Due to its fascinating ability to decompose organic matter and Its historical use in traditional health systems, pure fungi They awaken a great interest among researchers around the world for decades.
More specifically, the investigation focuses in particular on substances of physiological interest They contain fungi. Among them are various Nutraceutics, like lectinas, Triterpenoides, polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, proteoglycans and Ergosterol...
In this inventory provided is the lentinan, a polysaccharide found in the Shiitake. This compound has attracted considerable attention from the scientific community due to its potential impact on the immune system.
Posted on 02/06/2024
Author: Hifas Editorial Team
Content index
Where does the Lentinano come from?
The Lentinano has its origin in a mushroom well known to the gourmets and the fans of natural remedies, the Shiitake. His name directly evokes the Latin classification of this mushroom: the Edodes lentinula (In the same way as the ganoderano in Ganoderma lucidum or the tap in Frondosa tap).
Shiitake, which usually grows in trees trunks, is much more than a simple culinary ingredient. Their active biomolecules, among which is the lentinan or lentinan, they are now the center of interesting investigations aimed at understanding and exploiting its properties.
>> For more information about Shiitake, consult our article focused on this fungus.
Lentinano: a shiitake polysaccharide
He Lentinano of the Shiitake belongs to the family of the polysaccharides. These molecules are contained in all basidiomycetes fungi, among which it is. More specifically, the Lentinano belongs to the Beta-Glucanos Subfamily.
Elderly in the 70s, the primary structure of the Lentinano consists of a skeleton of glucose units linked by beta-glycosidic links in 1.3 and that have ramifications in 1.6. The numbers correspond to the way the units are linked to each other.
Ultimately, the specific molecular motive of the lentinan consists of 5 glucose units attached in 1.3 with 2 glucose ramifications in 1.6. Although β-glucans are widespread, there are significant variations in their biological activities due to their different structures.
Lentinan structure
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LENTILANO IN THE MILES
The shiitake lentinano and, more generally, polysaccharides are of vital importance for the survival of all fungi, since they are in the heart of most of their vital processes.
- Movements: To expand more than "move", fungi develop Hifas. The movement is stimulated by the production of hyperramified polysaccharides.
- Nutrition: The polysaccharides are present during the Degradation of lignocellulosic material and contribute to the production, movement and activity of enzymes.
- Communication: In the cell wall, polysaccharides form vast networks that, during cell division and fungal growth, are used as communication channels and cell signaling.
- Protection: The presence of polysaccharides in the hyphae improves the mechanical resistance and thus protects cells from external aggressions.
The biological actions of the Lentinano
The review of the scientific literature shows two facts: first, the Betaglucans are among the compounds most studied by the scientific community; Secondly, this compound is Betaglucano that has been the subject of a more exhaustive study. Various studies, whether In vitro, In vivo or clinical, they are contributing to clarify biological mechanisms of this compound.
Immunomodulator action
The investigations reveal that the lentinano plays a crucial role in the Immune system regulation. When joining several membrane receptors such as TLR2/4/6/9, Decin-1, as well as the CD11B complement receiver, the β-glucan Activate signaling routes such as MAPK-NFκB and SYK-PKC. These activations stimulate immunocytes such as NK cells, macrophages and T cells (see the following figure).
Since the 1980s, this knowledge of the mechanism Immunomodulator has supported the use of lentinan In Chinese and Japanese health systems for the treatment of certain ailments.
In addition, other studies highlight the cytotoxic potential From this compound, although more clinical research is needed to deepen this aspect.
Hifas da Terra: Biotech Expert in pure fungi
Hifas da Terra It is a biotechnological company specialized in the study and development of fungal products, with special attention in their extracts for its high content in bioactive substances. For each of the species we investigate, we highlight these compounds in the Labladed from each product. For all our products, including Shiitake extracts, we specifically show the amount present in these products.
In summary: a promising molecule to follow
- The Lentinano is part of a family of molecules that make up fungi: beta-glucans.
- Like other polysaccharides, it is crucial for the various vital processes of fungi.
- As for the mechanisms, its immunomodulating and cytotoxic action is being studied in particular.
- Human health benefits have not yet been studied in clinical trials.