison of the extracts, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative
control to indicate any effect that may have occurred. For the combined extract of G. lucidum
mycelia (Fig. 42), the highest concentration of 200 μg/ml resulted in the most significant
increase in % dead cells while the lower concentrations resulted in lower percentage of dead
cells. Only a slight decrease in % live cells were detected for all of the concentrations with of
the alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig. 42), the highest concentration of 200
μg/ml together with the lowest concentration of 12.5 μg/ml resulted in the lowest percentage
of dead cells while a significant increase in % dead cells were detected for concentrations of
100, 50 and 25 μg/ml. This might be due to contaminated wells. However, for the 200 μg/ml
concentration, an increase in % live cells were detected and further investigation is required.
For the combined extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig. 42), concentrations of 25 and 12.5
μg/ml showed no significant increase in % dead cells while the most significant increase in %
dead cells detected for the 200 μg/ml. The combined extract of G. lucidum SMS (Fig. 42)
showed no significant effect on % dead cells for concentrations of 25 and 12.5 μg/ml while the
highest concentration of 200 μg/ml resulting in the highest percentage of dead cells when
compared to the negative control (0 μg/ml).

145 | P a g e
 2

1,8

1,6 100 μM
50 μM
1,4
25 μM
% Dead cells

1,2
12.5 μM
1
6.25 μM
0,8
3.1 μM
0,6 Untreated
0,4

0,2

0
Melphalan Etoposide Untreated

Controls

0,35 0,6
0,3 0,5
% Dead cells

0,25
% Dead cells

G. lucidum 0,4
0,2 fruiting G. lucidum
0,3 mycelia
0,15 bodies
(water 0,2 (water
0,1 extract) extract)
0,05 0,1

0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

0,35 0,35
0,3 0,3
0,25 0,25
% Dead cells

% Dead cells

H. erinaceus H. erinaceus
0,2 fruiting 0,2 fruiting
0,15 bodies 0,15 bodies
(water (alcohol
0,1 extract) 0,1 extract)
0,05 0,05
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 41. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on % dead cells
(plate 1).

146 | P a g e
 25

20

100 μM
% Dead cells

15 50 μM
25 μM

10 12.5 μM
6.25 μM
3.1 μM
5
Untreated

0
Melphalan Etoposide Untreated

Controls

30 40
35
25
30
% Dead cells

20 G. lucidum
% Dead cells

G. lucidum 25 fruiting
15 mycelia 20 bodies
(combined 15 (alcohol
10 extract) extract)
10
5 5
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

30 25

25 20
% Dead cells
% Dead cells

20
G. lucidum 15
G. lucidum
15 fruiting SMS
bodies 10 (combined
10 (combined extract)
extract) 5
5

0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 42. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on % dead cells
(plate 2).

3.3.10.2 Lysosomal content

For evaluation of the lysosomal content, the integrated intensity was used to determine the
number of lysosomes as well as their brightness (the lower the pH, the brighter LysoTracker
Red will fluoresce). Furthermore, integrated intensity takes cell sizes in account and will

147 | P a g e
increase with size or when high amounts of lysosomes are present as it results in a bigger
area being stained.

Different plates were used, thus resulting in different effects of controls. From Fig. 43, the
effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and Chloroquine) at
different concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts at different
concentrations. For comparison of the extracts, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative control to
indicate any effect that may have occurred. From Fig. 43, no increase in the mean integrated
intensity in the cytoplasm (relative fluorescent units) for the detected for the water extract of
G. lucidum fruiting bodies for any of the concentrations when compared to the negative control
(0 μg/ml). For the water extract of G. lucidum mycelia (Fig. 43), a significant increase was
detected in the mean integrated intensity in the cytoplasm for the highest concentration of 200
μg/ml while concentrations of 25 and 12.5 μg/ml showed no significant increase. For the water
extracts of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies (Fig. 43), no increase in the mean integrated intensity
in the cytoplasm were detected for any of the concentrations when compared to the negative
control (0 μg/ml). In the case of the alcohol extract of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies (Fig. 43), an
increase in the mean integrated intensity in the cytoplasm were detected for all of the
concentrations with the 200 μg/ml concentration showing the highest increase, resulting in an
increase in lysosomal content when compared to the negative control (0 μg/ml).

For Fig. 44 the effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and
Chloroquine) at different concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts
at different concentrations. For comparison of the extracts, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative
control to indicate any effect that may have occurred. For the combined extract of G. lucidum
mycelia (Fig. 44), the highest concentration of 200 μg/ml resulted in the most significant
increase in mean integrated intensity in the cytoplasm followed by the 100 μg/ml
concentration. The lower concentrations of 50, 25 and 12.5 μg/ml resulted in a slightly
increased mean integrated intensity in the cytoplasm, but no toxicity as the increase is not
significant enough to cause toxicity. For the alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig.
44), the highest concentrations of 200 and 100 μg/ml showed no increase in the mean
integrated intensity in the cytoplasm while the lowest concentration of 12.5 μg/ml resulted in
a slight increase. However, the concentrations of 50 and 25 μg/ml showed a significant
increase, which might be due to contaminated wells and further investigation is required. For
the combined extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig. 44), concentrations of 200 and 12.5
μg/ml showed no significant increase in mean integrated intensity in the cytoplasm while the
most significant increase were detected for the 100, 50 and 25 μg/ml concentrations. The

148 | P a g e
combined extract of G. lucidum SMS (Fig. 44) showed a significant effect on the mean
integrated intensity in the cytoplasm for all of the concentrations and further investigation is
required to evaluate lysosomal content.

600000
Mean integrated intensity in cytoplasm

500000
100 μM
400000 50 μM
25 μM
(RFU)

300000
12.5 μM
200000 6.25 μM
3.1 μM
100000
Untreated
0
Melphalan Chloroquine Untreated

Controls

60000 120000
Mean integrated intensity

Mean integrated intensity

50000 100000
in cytoplasm (RFU)

in cytoplasm (RFU)

40000 G. lucidum 80000

G. lucidum
fruiting mycelia
30000 60000
bodies (water
20000 (water 40000 extract)
extract)
10000 20000

0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0
Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

60000 80000
Mean integrated intensity

Mean integrated intensity

70000
50000
in cytoplasm (RFU)

in cytoplasm (RFU)

60000
40000 H. erinaceus
H. erinaceus 50000
fruiting
30000 fruiting 40000 bodies
bodies 30000 (alcohol
20000 (water extract)
20000
extract)
10000 10000
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 43. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on lysosomal
content (plate 1).

149 | P a g e
 Mean integrated intensity in cytoplasm 700000

600000

500000 100 μM
50 μM
400000 25 μM
(RFU)

12.5 μM
300000
6.25 μM
200000 3.1 μM
Untreated
100000

0
Melphalan Chloroquine Untreated

Controls

70000 200000
Mean integrated intensity in

Mean integrated intensity in

180000
60000
160000
cytoplasm (RFU)

50000 140000
cytoplasm (RFU)

G. lucidum
G. lucidum 120000 fruiting
40000 mycelia 100000 bodies
30000 (combined (alcohol
80000
extract) extract)
20000 60000
40000
10000 20000
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

140000 50000
Mean integrated intensity in
Mean integrated intensity in

45000
120000
40000
cytoplasm (RFU)
cytoplasm (RFU)

100000 35000 G. lucidum

G. lucidum 30000 SMS
80000
fruiting 25000 (combined
60000 bodies extract)
20000
(combined
40000 15000
extract)
10000
20000
5000
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 44. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on lysosomal
content (plate 2).

3.3.10.3 Mitochondrial dysfunction

For evaluation of the mitochondrial potential, TMRE was used and the average intensity was
used as the average of all pixels in that object is taken in account. Average intensity was
therefore used as the brightness of the mitochondria is measured. For the mitochondrial
membrane (mass), mean stain area was used as the number of mitochondria are determined.
150 | P a g e
Mitochondrial toxicity is characterised by a decrease in mitochondrial potential (decrease in
TMRE fluorescence) and a corresponding increase in mitochondrial membranes (increase in
MTG fluorescence) as the cell try to compensate for the loss of membrane potential by
increasing the amount of membranes.

Different plates were used, thus resulting in different effects of controls. From Fig. 45, the
effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and Etoposide) at different
concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts at different
concentrations. For comparison of the extracts, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative control to
indicate any effect that may have occurred. From Fig. 45, no significant decrease in the total
cells per site were detected for the 100 and 50 μg/ml concentrations followed by the 200 μg/ml
concentration. However, no total cells per site were detected for the water extract of G. lucidum
fruiting bodies at concentrations of 25 and 12.5 μg/ml. This was unexpected and might be due
to contaminated wells. For the water extract of G. lucidum mycelia (Fig. 45), concentrations
of 50, 25 and 12.5 μg/ml showed no significant effect on the total cells per site while a
significant decrease was detected in the total cells per site for the highest concentration of 200
μg/ml followed by the 100 μg/ml concentration. For the both the water and alcohol extracts of
H. erinaceus fruiting bodies (Fig. 45), no significant effect on the total cells per site were
detected for concentrations of 100, 50, 25 and 12.5 μg/ml when compared to the negative
control (0 μg/ml) while the 200 μg/ml concentration only showed a slight decrease.

For Fig. 46 the effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and
Etoposide) at different concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts
at different concentrations. For comparison of the extracts, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative
control to indicate any effect that may have occurred. For the combined extract of G. lucidum
mycelia (Fig. 46), a significant increase in total cells were detected for all of the concentrations
when compared to the negative control (0 μg/ml). For the alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting
bodies (Fig. 46), the highest concentrations of 200 and 100 μg/ml showed no significant effect
on the total cells per site while the lower concentrations of 25 and 12.5 μg/ml resulted in a
significant increase. For the combined extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig. 46), total cells
per site increased for all of the concentrations with the 100 and 50 μg/ml concentrations having
the most significant effect. The combined extract of G. lucidum SMS (Fig. 46) also showed a
significant effect on the total cells per site for all of the concentrations, with the highest
concentration of 200 μg/ml resulting in the highest number of total cells per site.

