Molecular nutrition & food researchNov 4, 2009

Mushroom extracts rich in beta-glucan affect immune cell nitric oxide and inflammation-related activity in gut cells: are these effects linked to their structure?

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Updated Apr 3, 2026

Abstract

Extracts from Agaricus bisporus significantly stimulated nitric oxide production by bone marrow-derived macrophages.

Mushroom polysaccharide extracts vary in their structural characteristics and immune-modulating effects.
Only extracts from Agaricus bisporus demonstrated notable activation of nitric oxide production in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages.
Extracts from Coprinus comatus and spores of Ganoderma lucidum had minor effects on nitric oxide production.
Extracts from A. blazei Murill and Phellinus linteus showed no effect on nitric oxide production.
Almost all mushroom extracts reduced nuclear factor-kappaB transactivation in human intestinal Caco-2 cells.
Structural differences in beta-glucans, such as branching, may be crucial for immune-stimulating activity.

Simplified

Mushrooms are known for their immune-modulating and anti-tumour properties. The polysaccharide fraction, mainly beta-glucans, is responsible for the immune-modulating effects. Fungal beta-glucans have been shown to activate leukocytes, which depend on structural characteristics of beta-glucans. As edible mushrooms come in contact with the intestinal immune system, effects on enterocytes are also interesting. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of mushroom polysaccharide extracts varying in beta-glucan structure on nitric oxide production by bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) from mice and on nuclear factor-kappaB transactivation in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. We demonstrated that extracts from Agaricus bisporus stimulated nitric oxide production by BMM, whereas extracts from Coprinus comatus and spores of Ganoderma lucidum had only minor effects. Furthermore, extracts of A. blazei Murill and Phellinus linteus had no effect at all. Almost all mushroom extracts lowered nuclear factor-kappaB transactivation in Caco-2 cells. Structural analysis of A. bisporus compared with A. blazei Murill suggests that branching of the beta-glucan chain is essential for immune-stimulating activity. In conclusion, extracts from A. bisporus activate BMM, without activating enterocytes. These characteristics make A. bisporus an attractive candidate as a nutritional compound to stimulate the immune response in depressed states of immunity.

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Mushroom extracts rich in beta-glucan affect immune cell nitric oxide and inflammation-related activity in gut cells: are these effects linked to their structure?

Abstract

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