Cultivated Mushroom Extract May Help Relax Airway Muscles

Jenn Hoskins
26th August, 2024

Cultivated Mushroom Extract May Help Relax Airway Muscles

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study from the University of Nottingham Malaysia examined the effects of a cultivated strain of Ophiocordyceps sinensis (OCS02®) on airway relaxation and lifespan extension
  • OCS02® extract significantly relaxed airway tissues more effectively than the standard bronchodilator salbutamol
  • The extract extended the lifespan of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans by at least 17% at concentrations of 5 mg/mL and above
Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis) is a fungus native to the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas, traditionally used in ancient China to enhance respiratory health, vitality, and longevity. Recent research from the University of Nottingham Malaysia[1] has delved into the effects of a cultivated strain of O. sinensis (OCS02®) on airway patency and lifespan extension in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. The study aimed to explore how OCS02® affects airway relaxation and longevity. Researchers utilized liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to analyze the metabolic profile of a cold-water extract (CWE) of OCS02®. They then examined the pharmacological properties of this extract on airway tissues from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats using an organ bath approach. The LC-MS analysis revealed various bioactive components, including glycopeptides and a high concentration of L-arginine. When applied to airway tissues, the OCS02® CWE induced a significantly greater concentration-dependent relaxation compared to salbutamol, a standard bronchodilator. This relaxation response was notably reduced in the presence of specific inhibitors such as NG-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and ODQ, as well as several potassium channel blockers. These findings suggest that the airway relaxation mechanisms of OCS02® CWE involve both cGMP-dependent and cGMP-independent nitric oxide signaling pathways. The study also investigated the longevity effects of OCS02® CWE on Caenorhabditis elegans, a nematode commonly used in aging research. The results showed that the extract extended the lifespan of these organisms by at least 17% at concentrations of 5 mg/mL and above. These findings support the traditional use of wild O. sinensis in enhancing respiratory health and suggest that the cultivated strain OCS02® could be a valuable therapeutic agent. The relaxation effects observed are particularly relevant in the context of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness and obstruction. Theophylline, an older anti-asthma drug, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and to inhibit airway hyperresponsiveness[2]. The findings from the OCS02® study align with this, as the extract also demonstrated significant airway relaxation effects. This suggests that OCS02® could potentially serve as an alternative or adjunct therapy to traditional anti-asthma medications. COPD is another major respiratory condition with a growing global burden. Projections indicate that the number of COPD cases will increase by 23% from 2020 to 2050, disproportionately affecting women and low- and middle-income regions[3]. The airway relaxation properties of OCS02® could provide a new avenue for managing COPD symptoms, offering a natural and potentially less toxic alternative to current treatments. In the context of COVID-19, which has heightened the focus on respiratory health, medicinal mushrooms have been explored for their immunomodulatory and antioxidative properties[4]. The bioactive components in O. sinensis, such as adenosine and cordycepin, could play a role in mitigating the respiratory complications associated with COVID-19. The study's findings on the airway relaxation and longevity effects of OCS02® further underscore the potential of medicinal mushrooms in enhancing respiratory health and overall well-being. In conclusion, the research from the University of Nottingham Malaysia provides compelling evidence that the cultivated strain OCS02® of O. sinensis exhibits significant airway relaxation effects and extends lifespan in model organisms. These findings support its traditional use and highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent for respiratory conditions and general health improvement. Further studies are warranted to explore its clinical applications and efficacy in human populations.

MedicineHealthMycology

References

Main Study

1) Evidence to support cultivated fruiting body of Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Ascomycota)'s role in relaxing airway smooth muscle.

Published 23rd August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2024.118727

Related Studies

2) Theophylline in the management of asthma: time for reappraisal?

Journal: The European respiratory journal, Issue: Vol 7, Issue 3, Mar 1994

3) Global Burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Through 2050.

https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.46598

4) Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Use to Strengthen Respiratory Health during and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic.

https://doi.org/10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2022045068


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