151 | P a g e
 3500

3000
Total cells per site

2500
100 μM

2000 50 μM
25 μM
1500
12.5 μM

1000 6.25 μM
3.1 μM
500 Untreated

0
Melphalan Etoposide Untreated

Controls

3000 3500
Total cells per site

2500 3000
Total cells per site

2500
2000 G. lucidum
G. lucidum 2000
1500 fruiting mycelia
bodies 1500 (water
1000 (water extract)
1000
extract)
500 500
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

3500 3500
3000 3000
Total cells per site

Total cells per site

2500 2500
H. erinaceus H. erinaceus
2000 fruiting 2000 fruiting
1500 bodies 1500 bodies
(water (alcohol
1000 extract) 1000 extract)
500 500
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 45. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on total cells per
site (plate 1).

152 | P a g e
 1200

1000

800
Total cells per site

100 μM
50 μM
600
25 μM
400 12.5 μM
6.25 μM
200
3.1 μM
Untreated
0
Melphalan Etoposide Untreated
-200

Controls

70000 200000
180000
60000
Total cells per site
Total cells per site

160000
50000 140000 G. lucidum
G. lucidum 120000 fruiting
40000
mycelia 100000 bodies
30000 (combined 80000 (alcohol
extract) extract)
20000 60000
40000
10000
20000
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0
Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

140000 50000
45000
Total cells per site

120000
Total cells per site

40000
100000 35000 G. lucidum
G. lucidum
80000 fruiting 30000 SMS
bodies 25000 (combined
60000 20000 extract)
(combined
40000 extract) 15000
10000
20000
5000
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 46. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on total cells per
site (plate 2).

Different plates were used, thus resulting in different effects of controls. From Fig. 47, the
effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and Etoposide) at different
concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts at different
concentrations. For comparison of the extracts, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative control to
indicate any effect that may have occurred. From Fig. 47, no significant effect on the average

153 | P a g e
intensity in the cytoplasm were detected for the water extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies at
concentrations of 200, 100, 50 and 25 μg/ml. However, a decrease in the average intensity in
the cytoplasm were detected were for the 12.5 μg/ml concentration, resulting in a decrease in
mitochondrial potential. For the water extract of G. lucidum mycelia (Fig. 47), none of the
concentrations showed significant effect on the average intensity in the cytoplasm with the
200 μg/ml concentration resulting in a small increase. Thus, increased mitochondrial potential.
For the water extract of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies (Fig. 47), no significant effect on the
average intensity in the cytoplasm were detected for any of the concentrations. For the alcohol
extract of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies (Fig. 47), only the 12.5 μg/ml concentration resulted in
a decrease in the average intensity, and a decrease in mitochondrial potential, when
compared to the negative control (0 μg/ml) while the other concentration showed no significant
effect.

For Fig. 48 the effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and
Etoposide) at different concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts
at different concentrations. For comparison of the extracts, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative
control to indicate any effect that may have occurred. For the combined extract of G. lucidum
mycelia (Fig. 48), no significant effect on the average intensity in the cytoplasm were detected
for any of the concentrations, except for the 100 μg/ml concentration resulting in an increase
when compared to the negative control (0 μg/ml). For the alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting
bodies (Fig. 48), the lower concentrations of 25 and 12.5 μg/ml showed no significant effect
on the average intensity in the cytoplasm while the highest concentrations of 200 and 100
μg/ml resulted in a significant decrease in mitochondrial potential due to the decreased
intensity. For the combined extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig. 48), no significant effect
on the average intensity in the cytoplasm were detected for any of the concentrations, except
for the 100 μg/ml concentration resulting in an increase when compared to the negative control
(0 μg/ml). The combined extract of G. lucidum SMS (Fig. 48) also showed a significant effect
on the average intensity in the cytoplasm as all of the concentrations resulted in a decrease
in the intensity, except for the 200 μg/ml concentration having no effect.

154 | P a g e
 Average intensity in cytoplasm (RFU) 6000

5000

4000 100 μM
50 μM
3000 25 μM
12.5 μM
2000 6.25 μM
3.1 μM
1000
Untreated

0
Melphalan Etoposide Untreated

Controls

4500 5000
4500
Average intensity in
4000
Average intensity in

cytoplasm (RFU)
4000
cytoplasm (RFU)

3500
G. lucidum G. lucidum
3000 3500
fruiting mycelia
2500 3000
bodies (water
(water 2500
2000 extract)
extract) 2000
1500
1500
1000 1000
500 500
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0
Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

4500 4500
4000 4000
Average intensity in
Average intensity in

cytoplasm (RFU)
cytoplasm (RFU)

3500 3500 H. erinaceus

H. erinaceus
3000 fruiting 3000 fruiting
2500 bodies 2500 bodies
2000 (water 2000 (alcohol
1500 extract) 1500 extract)
1000 1000
500 500
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0
Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 47. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on mitochondrial
potential by measuring the average intensity in cytoplasm (plate 1).

155 | P a g e
 9000
Average intenisty in cytoplasm (RFU)
8000

7000

6000 100 μM
50 μM
5000
25 μM
4000
12.5 μM
3000 6.25 μM
2000 3.1 μM

1000 Untreated

0
Melphalan Etoposide Untreated

Controls

9000 9000
8000
Average intensity in
8000
Average intensity in

cytoplasm (RFU)
cytoplasm (RFU)

7000 7000
6000 G. lucidum 6000 G. lucidum
5000 mycelia fruiting
5000
(combined bodies
4000 extract) 4000 (alcohol
3000 3000 extract)
2000 2000
1000 1000
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0
Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

14000 9000
Average intensity in

8000
Average intensity in

12000
cytoplasm (RFU)

cytoplasm (RFU)

7000
10000 G. lucidum
G. lucidum 6000
8000 fruiting 5000 SMS
bodies (combined
6000 4000
(combined extract)
extract) 3000
4000
2000
2000 1000
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0
Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 48. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on mitochondrial
potential by measuring the average intensity in cytoplasm (plate 2).

Different plates were used, thus resulting in different effects of controls. From Fig. 49, the
effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and Etoposide) at different
concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts at different
concentrations. For comparison of the extracts, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative control to
indicate any effect that may have occurred. From Fig. 49, an increase in the mean stain area

156 | P a g e
in the cytoplasm was detected for the 200, 100 and 50 μg/ml concentrations for the water
extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies with concentrations of 25 and 12.5 μg/ml resulting in a
decrease. However, no toxicity as an increase in mitochondrial membranes may be due to cell
division as there is no corresponding decrease of mitochondrial potential and increase in
mitochondrial membrane. For the water extract of G. lucidum mycelia (Fig. 49), concentrations
of 200, 100 and 50 μg/ml showed a significant increase in the mean stain area in cytoplasm
while the lower concentrations (25 and 12.5 μg/ml) had no significant effect when compared
to negative control (0 μg/ml). For the water extract of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies (Fig. 49), no
significant effect on the mean stain area in cytoplasm were detected for the lower
concentrations (25 and 12.5 μg/ml) while the 200 μg/ml concentration showed an increase in
the mean stain area in cytoplasm followed by the 100 and 50 μg/ml concentrations,
respectively. For the alcohol extract of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies (Fig. 49), the 12.5 μg/ml
concentration resulted in a significant increase in the mean stain area in the cytoplasm while
the 100, 50 and 25 μg/ml concentrations rather showed a decrease than an increase when
compared to the negative control (0 μg/ml).

For Fig. 50 the effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and
Etoposide) at different concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts
at different concentrations. For comparison of the extracts, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative
control to indicate any effect that may have occurred. For the combined extract of G. lucidum
mycelia (Fig. 50), all of the concentrations resulted in an increase in the mean stain area in
the cytoplasm, except for the 12.5 μg/ml concentration, which resulted in a decrease. For the
alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig. 50), the 200 μg/ml concentration showed an
increase in the mitochondrial membranes (mean stain area in cytoplasm), resulting in
mitochondrial toxicity as a corresponding decrease in mitochondrial potential (average
intensity in cytoplasm) was detected in Fig. 48. However, no toxicity was detected for any of
the other concentrations. For the combined extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig. 50), no
significant effect on the mean stain area in the cytoplasm were detected for any of the lower
concentrations, except for the 200 and 100 μg/ml concentrations resulting in an increase when
compared to the negative control (0 μg/ml), but no toxicity. The combined extract of G. lucidum
SMS (Fig. 50) also showed an increase in the mean stain area for all of the concentrations,
but no toxicity was detected.

157 | P a g e
 Mean stain area in cytoplasm (RFU) 600

500

400 100 μM
50 μM
300 25 μM
12.5 μM
200 6.25 μM
3.1 μM
100
Untreated

0
Melphalan Etoposide Untreated

Controls

40 60
Mean stain area in cytoplasm

Mean stain area in cytoplasm

35 50
30
G. lucidum 40
25 fruiting G. lucidum
20 bodies 30 mycelia
(RFU)

(RFU)

(water (water
15 20
extract) extract)
10
10
5
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

35 120
Mean stain area in cytoplasm

Mean stain area in cytoplasm

30 100
25 H. erinaceus 80
fruiting H. erinaceus
20
bodies 60 fruiting
(RFU)

(RFU)

15 (water bodies
extract) 40 (alcohol
10
extract)
5 20
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 49. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on mitochondrial
membrane by measuring the mean stain area in the cytoplasm (plate 1).

158 | P a g e
 Mean stain area in cytoplasm (RFU) 180

160

140

120 100 μM
50 μM
100
25 μM
80
12.5 μM
60 6.25 μM
40 3.1 μM

20 Untreated

0
Melphalan Etoposide Untreated

Controls

120 700
Mean stain area in cytoplasm
Mean stain area in cytoplasm

100 600
500
80 G. lucidum
G. lucidum 400 fruiting
60 mycelia
(RFU)
(RFU)

300 bodies
(combined (alcohol
40 extract) 200 extract)
20 100
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

140 70
Mean stain area in cytoplasm

Mean stain area in cytoplasm

120 60
100 50
G. lucidum G. lucidum
80 fruiting 40 SMS
(RFU)

(RFU)

60 bodies 30 (combined
(combined extract)
40 extract) 20
20 10
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 50. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on mitochondrial
membrane by measuring the mean stain area in the cytoplasm (plate 2).

3.3.10.4 Steatosis

Different plates were used, thus resulting in different effects of controls. From Fig. 51, the
effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and Chloroquine) at
different concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts at different
concentrations. For comparison of the extracts, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative control to
159 | P a g e
indicate any effect that may have occurred. From Fig. 51, only the 200 and 100 μg/ml
concentrations can be seen for the water extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies as the data of
the other wells had to be disregarded due to contamination. For the 200 μg/ml concentration,
no increase in the mean integrated intensity was detected whereas an increase was detected
for the 100 μg/ml concentration, which may be accumulated lipids. For the water extract of G.
lucidum mycelia (Fig. 51), the 200 μg/ml concentration showed the most significant increase
in the mean integrated intensity compared to the increase caused by 100, 50 and 12.5 μg/ml
concentrations. In contrast, no increase in the mean integrated intensity was detected for the
25 μg/ml concentration. For the water extract of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies (Fig. 51), no
significant effect on the mean integrated intensity in the cytoplasm were detected for the 200
and 50 μg/ml concentrations while the 100 μg/ml concentration showed a significant increase
in lipid accumulation followed by the 12.5 and 25 μg/ml concentrations, respectively. For the
alcohol extract of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies (Fig. 51), none of the concentrations resulted in
an increase in the mean integrated intensity in the cytoplasm when compared to the negative
control (0 μg/ml). Thus, no hepatotoxicity for the alcohol extract of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies
(Fig. 51).

For Fig. 52 the effect of the negative control and two positive controls (Melphalan and
Chloroquine) at different concentrations can be seen for comparison with the different extracts
at different concentrations. For comparison of the extracts, 0 μg/ml refers to the negative
control to indicate any effect that may have occurred. For the combined extract of G. lucidum
mycelia (Fig. 52), all of the concentrations showed an increase in the mean integrated intensity
with the 200 μg/ml concentration showing the most significant increase, resulting in possible
toxicity due to the increase, but further investigation is required and the experiment will be
repeated. For the alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig. 52), all of the
concentrations showed an increase in the mean integrated intensity with the 50 μg/ml
concentration showing the most significant increase, resulting in possible toxicity due to the
increase, but further investigation is required and the experiment will be repeated. For the
combined extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig. 52), no toxicity was detected for the lower
concentrations (50, 25, 12.5 μg/ml), but toxicity was detected for the 200 and 100 μg/ml
concentrations due to the increase in the mean integrated intensity. However, further
investigation is required. The combined extract of G. lucidum SMS (Fig. 52) showed no
increase in the mean integrated intensity for all of the concentrations, except for the 200 μg/ml
concentration when compared to the negative control (0 μg/ml).

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 Mean integrated intensity in cytoplasm 40000

36000

32000 100 μM
28000 50 μM
24000 25 μM
(RFU)

20000 12.5 μM

16000 6.25 μM
3.1 μM
12000
Untreated
8000

4000

0
Melphalan Chloroquine Untreated

Controls

1000 1400
Mean integrated intensity in

Mean integrated intensity in

900
1200
800
cytoplasm (RFU)

cytoplasm (RFU)

700 G. lucidum 1000

600 fruiting G. lucidum
bodies 800
500 mycelia
(water 600 (water
400
extract) extract)
300 400
200
200
100
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0
Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

1200 400
Mean integrated intensity in

Mean integrated intensity in

1000 350
300
cytoplasm (RFU)

cytoplasm (RFU)

800 H. erinaceus
H. erinaceus 250
fruiting
600 fruiting 200 bodies
bodies 150 (alcohol
400 (water extract)
extract) 100
200
50
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0
Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 51. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on mitochondrial
membrane by measuring the mean integrated intensity in the cytoplasm (plate 1).

161 | P a g e
 Mean integrated intensity in cytoplasm 600000

500000

100 μM
400000
50 μM
25 μM
(RFU)

300000
12.5 μM

200000 6.25 μM
3.1 μM
100000 Untreated

0
Melphalan Chloroquine Untreated

Controls

500000 500000
Mean integrated intensity in

Mean integrated intensity in

450000 450000
400000 400000
cytoplasm (RFU)

cytoplasm (RFU)

350000 G. lucidum
350000 G. lucidum fruiting
300000 mycelia 300000
bodies
250000 (combined 250000 (alcohol
200000 extract) 200000 extract)
150000 150000
100000 100000
50000 50000
0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0

Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

600000 60000
Mean integrated intensity in

Mean integrated intensity in

500000 50000
cytoplasm (RFU)

cytoplasm (RFU)

400000 G. lucidum 40000 G. lucidum

fruiting SMS
300000 bodies 30000 (combined
(combined extract)
200000 extract) 20000

100000 10000

0 0
200 100 50 25 12.5 0 200 100 50 25 12.5 0
Concentrations (μg/ml) Concentrations (μg/ml)

Fig. 52. Effect of controls and different extracts at different concentrations on mitochondrial
membrane by measuring the mean integrated intensity in the cytoplasm (plate 2).

3.4 Conclusions

Medicinal mushrooms are considered to be an important source of bioactive polysaccharides

which are regarded as biological response modifiers due to their ability to enhance the immune
system (Villares et al. 2012). As a result, medicinal mushrooms have application to prevent

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and treat various diseases. Cancer, cardiovascular, and bacterial infections are among the
most studied diseases treated with polysaccharides extracted from medicinal mushrooms.
Results obtained from conducted studies resulted in the possible application of bioactive
polysaccharides for treatment of these diseases (Villares et al. 2012). For the identification of
compounds, separation and isolation of each extract using TLC should be undertaken in future
but it will be a tedious task. Additionally, fingerprinting will be performed to identify and isolate
compounds for further investigation.

The antimicrobial properties of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus are of microbiological importance,

resulting in the application of various extraction methods in order to evaluate antimicrobial
activity of the various growth phases. Although hot water extracts showed no inhibitory effect
against the various pathogens used to evaluate antimicrobial activity, various factors have to
be considered. The extraction times might have been too short while some of the compounds
such as triterpenoids are water-insoluble and can only be extracted with alcohol. Both alcohol
and water extracts showed good antimicrobial activity, with G. lucidum fruiting bodies showing
the best inhibitory effect. Combined extracts were performed on the three growth phases of
G. lucidum, namely mycelia, fruiting bodies and SMS. Consequently, the combined extracts
of G. lucidum fruiting bodies and SMS showed similar positive results against a variety of
pathogens. This is due to extraction of both water-soluble and water-insoluble compounds,
such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids. As a result, SMS have application as animal feed
due to antimicrobial activity, thus utilizing waste.

Herbal medicines also require pre-clinical and clinical trials for safe use. Although animal
models are important for pre-clinical testing, it poorly portrays human toxicity. As a result, in
vitro screening using human derived cells are considered to be a a more practical approach
to identify possible toxicity as it is the main reason for drug attrition and poses major challenges
for the pharmaceutical industry. As a result, early identification is a key research objective.
HCA emerged as a predictive tool for identifying toxicity and represents the most promising
approach to early drug development. Various parameters can be investigated by staining cells
followed by analysis with the ImageXpress Micro XLS Widefield High-Content Analysis
System. This microscope is specifically used for high content analysis as bioactive compounds
are identified and mode of actions can be investigated. The morphological features are
observed and recorded using the automated imaging capabilities and software quantifies
changes in cell populations.

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Initial hepatotoxicity assays of extracts of the different growth phases for G. lucidum and H.
erinaceus showed some toxicity. In general, alcohol extracts were also found to exhibit more
toxicity compared to water extracts and further investigations will be done to determine the
reason for toxicity. An increase in the lysosomal content was detected for the water extract of
G. lucidum mycelia, the alcohol extract of H. erinaceus fruiting bodies and the combined
extract of G. lucidum mycelia at a concentration of 200 μg/ml. In addition, all of the
concentrations for the combined extract of G. lucidum SMS resulted in a significant increase
in the lysosomal content and further investigation is required.

Mitochondrial toxicity was detected for the alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies (Fig.
52) at a 200 μg/ml concentration as an increase in the mitochondrial membranes (mean stain
area in cytoplasm) and a corresponding decrease in mitochondrial potential (average intensity
in cytoplasm) was detected. Further investigation will be done by repeating the procedure to
evaluate results. No mitochondrial toxicity was detected for any of the other extracts as no
corresponding decrease in mitochondrial potential and increase in mitochondrial membrane
were detected for any of the extracts. In the case of steatosis (lipid accumulation), toxicity was
detected at high concentrations (100 and 200, respectively) for the water extracts of G.
lucidum fruiting bodies and mycelia. Additionally, the water extract of H. erinaceus fruiting
bodies showed a significant increase in lipid accumulation at 100 μg/ml concentration followed
by the 12.5 and 25 μg/ml concentrations, respectively. Furthermore, the 50 μg/ml
concentration of the alcohol extract of G. lucidum fruiting bodies showed an increase while the
200 μg/ml concentration of both the combined extract of G. lucidum mycelia and fruiting bodies
showed the most significant increase, resulting in possible toxicity due to the increase.

Further investigation is required as this was just a preliminary study in order to evaluate the
antimicrobial effects and whether different extracts at different concentrations are highly toxic
or not to human derived cells by making use of in vitro screening. By taking all of the results
in account, none of the extracts proved to be highly toxic, paving the way for further
investigations and improving health in a natural manner.

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3.5 References

Askin R, Sasaki M, Goto M (2007) Extraction of bioactive compounds from Ganoderma

lucidum. Kumamoto University
Bishop KS, Kao CHJ, Xu Y, et al (2015) Phytochemistry From 2000 years of Ganoderma
lucidum to recent developments in nutraceuticals. Phytochemistry 114:56–65. doi:
10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.02.015
Borchers A, Stern J, Hackman R, et al (1999) Mushrooms, tumors and immunity. Proc Soc
Exp Biol Med 221:281–293
Burres NS, Frigo A, Rasmussen R, Al E (1992) A colorimetric microassay for the detection of
agents that interact with DNA. J Nat Prod 55:1582–1587
Cooper G (2000) The Cell: A Molecular Approach, 2nd edn. Sinauer Associates,
Sunderland, MA
Escribano-Bail´on T, Guti´errez-Fern´andez Y, Rivas-Gonzalo J, Santos-Buelga C (1992)
LC/MS analysis of supercritical fluid extracts of rosemary plants. J Agric Food Chem
40:1794
Feng W, Nagai J, Ikekawa T (2001) A clinical pilot study of EEM for advanced cancer
treatment with EEM for improvement of cachexia and immune function compared with
MPA. Biotherapy 15:691–696
Fuleki T, Da Silva JMR (1997) Catechin and Procyanidin Composition of Seeds from Grape
Cultivars Grown in Ontario. J Agric Food Chem 45:1156–1160. doi: 10.1021/jf960493k
Huang S, Ning Z (2010) Extraction of polysaccharide from Ganoderma lucidum and its
immune enhancement activity. Int J Biol Macromol 47:336–341. doi:
10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2010.03.019
Ikikawa T (2000) On biological activity of mushrooms. Biotherapy 14:945–951
Immunochemistry Technologies Hoechst 33342 Fluorescent Nucleic Acid Stain.
https://immunochemistry.com/product/hoechst-33342-fluorescent-nucleic-acid-stain/.
Accessed 10 Apr 2018
Kallithraka S, Bakker J, Clifford M (1997) Evaluation of bitterness and astringency of (+)-
catechin and(-)-epicatechin in red wine and in model solution. J Agric Food Chem
45:2211
Kidd P (2000) The use of mushroom glucans and proteoglycans in cancer therapy. Altern
Med Rev 5:4–27
Kimura Y, Taniguchi M, Baba K (2002) Anticancer Res 22:3309–3318
Komoda YM, Shimizu M, Sonoda Y, Sato Y (1989) Ganoderic Acid and its Derivatives as
Cholesterol Synthesis Inhibitors. Chem Pharm Bull 37:531

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Kuehnel W (2003) Color Atlas of Cytology, Histology, & Microscopic Anatomy, 34th edn.
Thiem
Lalande ME, Ling V, Miller RG (1981) Hoechst 33342 dye uptake as a probe of membrane
permeability changes in mammalian cells (flow cytometry/membrane
transport/colchicine resistance/murine lymphocytes). Cell Biol 78:363–367. doi:
10.1073/pnas.78.1.363
Li W, Zhou W, Kim E-J, et al (2015) Isolation and identification of aromatic compounds in
Lion’s Mane mushroom and their anticancer activities. Food Chem 170:336–342. doi:
10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.08.078
Ma B-J, Shen J-W, Yu H-Y, et al (2010) Hericenones and erinacines: stimulators of nerve
growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis in Hericium erinaceus. Mycology 1:92–98. doi:
10.1080/21501201003735556
Mizuno T (1999) The extraction and development of antitumour-active polysaccharides from
medicinal mushrooms in Japan. Int J Med Mushrooms 1:9–29
Mizuno T, Sakai T, Chihara G (1995) Health foods and medicinal usages of mushrooms.
Food Rev Int 11:69–81
Sabnis RW (2010) Handbook of biological dyes and stains: Synthesis and industrial
applications
Shao MS (1992) Triterpenoid Natural Products in Fungus Ganoderma lucidum. J Chin Chem
Soc 39:669
Sliva D (2006) Ganoderma lucidum in cancer research. Leuk Res 30:767–768. doi:
10.1016/j.leukres.2005.12.015
Smith J, Sullivan R, Rowen N (2002) Extraction, development and chemistry of anti-cancer
compounds from medicinal mushrooms. In: Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Therapeutic
Properties and Current Medical Usage with Special Emphasis on Cancer Treatments.
pp 79–100
Suzuki T, Fujikura K, Higashiyama T, Takata K (1997) DNA staining for fluorescence and
laser confocal microscopy. J Histochem Cytochem 45:49–53. doi:
10.1177/002215549704500107
ThermoFisher InvitrogenTM Propidium Iodide.
https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/P1304MP. Accessed 10 Apr 2018a
ThermoFisher InvitrogenTM LysoTrackerTM Deep Red.
https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/L12492. Accessed 10 Apr 2018b
ThermoFisher InvitrogenTM HCS LipidTOXTM Deep Red Neutral Lipid Stain, for cellular
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Apr 2018c

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van de Venter M (2018) HCA: a new in vitro approacch. Nelson Mandela Bay
Vernhet A, Pellerin P, Prieur C, et al (1996) Charge properties of some grape and wine
polysaccharide and polyphenol fractions. Am J Enol Vitic 47:25
Villares A, Mateo-vivaracho L, Guillamón E (2012) Structural features and healthy properties
of polysaccharides occurring in mushrooms. Agriculture 2:452–471. doi:
10.3390/agriculture2040452
Wasser S, Weis A (1999) Therapeutic effects of substances occurring in higher
Basidiomycete mushrooms: a modern perspective. Crit Rev Immunol 19:65–96
Wilson CH, Ali ES, Scrimgeour N, et al (2015) Steatosis inhibits liver cell store-operated Ca
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entry and reduces ER Ca 2+ through a protein kinase C-dependent mechanism.
Biochem J 466:379–390. doi: 10.1042/BJ20140881

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 Chapter 4
Production and evaluation of animal feed using spent G. lucidum
growth blocks

V. Abstract

In recent years, mushrooms have demonstrated a great impact on agriculture and the
environment, resulting in their potential for generating a great socio-economic impact in human
welfare on local, national, and global levels. Aside from the advantages, the unutilised product
of mushroom cultivation, namely spent mushroom substrate (SMS), is increasing annually.
Therefore, new methods of disposal need to be explored and investigated to evaluate
feasibility and sustainability. One such solution is the application of SMS as animal feed after
delignification of encroaching wood species such as Acacia mellifera following mushroom
cultivation due their ability to degrade the lignocellulosic complex of wood. As a result, the
objective of this chapter was to evaluate the effect of animal feed supplemented with SMS on
ruminants by considering growth, % fat, total fatty acids, fatty acid ratios and colour of meat.
This study found that ruminants from the experimental groups showed improved growth
compared to the control groups. Furthermore, total fatty acids and fatty acid ratios of the
experimental groups were considered to be more acceptable than the control groups.
Additionally, meat from the experimental groups were more favourable to consumers when
various parameters (L*, a*, b*, hue and saturation index) were taken into consideration.
Consequently, the application of SMS as animal feed were considered to be successful and
should be further investigated.

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4.1 Introduction

Parasitic fungi grow on living organic material and thrive at their expense as they deprive their
host from nutrients (Chang 2009). Mycorrhizal fungi live in true symbiosis with their host plant,
generally a tree wherein essential micro-nutrients such as mineral salts are provided to their
host in exchange for energy. Plants find these mineral salts, especially nitrates, the hardest to
convert from the soil and can be obtained by making use of mushroom mycelium since it is in
closer contact with the soil than the roots (Polese 2000). Saprophytes obtain nutrients from
dead, organic material and most exotic mushrooms have been found to be saprophytic. These
fungi are known to be primary decomposers due to the production of extracellular enzymes
which results in the decomposition of woody structures. Innumerable fungal species are both
saprophytic and parasitic since they continue to feed off a dead host (Polese, 2000; Smith et
al. 2002). For example, Ganoderma lucidum is commonly known to act as both saprophyte
and parasite (Chang 2009). Exotic mushrooms can therefore be cultivated on substrates
containing lignin due to their ability to break down complex lignocellulosic materials. As a
result, mushrooms provide a way of returning carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen to the ecosystem
(Falandysz and Borovička 2013; Chang and Miles 1992; Stamets 1993).

Saprophytic mushrooms are currently the most cultivated mushrooms as they are
heterotrophic for carbon compounds and are devoid of vascular phloem and xylem (Chang
and Wasser 2016). In addition, mushrooms contain chitin and no chlorophyll in their cells walls,
resulting in the absence of photosynthesis. Instead, mushrooms rely on organic matter
produced by green plants in their immediate environment to obtain nutrients. Mushrooms
synthesize and secrete relevant hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes in order to degrade complex
organic matter to generate simpler compounds, which can be absorbed for their nutrients
(Chang and Wasser 2016; Miles and Chang 2004). In addition, mushrooms can degrade
lignocellulosic matter due to the production of enzymes in order to obtain nutrients (Buswell
and Chang 1994; Buswell et al. 1996).

Approximately 70% of agricultural and forest materials are non-productive and are regarded
as lignocellulosic wastes, which mainly consist of three organic compounds, namely cellulose,
hemicellulose and lignin (Chang 1987, 1989; Chang and Wasser 2016). Brewery spent grain,
cereal straw, coffee pulp, spent ground coffee, cotton seed hull, sawdust and wood chips are
commonly discarded as wastes. Since lignocellulosic wastes have insignificant commercial
value and no food value, careless disposal of these wastes by dumping or burning in the
environment are bound to cause pollution and, consequently, lead to health hazards (Stamets

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2005). Up to date, complex and insoluble lignocellulosic wastes have been chemically treated
in order to increase the digestibility and potential nutritional value (Chang and Wasser 2016).
However, chemical treatment, for example, with diluted hydrochloric acid and calcium chloride,
are expensive and time consuming. Consequently, there has been an increased interest in
the potential of mushroom cultivation to improve the nutritional value of these waste products
as well as promote equitable economic growth as it is abundantly available (Chang and
Wasser 2016).

Belonging to the Fungi Kingdom, both edible and medicinal mushrooms can be cultivated on
these waste materials (Chang and Wasser 2016). As a result, mushrooms can greatly benefit
environmental conditions as spent mushroom substrate has application in environmental
bioremediation, as a soil conditioner, and as animal feed or fodder for livestock. Furthermore,
mushroom cultivation could aid in reducing environmental pollutants as mycelia remove and
break down contaminants, resulting in the absorption of the pollutants (Stamets 2005; Dai
2010; Miller 2013). After harvesting the mushrooms, lignocellulosic substrates have
application as compost with high quantities of nitrogen-rich materials as well as partly
decomposed lignocellulosic components. Therefore, sustainable research has been
performed on mushroom biotechnology, known as the “white-agricultural evolution” or “non-
green revolution” (Chang and Wasser 2016).

Recently, there has been increased interest in the addition of beneficial products to animal
feed due to increased feed costs as well as environmental issues such as droughts (Park et
al. 2012). Although the cultivation of mushrooms on lignocellulosic wastes have its
advantages, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) are also considered to be a waste product. In
Korea, the production of approximately of 300 000 metric tons of SMS presents an economic
problem due to costs associated with disposal (Park et al. 2012). As the mushroom industry
is gradually increasing, the volume of SMS generated annually is also increasing (Phan and
Sabaratnam 2012).

New solutions for the disposal of SMS need to be explored and the potential of using SMS for
the production of value-added products have been discussed extensively (Phan and
Sabaratnam 2012). One of them is the production of lignocellulosic enzymes such as
cellulase, hemicellulose, laccase, lignin peroxidase and xylanase. After harvesting of
mushrooms, SMS could be more easily digested by ruminants due to the enzymatic
degradation during mushroom cultivation (Streeter et al. 1982; Adamović et al. 1998). Thus,
being considered to be a product of interest as it may have application as animal feed for

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ruminants (Park et al. 2012). However, the substrate used for the cultivation of mushrooms
contains cellulose, lignin and low quantities of protein (Phan and Sabaratnam 2012). As a
result, it was declared to be unsuitable for application as animal feed. Therefore, various
studies have been performed on the viability of SMS as animal feed and the effects of fibre on
ruminants were demonstrated, thereby proving the use of SMS in ruminant diets should be
reconsidered (Kim et al. 2010; Lee et al. 2008; Oh et al. 2010; Xu et al. 2010). Nevertheless,
limited data on SMS as dietary supplement are available, particularly regarding the biological
effect of SMS on ruminants and research are ongoing (Park et al. 2012).

Species of Ganoderma, especially G. lucidum, are capable of degrading lignin as well as

improve the in vivo digestibility of dry matter. Over time, the ash content, crude protein and fat
content increase, but not the cell wall components (Streeter et al. 1981, 1982; Zadrazil and
Puniya 1995). According to Adamović et al. (1998), the reduction in hemicellulose is the most
notable change in the composition of SMS followed by cellulose and lignin, proving the
enzymatic degradation of the cell wall components by enzymes secreted during mushroom
cultivation. As a result, in vivo dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of SMS are directly increased
as ruminant feed. Additionally, high quantities of polysaccharides, vitamins and valuable trace
minerals such as Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn are produced by SMS (Medina et al. 2009; Paredes et
al. 2009; Zhu et al. 2012). However, studies have indicated that a high ash content could
deplete minerals available in the feed (Kakkar et al. 1990; Kakkar and Dhanda 1998).
Furthermore, lignin degradation by mushrooms results in the presence of phenolic
compounds, which could have a negative effect on digestibility. In order to formulate a diet
which includes SMS, factors such as animal species, mushroom strains, cell wall components,
digestibility, voluntary intake and nutrition level of the SMS must be taken into consideration
before SMS could be utilised as supplement to animal feed (Langar et al. 1982; Phan and
Sabaratnam 2012).

Lately there has been a great interest in the application of spent G. lucidum substrate as
animal feed due to the ability to degrade the lignocellulosic complex in wood. Lignin is a
heterogeneous polymer occurring in woody structures and surrounds cellulose in woody cell
walls by forming a matrix (ten Have and Teunissen 2001). As a result, hemicellulose and
cellulose, known as holocellulose are protected against microbial depolymerisation. As a
white-rot fungus, G. lucidum is capable of completely breaking down lignin to CO2 and H2O
while also allowing access to holocellulose as a source of carbon and energy (Kirk and Farrell
1987; ten Have and Teunissen 2001). Important enzymes responsible for degradation of the
lignocellulosic complex such as α-amylase, β-glucosidase, cellulase, laccase, lignin- and

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manganese peroxidase, and xylanase are produced by G. lucidum, contributing to its
application (ten Have and Teunissen 2001).

Lignin forms the structural matrix of wood and is therefore responsible for providing rigidity.
Additionally, lignin protects cellulose and hemicellulose. According to Hammel (1997), the
water insolubility of lignin is responsible for limiting insoluble its availability to lignolytic
systems, resulting in degradation being a slow process (Hammel 1997). Two types of
extracellular enzymatic systems, namely the hydrolytic and the ligninolytic system are
presented by saprophytic mushrooms (Sánchez 2009). The hydrolytic system produces
hydrolases responsible for degradation of polysaccharides whereas the ligninolytic system
degrades lignin (Sánchez 2009). Since wood is a relatively poor source of nitrogen and
minerals, white-rot fungi are able to transport both nitrogen and minerals through their mycelia.
Since mushroom mycelia are capable of producing and secreting enzymes, lignin are
degraded into smaller compounds (Fourie 2015). When lignin is degraded, important
polysaccharides such as cellulose and hemicellulose are exposed, which form a significant
part of animal feed and are mostly responsible for energy intake. Thus, delignification of wood
is the key to converting woody biomass to animal feed which can be metabolized by ruminants.
Cultivation of G. lucidum generates a large amount of SMS, which have application as animal
feed when lignocellulosic complex are degraded (Zhou et al. 2012). As a result, agricultural
and forest wastes can be converted into useful matter (Zhou et al. 2012).

Currently, A. mellifera is considered to be an encroaching tree species in South Africa as large

areas of farm land in the Northern Cape Province are suffering due to the detrimental impact
it has on grazing land by supressing growth of grass (Hagos 2001; Joubert et al. 2012;
Lohmann et al. 2014; Lukomska et al. 2014; Fourie 2015). As a result, grazing and grassland
are lost due to the encroaching A. mellifera in arid area, leading to decreased availability of
animal feed, especially during times of drought (Fourie 2015). The encroaching A. mellifera
occurs in bushveld or semi-desert areas and are described as either a large shrub or small
tree (Fourie 2015). As a drought tolerant tree, this bush is extremely hardy when matured. The
trees mainly reach a height of 3 m and multiple stems are formed, with stems smaller in
diameter. As two thorns are produced at each node of the low spreading branches, A. mellifera
are considered to be extremely thorny. Moreover, impenetrable thickets are formed where
grazing exits. Hence, making the land useless as animals cannot reach the land covered with
A. mellifera, nothing else grows underneath and grazing animals cannot utilize the A. mellifera
itself (Fourie 2015).

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Up to date, chemical, biological and mechanical control are the three methods employed by
farmers as a way of eradicating A. mellifera (Fourie 2015). In the case of chemical control,
arboricide and manual removal are currently used. However, arboricides have an extremely
negative effect on other tree species such as camelthorn trees. For biological control, Boer
goats are used to maintain encroaching A. mellifera at a minimum. Unfortunately, this is not a
viable option as Boer goats are incapable of completely eradicating A. mellifera, deeming the
use of unwanted de-bushing necessary. The mechanical control of A. mellifera requires the
use of large bush harvesters which cut the tree at ground level, resulting in a mass of freshly
cut wood chips, sawdust, twigs and leaves. However, this method is not feasible due to the
cost associated with the harvesters and transportation of the materials (Fourie 2015). Due to
the costs associated with chemical, manual and mechanical de-bushing, a system of planned
burning was recommended by Lohmann et al. (2014). However, farmers were found to be
hesitant due to various risks accompanying this method. Consequently, the idea of converting
harvested encroaching A. mellifera to animal feed was suggested, if the wood could be
degraded sufficiently to expose the cellulose and hemicellulose within (Fourie 2015). As a
result, mushroom cultivation took centre stage due to these methods being unsustainable
(Fourie 2015).

For A. mellifera wood to be utilized, the lignocellulosic structure needs be degraded aerobically
at such a level to allow nutrients to be available as well as improve digestibility (Fourie 2015).
Currently, chemical, physical and physiochemical methods are employed for delignification of
wood. A summary of the advantages and disadvantages of these methods are highlighted in
the table (Table 1) below.

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 Table 1. Comparative information on different delignification treatments (Fourie 2015).

Treatment Advantages Disadvantages Reference

Physical Grinding Lower cellulose Limited feasibility to be Sarnklong et al. 2010.
Soaking crystallinity, resulting in applied on farm – requires
cellulose being better machines or industrial
Pelletising degradable by enzymes. processes.
Chemical Sulphuric acids Lower cellulose Expensive and Hendriks and Zeeman
Nitric acids crystallinity and high environmental pollution. 2009; Agbor et al. 2011;
sugar yields. Sarkar et al. 2012.
Sodium Improved digestibility. Expensive and Sarnklong et al. 2010;
hydroxide environmental pollution. Chaturvedi and Verma
Potassium 2013.
hydroxide
Urea Cheap, safe, adds Very small improvement Sarnklong et al. 2010.
nitrogen. on dry matter
degradability.
Hydrogen Simple process. Non-selective, causing Hendriks and Zeeman
peroxide loss of cellulose and 2009.
Peracetic acid hemicellulose.
Physio- Combination of Time-saving. High energy demands, Hendriks and Zeeman
chemical heat, moisture, requires special 2009; Agbor et al. 2011;
pressure and equipment, production of Sarkar et al. 2012.
chemicals toxic wastes.
Biological Fibrolytic Improved degradability Extraction of enzymes Rodrigues et al. 2008.
enzymes of 13%. expensive.
Fungi Cheap, safe, simple, Time consuming, requires Akhtar et al. 1992; Howell
adds fungal mass and controlled environment for et al. 2009; Rasmussen et
organic matter, energy fermentation. al. 2010; Giles et al. 2011;
saving, reduce Tian et al. 2012.
chemicals,
environmentally friendly.

Both brown- and white-rot fungi are capable of degrading lignin (Fourie 2015). However, white-
rot fungi such as saprophytic mushrooms only degrade lignin during colonisation whereas
polysaccharides are only degraded when fruiting occurs (Jalč 2002). A. mellifera may have
economic benefits when used as substrate for the cultivation of G. lucidum. As mentioned
earlier, composted SMS from G. lucidum have application as animal feed due to the
degradation of lignin and cellulose, allowing animals to further digest the wood. Thus aiding in
relieving stress caused by the recent drought as well as clearing land to allow grazing for
animals (Jalč 2002; Fourie 2015).

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In addition, application of feed may be beneficial to ruminants due to improved nutritional
values as well as medicinal properties brought about by the mushroom species. In order to
evaluate the effect of above-mentioned feed on sheep, various parameters such as % fat, %
fat free dry matter and % moisture, % total fatty acids and three fundamental colour
coordinates (L*, a* and b*) have to be considered when meat are evaluated. In the case of %
total fatty acids, oleic acid is considered to be the most abundant fatty acid, followed by palmitic
acid (Costa et al. 2015). Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to evaluate the practical
application of SMS as animal feed and energy feedstock as well as the effect of the feed on
meat.

4.2 Materials & Methods

4.2.1 A. mellifera used for G. lucidum cultivation

A. mellifera was obtained from the Northern Cape farm, Geelkoppies. The material for this
study was harvested in the winter when trees were dormant and no fresh growth occurred.
Only the upper parts of the trees were used for the study, resulting in the absence of any
leaves.

4.2.2 Preparation of spawn

First generation and second-generation spawn were produced. For the preparation of first-
generation spawn, sorghum was soaked overnight in water with the addition of 2% gypsum.
Drainage of excess water was achieved by spinning sorghum in a washing machine
(SpeedyVac at the lab). Coffee bottles were filled with 400 g sorghum and autoclaved as the
preferred method for sterilization. Agar squares of G. lucidum (UFS-GL1) were cut with a
sterile needle and added to the sorghum to produce spawn to be used as inoculum for second
generation spawn bags. After inoculation, the bottles were incubated at 25˚C for 1-2 weeks to
allow full colonization to take place. In the case of second-generation spawn bags, sorghum
was soaked overnight in water with the addition of 2% gypsum after which drainage of excess
water was achieved by spinning the sorghum in washing machine (SpeedyVac at the lab).
Polypropylene bags were filled to a weight of 800 g and autoclaved as the preferred method
for sterilization. First generation spawn (400 g) were divided (200 g) to inoculate two sorghum
bags, respectively, to produce second generation spawn to be used as inoculum for G.
lucidum cultivation. After inoculation, the bags were incubated at 25˚C for 1-2 weeks to allow
full colonization.

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4.2.3 Growth bag preparation

For cultivation of G. lucidum, encroaching A. mellifera was the desired substrate. Branches
were chipped with a hammer mill into smaller pieces. The milled wood was soaked in water
for 24 h. Drainage of excess water was achieved by spinning the substrates in a washing
machine (SpeedyVac at the lab). Polypropylene bags were filled to a weight of 800 g and
sterilized.

4.2.4 Cultivation of G. lucidum on A. mellifera

For artificial cultivation of G. lucidum (UFS-GL1), sterile substrate bags containing A. mellifera
were inoculated with second generation spawn. The bags were incubated at 25˚C for
approximately 4-6 weeks to allow colonization until the appearance of mycelial growth onto
bag. Bags were transferred to fruiting chamber to allow antler and cap formation. For the
artificial cultivation of G. lucidum, black containers with aeration holes at the top and LED lights
inside the box (12 V and 6 500 K). For antler formation, 4-8 h light cycles were incorporated
whereas 12 hrs light cycles were required for fruiting body formation. Aeration holes covered
with 3M Micropore Dressing Tape (24mm x 10m) contributed to control over CO 2/O2
concentrations due to acting as selective membrane for oxygen transfer. Furthermore, antler
production of G. lucidum was further improved by using an optimum temperature of 18-24°C
and a humidity of 95-100%. For fruiting body formation, a change in temperature was required
as optimum temperatures were 21-27°C with a humidity of 90-95%. During both antler and
fruiting body formations, maintenance of high humidity levels was achieved by wetting Perlite
every 1-2 hrs.

4.2.5 Preparation of animal feed

For preparation of animal feed, G. lucidum mushrooms were harvested and spent mushroom
substrate were dried and milled. Feed consisting of lusern: corn with a ratio of 70:30 was
prepared and SMS was added as a supplement (30%), using a ratio of 15kg supplement: 50
kg feed (Fig. 1).

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Fig. 1. Preparation of animal feed.

4.2.6 Selection of ruminants

For this experiment, 25 sheep were weighed using a Libra Measuring Instrument scale after
which a group of sheep of the same weight (ranging between 29 and 30 kg) were selected
and divided into control and experimental groups. This was done to aid in maintaining a
uniform amount of feed (Fig. 2). The sheep were tagged (UFS Christie) accordingly: white
tags for control and orange for experimental (Fig. 3). To prevent any interference that may be
beneficial or detrimental, pens in the same environment were prepared after which lambs were
randomly distributed into two pens in accordance with two treatments. Camps in the same
environment were prepared (Fig. 4, 5, 6) to prevent any interference that may be beneficial or
detrimental.

Fig. 2. Weighing and Selection.

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Fig. 3. Tagging.

Fig. 4. Pens in same environment.

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Fig. 5. Sheep in pens.

Fig. 6. Separate pens for separation of control and experimental groups.

4.2.7 Prepping of ruminants

The whole group of sheep were vaccinated with Multivax P Plus and Embavit as per usual
procedure. The sheep were vaccinated with Multivax P Plus for protection against Clostridium
spp. and Pasteurella spp. (Fig. 7) while Embavit (Fig. 8) was orally administered as a liquid
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vitamin with a dosage rate of 5 ml diluted solution per 50 kg live mass. Additionally, Swavet
Oradose A (Fig. 9) was administered as vitamin A supplement with a dosage rate of 2 ml per
10 kg live mass for prevention and treatment of vitamin A shortage. 100 ml was added to 100
ml of water and orally administered. For protection against parasites, the sheep were also
injected with Ivermax at 1% concentration as anti-parasitic remedy (Fig. 10).

Fig. 7. Multivax P Plus Fig. 8. Embavit Fig. 9. Swavet Oradose A

Fig. 10. Ivermax

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4.2.8 Feeding of ruminants

Sheep were fed in the morning for 41 days. The treatments were: sheep fed with feed
consisting of 30:70 ratio, corn: lusern (control group) and the same feed supplemented with
30% SMS (experimental group). For research purposes, the sheep were weighed individually
at daily intervals in the morning before feeding, using a Libra Measuring Instrument scale.

4.2.9 Analysis of meat

For analysis, sheep of each treatment were slaughtered on the same day and meat samples
were sent for various analysis. Microbial analysis was also performed on the stomach content
of both the control and experimental groups. Three different dilutions (10-6, 10-9 and 10-12) were
plated out to determine total counts (Plate Count Agar), coliforms (VRB-Mug), S. aureus (Baird
Parker Agar), Lactobacilli (MRS) as well as L. monocytogenes in Listeria Broth.

For the determination of the fatty acid profile, the following procedure was followed:

A 5 g meat sample was removed from the middle from loin chops per treatment. Total lipid
from muscle was quantitatively extracted, according to the method of Folch et al. (1957), using
chloroform and methanol in a ratio of 2:1. An antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene was added
at a concentration of 0.001 % to the chloroform: methanol mixture. A rotary evaporator was
used to dry the fat extracts under vacuum and the extracts were dried overnight in a vacuum
oven at 50°C, using phosphorus pentoxide as a moisture adsorbent. Total extractable
intramuscular fat was determined gravimetrically from the extracted fat and expressed as
percent fat (w/w) per 100 g tissue. The extracted fat from feed and muscle was stored in a
polytop (glass vial, with push-in top) under a blanket of nitrogen and frozen at –20°C pending
fatty acid analyses.

A lipid aliquot (20 mg) of feed and muscle lipid were converted to methyl esters by base-
catalysed transesterification, in order to avoid conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomerisation,
with sodium methoxide (0.5 M solution in anhydrous methanol) during 2 h at 30 °C, as
proposed by Alfaia et al. (2007), Kramer et al. (2002) and Park et al. (2001). FAMEs (% total
fatty acids) from feed and muscle were quantified using a Varian GX 3400 flame ionization
GC, with a fused silica capillary column, Chrompack CPSIL 88 (100 m length, 0.25 mm ID,
0.2 μm film thicknesses). Analysis was performed using an initial isothermal period (40°C for
2 minutes). Thereafter, temperature was increased at a rate of 4°C/minute to 230°C. Finally,

181 | P a g e
an isothermal period of 230°C for 10 minutes followed. FAMEs n-hexane (1μl) were injected
into the column using a Varian 8200 CX Autosampler. The injection port and detector were
both maintained at 250°C. Hydrogen, at 45 psi, functioned as the carrier gas, while nitrogen
was employed as the make-up gas. Varian Star Chromatography Software recorded the
chromatograms.

Fatty acid methyl ester samples were identified by comparing the retention times of FAME
peaks from samples with those of standards obtained from Supelco (Supelco 37 Component
Fame Mix 47885-U, Sigma-Aldrich Aston Manor, Pretoria, South Africa). Conjugated linoleic
acid (CLA) standards were obtained from Matreya Inc. (Pleasant Gap, Unites States). These
standards included: cis-9, trans-11; cis-9, cis-11, trans-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12-18:2
isomers. All other reagents and solvents were of analytical grade and obtained from Merck
Chemicals (Pty Ltd, Halfway House, Johannesburg, South Africa). Fatty acids were expressed
as the proportion of each individual fatty acid to the total of all fatty acids present in the sample.
The following fatty acid combinations were calculated: omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, omega-6 (n-
6) fatty acids, total saturated fatty acids (SFA), total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA),
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), PUFA/SFA ratio (P/S) and n-6/n-3 ratio.

For the analysis of the colour of loin chops, the following method was followed:

Two loin chops from each treatment were used for colour measurements. Colour (L*, a* and
b* values) of muscle was assessed in 9-fold using a Minolta chromometer. Chroma or
saturation index (SI) which is related to colour intensity of meat, was calculated according to
the formula: SI = (a*2 + b*2)0.5 for muscle (Ripoll et al. 2011). Hue angle was calculated
according to the formula tan-1(b*/a*) (Ripoll et al. 2011).

4.3 Results & Discussions

4.3.1 Cultivation of G. lucidum

The cultivation of G. lucidum on A. mellifera wood was successful as antlers (Fig. 11) were
obtained within 28 days and fruiting bodies (Fig. 12) were obtained after 65 days.

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Fig. 11. Antler formation of G. lucidum.

Fig. 12. Fruiting body development of G. lucidum.

4.3.2 Preparation of animal feed

Production of animal feed consisting of corn and lusern (30:70 ratio) supplemented with 30%
milled mushrooms was successful.
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4.3.3 Selection of ruminants

Successfully selected a group of sheep of the same weight (ranging between 29 and 30 kg)
to aid in maintaining a uniform amount of feed. Preparation of camps in the same environment
prevented any interference that may be beneficial or detrimental.

4.3.4 Prepping of ruminants

Vaccination of sheep with Multivax P Plus was successful as no infections caused by

Clostridium spp. and Pasteurella spp were detected. In addition, no vitamin A shortage was
detected nor any parasitic infection.

4.3.5 Feeding of ruminants

From Fig. 13 it is clear that experimental group 4 showed improved growth compared to
control group 1. Both sheep 2 and 3 were ewes while sheep 1 and 4 were rams. Furthermore,
rams were considered to grow faster compared to ewes. As a result, increased growth was
sooner observed in the rams compared to the ewes.

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 Growth curve of ruminants on G. lucidum
supplemented feed
50
45
40
35
Weight (kg)

30
25
20
15
10
5
0

Time Period

Control Group 1 Control Group 2 Experimental Group 1 Experimental Group 2

Fig. 3. Growth of both experimental and control animals on feed supplemented with G.
lucidum.

4.3.6 Analysis of meat

For Fig. 14, teeth of ruminants indicate that they were still lambs as deciduous teeth were still
present. Lambs fed with feed supplemented with SMS, showed more fat surrounding organs
compared to the control group (Fig. 15.). Although this study was focused on the application
of SMS as a supplement to animal feed, carcass weights were also considered. Results
obtained showed no significant differences for the control and experimental groups (Fig.16).
Ruminants 1 (control) and 4 (experimental) were rams while ruminants 2 (control) and 3
(experimental) were ewes. Meat from experimental groups were graded as A2 meat whereas
meat from control groups were graded as A3. Microbial analysis was also performed on the
stomach content of both the control and experimental groups (Table 2). Significant total counts
were observed at a dilution of 109 whereas no coliforms, S. aureus and L. monocytogenes
were present at any of the dilutions. In the case of Lactobacilli, a significant increase was
observed at the 106 dilution for the experimental group (>300) compared to the control group
(Table 2). This may be an indicator of probiotics and natural flora (Table 2). As a result,
digestion of food may be improved. However, further investigation is required.

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For the proximate analysis of the meat samples, % fat, % fat free dry matter and % moisture
was determined. From Fig. 17, meat from the experimental group (sheep 3) had the highest
fat %, compared to the control group (sheep 1 and 2), which is desired. Approximately the
same results were obtained for % fat free dry matter as well as % moisture (Fig. 17).

For determination of the % total fatty acids, oleic acid was found to be the most abundant fatty
acid for both the experimental and control group (Fig. 18). The experimental group (sheep 3)
had the highest amount of oleic acid with a value of 41.25 followed by the control group (sheep
1 and 2) with values of 39.06 and 40.49, respectively. Palmitic acid with values of 27.95, 26.96
and 25.02 were observed for the control group (sheep 1 and 2), respectively, followed by the
experimental group (sheep 3). In comparison, γ-linolenic, capric, lauric, arachidic acids with
values varying between 0.0 and 0.06 were observed. These results indicated a positive effect
of feed supplemented with SMS on the meat as higher amounts of the unsaturated fatty acid
oleic acid was observed for the experimental group compared to the control groups. In
addition, the lowest amount of the saturated fatty acid, palmitic acid was observed for the
experimental group compared to the control groups (Fig. 18).

From Fig. 19 a positive effect of feed supplemented with SMS on the meat were observed as
meat sample 2 (control group) were found to contain the most total saturated fatty acids (SFA)
with a value of 51.25 followed by the experimental group (sample 3) with a value of 49.39 and
sample 1 with a value of 48.89 (Fig. 19). The lowest amount of the saturated fatty acid, palmitic
acid was observed for the experimental group compared to the control group. High amounts
of SFA are undesired as it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, meat with
lower amounts of short-chain SFAs are desired (Lôbo et al. 2014).

For the total mono unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), the control group (sample 1 and sample
2) had the lowest content with values of 42.21 and 42.93, respectively, whereas the
experimental group (sample 3) had the highest value at 43.59 MUFA (Fig. 19). Higher
amounts of the unsaturated fatty acid oleic acid were observed for the experimental group
compared to the control groups, which is desired as MUFAs provide protection against
cardiovascular disease due to increased membrane fluidity when compared to saturated fats
(Lôbo et al. 2014).

In the case of total poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), control groups (sample 1 and 2)
contained 8.90 and 6.33 PUFA, respectively, compared to the experimental group (sample 3)
with a value of 7.02 (Fig. 19). Although the experimental group showed lower PUFA contents

186 | P a g e
compared to the control group, the value is still within the desired range and may aid in
decreasing the possibility of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes (Wood et al. 2005).

Experimental and control groups exhibited similar results for both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty
acids as higher amounts of both omega-6 and omega-6 fatty acids were observed for the
control group compared to the experimental group (Fig. 19). For total omega-6 fatty acids (n-
6), a significantly higher value of 7.87 were observed for the control group (sample 1) whereas
a value of 6.14 were obtained for the experimental group (sample 3). Additionally, a value of
5.48 were observed for the control group (sample 2) (Fig. 19). In the case of total omega-3
fatty acids (n-3), a lower value at 0.88 were observed for the experimental group (sample 3)
compared to the control group (sample 1) with a value of 1.03 while a value of 0.84 were
observed for the control group (sample 2) (Fig. 19). Both omega-6 fatty acids (n-6) and
omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) are polyunsaturated fatty acids which are considered to be essential
fatty acids as humans are incapable of synthesizing it. Linoleic acid is the shortest-chained
omega-6 fatty acids and is believed to contain anti-inflammatory activity. Shorter-chain
omega-3 fatty acids α-linoleic acid (ALA) can be obtained through diet and used to produce
more important long-chain omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These omega-3 fatty acids are believed to improve blood lipid
levels and as result, the risk of coronary disease is decreased.

For PUFA: SFA ratio, control group (sample 1) had a higher value of 0.18 than the
experimental group (sample 3) with a value of 0.14 followed by control group (sample 2) with
a value of 0.12 (Fig. 19). In the case of PUFA: SFA, it has been recommended to consume
food with the highest ratio of PUFA: SFA. Even though the experimental group had a slightly
lower PUFA: SFA ratio than the control groups, it is not a significant difference. For PUFA/
MUFA, control groups (sample 1 and 2) had values of 0.21 and 0.15, respectively whereas
the experimental group (sample 3) had a value of 0.16 (Fig. 19). For the n6/n3 ratio, control
groups (sample 1 and 2) had values of 7.63 and 6.51, respectively whereas the experimental
group (sample 3) had a value of 6.98 (Fig. 19). The desired n6/n3 ratio is considered to be 4:1
with 4 omega-6 fatty acids for each omega-3 fatty acid consumed.

The lowest value for the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was observed for the experimental
group (sample 3) with a value of 0.55, whereas control groups (sample 1 and 2) had values of
0.60 and 0.61, respectively (Fig. 19). The AIP reflect the true relationship between protective
and atherogenic lipoprotein and has been shown to be a strong marker to predict the risk of
atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (Nwagha et al. 2010; Dobiášová et al. 2011). An

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AIP value of under 0.11 is associated with low risk of cardiovascular disease while values
between 0.11 to 0.21 and higher than 0.21 are associated with intermediate and increased
risks, respectively (Dobiásová 2006; Dobiášová et al. 2011). However, results obtained
showed significantly higher AIP values and further investigation is required.

The desaturase index has been established to be based on the relationship between the
substrate and product for ∆9 desaturase (Lôbo et al. 2014). It was suggested that an increase
in MUFA concentration, especially regarding increased oleic acid concentration, might be an
indicator of desaturase activity (Bauman et al. 1999; Dinh et al. 2010). Desaturase index
values of 2.43 and 2.14 were observed for the control groups (sample 1 and 2) while a value
of 2.16 were obtained for the experimental group (sample 3) (Fig. 19). Although higher MUFA
values were obtained for the experimental group, a higher desaturase index value was
obtained for the control group when compared to the experimental group. As a result, further
investigation is required.

Three fundamental colour coordinates, namely L*, a* and b* are used to evaluate colour of
meat samples (Priolo et al. 2001). L* is the lightness and is a measure of the light reflected
(100 = all light reflected; 0 = all the light absorbed) while a* (positive red, negative green) and
b* (positive yellow, negative blue) are the other coordinates (Priolo et al. 2001). In a study
conducted by Khliji et al. (2010), it was suggested that when a* (redness) and L* (lightness)
values are equal to or exceed 9.5 and 34, respectively, on average consumers will consider
the meat colour acceptable (Khliji et al. 2010). However, to have 95% confidence that a
randomly selected consumer will consider a sample acceptable, a* and L* values must be
much higher (14.5 and 44, respectively). For aged meat, when a* value is equal to or greater
than 14.8, on average consumers will consider the meat acceptable. However, the a* value
has to be increased to 21.7 to be 95% confident that a randomly selected consumer will
consider a sample acceptable (Khliji et al. 2010).

It has been advised by Wyszecki and Styles (1982) to define colour in terms of lightness (L*),
chroma and hue (Wyszecki and Styles 1982). Lightness is described as the brightness or
darkness of a colour and is described by Acton and Dawson (2004) as “a scaled proportion of
the light energy reflected by or transmitted from the sample relating to achromatic white-to-
grey-to-black” (Acton and Dawson 2004). Chroma (also saturation) refers to the strength of
the colour, for example how dull or vivid a colour is (Hunt et al. 1991, 2012) and is described
by Acton and Dawson (2004) as “the intensity or the amount of hue departure from grey of the
same lightness.” As a result, coordinates a* and b* alone cannot describe chroma since hue

188 | P a g e
intensity is a function of the line connecting coordinates a* and b* with the core L* coordinate
(Acton and Dawson 2004). Hue refers to the name of the colour (red, yellow, blue, green, etc.)
and is developed by the reflecting specific wavelengths from a meat surface back to the
detector (Hunt et al. 1991, 2012). Furthermore, hue is described by Acton and Dawson (2004)
as “the angular specification for the colour perceived as red, yellow, blue, and green” and is
the angle formed from the centre core (L*) with coordinates a* and b*. In 2008, Ripoll and co-
workers indicated hue to be a good indicator of discolouration (Ripoll et al. 2008).

From Fig. 20, the following results were obtained regarding the colour of the loin chops:
For L*, sample 4 showed to best results with 47.63 compared to sample 3 (47.37) and 2
(44.26) (Fig. 20). For a*, sample 4 showed to best results with 20.52 compared to sample 3
(18.08) and 2 (17.60) (Fig. 20). When these two parameters are taken in account, meat from
the experimental group is considered to be most in accordance with guidelines regarding
acceptability for consumers. For b*, sample 3 showed to best results with 10.11 compared to
sample 4 (11.02) and 2 (9.30) (Fig. 20). In the case of chroma (saturation index), the best
result was obtained for sample 4 with a value of 22.86 compared to sample 3 (20.75) and
sample 2 (19.95) (Fig. 20). For the hue angle, sample 3 showed the most promising result
with a value of 29.25 followed by sample 2 (28.31) and sample 4 (25.91) (Fig. 20).

Fig. 4. Teeth of ruminant indicating deciduous teeth, still lambs.

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Fig. 5. Fat surrounding organs of control and experimental groups, respectively.

30

25
Carcas weights (kg)

20

15

10

0
1 2 3 4

Sample Number

Fig. 6. Indication of carcass weights for control (numbers 1 and 2) and experimental (3 and 4)
groups.

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Table 2. Microbial analysis of stomach of control and experimental groups.
Sample Total Coliforms S. Lactobacilli L.
Number Counts aureus monocytogenes
Contro 1 194 x 109 <106 <106 180 x 106 0
l 9 6 6 6
2 22 x 10 <10 <10 84 x 10 0
Experi- 3 88 x 109 <106 <106 340 x 106 0
mental 4 100 x 109 <106 <106 346 x 106 0

90

80

70
Proximate Analysis (%)

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
1 2 3

Sample Number

% Fat % Fat Free Dry Matter % Moisture

Fig. 7. Proximate analysis in percentage indicating % fat, % dry fat free matter and % moisture
of meat samples.

191 | P a g e
 45

40

35
% Total Fatty Acids

30

25

20

15

10

0
1 2 3
Sample Number
Capric Lauric Myristic
Myristoleic Pentadecylic Palmitic
Palmitoleic Margaric Heptadecenoic
Stearic acid Elaidic Oleic
Vaccenic Nonoadecanoic Linolelaidic
Linoleic Arachidic γ-Linolenic
α-Linolenic Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) Heneicosanoic
Erucic Arachidonic Eicosopentaenoic
Docosapentaenoic

Fig. 8. Indication of % total fatty acids in the meat samples.

60

50
Fatty Acid Ratios

40

30

20

10

0
1 2 3

Sample Number

Total Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA) Total Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA)
Total Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) Total Omega- 6 Fatty Acids (n-6)
Total Omega- 3 Fatty Acids (n-3) PUFA:SFA
PUFA/MUFA n-6/n-3
Atherogenicity Index Desaturase Index

Fig. 9. Indication of the fatty acid ratios in the meat samples.

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 60

50

40
Colour

30

20

10

0
1 2 3

Sample Number

L* a* b* Chroma (Saturation Index) Hue Angle

Fig. 10. Results of the colour of the meat samples using five different parameters.

4.4 Conclusions

The world population is continuing to increase, resulting in an increase in lignocellulosic

biomass, which is to a large extend considered to be insignificant or of no commercial value
in its original form (Chang 2009). Although research is ongoing for utilization of various core
products, very few research are available for utilization of resulting waste products. One such
example is the utilization of A. mellifera wood, which is considered to be an encroaching wood
species in South Africa. Clearing of lands results in large amounts, which need to be disposed.
Careless disposal to the surrounding environment by burning are bound to contribute to
environmental pollution and consequently cause health hazards (Chang 2009).

In the event of proper utilization of A. mellifera wood, by application for cultivation of

mushrooms, economic growth could be promoted (Chang 2009). After harvesting of
mushrooms, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) have further application as animal feed,
resulting in full utilization of waste products. Enzymes produced by mushrooms aid in the
delignification process, resulting in degradation of lignocellulosic materials for growth and
fruiting. For this study, G. lucidum was cultivated on A. mellifera wood in order to evaluate
applications and various factors were taken in consideration and modified to improve yields

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on A. mellifera wood. These modifications were based on improved lighting and different
lighting cycles, humidity control as well as CO2 regulation in order to improve both antler and
fruiting body formation. Due to sufficient breakdown of lignin, the further application of A.
mellifera wood as animal feed were investigated. As animal feed, SMS was added as
supplement and preliminary experiments were conducted to evaluate effect of SMS as
supplement on growth of ruminants. Sheep fed with supplemented feed showed more
consistent growth compared to the control groups fed on feed consisting only of lusern and
corn. In addition, microbial analysis of stomach contents of both control and experimental
groups showed a significant increase in Lactobacilli counts for the experimental group. This is
beneficial as it aids in digestion of food minimizing pathogen multiplication.

For the proximate analysis of the meat samples, meat from the experimental group (sheep 4)
had the highest fat %, compared to the control group (sheep 2 and 3), which is desired as it
aids in protecting organs. Approximately the same results were obtained for % fat free dry
matter as well as % moisture. In the case of the % total fatty acids, the feed supplemented
with SMS seemed to lower the SFAs as the lowest amount of the saturated fatty acid, palmitic
acid was observed for the experimental group, which is desired. Furthermore, higher amounts
of MUFAs were observed for the experimental groups. The unsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid
was found to be the most abundant fatty acid for both the control and experimental groups,
with a slightly higher value for the experimental group. Low amounts of PUFAs were found for
both the experimental groups and control groups, with slightly higher values for the
experimental groups. When colour of the meat was evaluated, L*, a* and b* as well as hue
and saturation index were the parameters to be considered. Meat from the experimental group
were found to be the most in accordance with guidelines regarding acceptability for
consumers. As a result, meat from the experimental group were more favourable than meat
from the control group. It can therefore be concluded that feed supplemented with SMS have
a positive effect when compared to traditional feed.

Aside from mushroom cultivation and animal feed, the enzymes recovered from SMS have
potential uses for bioremediation of pollutants as well as other biotechnological purposes.
However, the potential of SMS needs to be further investigated to evaluate the applications of
SMS and SMS-related products (Phan and Sabaratnam 2012).

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 Chapter 5
Summary

Medicinal mushrooms have had applications for centuries as an alternative treatment of

various ailments. Their nutritional value adds to their popularity and has been extensively
studied as a healthy source of food which are rich in protein. Two medicinal mushrooms,
Ganoderma lucidum and Hericium erinaceus have been scrutinized in recent years due to the
presence of bioactive compounds. Although a non-edible mushroom, G. lucidum is considered
to possess the most medicinal properties and cultivation may have the potential of providing
animal feed. The edible H. erinaceus is currently scrutinized as it may have application as a
natural alternative to treat the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline.
This study focused primarily on highlighting the advantages both mushrooms hold for
humankind and pave the way for alternative medicinal applications.

In chapter 2, the optimum growth conditions for the cultivation of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus
have been investigated in order to allow exploitation of their medicinal and economic benefits.
In this chapter, pure cultures of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus were required with the need for
a single medium allowing cultivation of both species being imperative. Sorghum agar was
developed and found to be a superior growth medium compared to MEA or YMA. For
cultivation of G. lucidum, the encroaching tree species, Acacia mellifera, were used as
substrate for cultivation in order to provide animal feed. Various factors, such as improved
lighting and different lighting cycles, humidity control and CO2 regulation were taken in
consideration and modified to improve yields. Cultivation of H. erinaceus was conducted on
both A. mellifera wood and pecan nut shells, which proved to be a sustainable method for
removal of these waste products. Factors such as humidity control resulted in high yields of
H. erinaceus fruiting bodies. As running costs were reduced, both G. lucidum and H. erinaceus
were used for the development of medicinal applied capsules in collaboration with the
pharmaceutical company, Sfera Nutraceuticals.

After optimization of growth conditions, extraction methods, antimicrobial activity and toxicity
assays were investigated in chapter 3. Water, alcohol and a combined extract of water and
alcohol were performed on the different growth stages of G. lucidum and H. erinaceus, namely
mycelia, fruiting bodies and spent mushroom substrate (SMS). Various studies have been
conducted on the applications of bioactive polysaccharides. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)
was applied for preliminary separation of compounds. For the identification of compounds,
separation and isolation of each extract using TLC should be undertaken in future while
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fingerprinting can be performed to identify and isolate compounds for further investigation.
The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was investigated against 12 different pathogens. The
hot water extracts showed no inhibitory effect against the various pathogens, but various
factors have to be considered. The extraction times might have been too short while some of
the compounds such as triterpenoids are water-insoluble and can only be extracted with
alcohol. Alcohol extracts of G. lucidum fruiting bodies showed the best inhibitory effect. In
addition, combined water and alcohol extracts were performed on the three growth phases of
G. lucidum, with the combined extracts of G. lucidum fruiting bodies and spent mushroom
substrate (SMS) showing the most promising results. It can be explained due to the extraction
of both water-soluble and water-insoluble compounds, such as polysaccharides and
triterpenoids. As a result, SMS have application as animal feed due to antimicrobial activity,
thus utilizing waste. Pre-clinical and clinical trials are required to ensure safe use of herbal
medicines. Human toxicity is poorly portrayed by animal models, resulting in the use of in vitro
screening using human derived cells. Various parameters such as live/dead cells, lysosomes,
mitochondrial dysfunction and steatosis can be investigated by staining cells followed by
analysis with the ImageXpress Micro XLS Widefield High-Content Analysis System.
Hepatotoxicity assays of the different extracts at different concentrations of were performed
on HepG2 cells using above-mentioned parameters. Some of the extracts showed toxicity,
with alcohol extracts proving to be more toxic when compared to water extracts. This study
provided interesting data on the cytotoxicity of two South African macro-fungal species, G.
lucidum and H. erinaceus. As hepatotoxicity assays are considered to be novel, further
investigation is required as this was just a preliminary study in order to evaluate the
antimicrobial effects and whether different extracts at different concentrations are highly toxic
or not to human derived cells by making use of in vitro screening. By taking all of the results
in account, none of the extracts proved to be highly toxic, paving the way for further
investigations and improving health in a natural manner.

New methods of waste disposal are required with the application of G. lucidum SMS as animal
feed after delignification taking centre stage. The use of encroaching wood species such as
A. mellifera following mushroom cultivation was investigated in chapter 4. Enzymes produced
by mushrooms aid in the delignification process, resulting in degradation of lignocellulosic
materials for growth and fruiting. Due to sufficient breakdown of lignin, A. mellifera wood had
application as animal feed and SMS were added as supplement. Ruminants from experimental
group showed improved and more consistent growth compared to the control groups fed on
feed consisting only of lusern and corn. In addition, microbial analysis of stomach contents
showed a significant increase in Lactobacilli counts for the experimental group compared to

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the control groups. Additionally, the effect of animal feed supplemented with SMS on
ruminants was also investigated by weight gaining, % fat, total fatty acids, fatty acid ratios and
colour of meat. In general, total fatty acids and fatty acid ratios of the experimental groups
were considered to be more acceptable compared to the control groups. Furthermore,
consumers considered meat from the experimental groups to be more favourable when
various parameters (L*, a*, b*, hue and saturation index) were taken into consideration. As a
result, meat from the experimental group were found to be the most in accordance with
guidelines regarding acceptability for consumers. Consequently, the application of SMS as
animal feed were considered to be successful and should be further investigated. It can
therefore be concluded that feed supplemented with SMS have a positive effect when
compared to traditional feed.

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