Healing Power of Hen of the Woods Mushroom for Ulcerative Colitis

Jenn Hoskins
4th September, 2024

Healing Power of Hen of the Woods Mushroom for Ulcerative Colitis

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Guizhou Medical University and Jinan University found that Grifola frondosa polysaccharide (GFP) improved symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice
  • GFP restored the integrity of the intestinal barrier by increasing goblet cell division, reducing fibrosis, and enhancing key proteins like Claudin1 and ZO-1
  • GFP regulated oxidative balance and modulated gut microbiota, reducing oxidative stress and promoting beneficial gut bacteria
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the colon and rectum, characterized by periods of flare-ups and remissions. The disease's complexity arises from a combination of immune dysregulation, genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and microbiota imbalances[2]. Traditional treatments for UC include 5-aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators, with biologics like infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, and vedolizumab revolutionizing management over the past decade[2]. However, these treatments are not without limitations, and there is a continuous search for more effective and safer alternatives. A recent study conducted by researchers at Guizhou Medical University and Jinan University explored the potential of Grifola frondosa polysaccharide (GFP), a consumable fungus known for its health benefits, in treating UC induced by oxazolone (OXZ) in mice[1]. The study aimed to assess the therapeutic effects of GFP at varying doses, using sulfasalazine (SASP) as a positive control. The findings indicated that OXZ intervention in mice led to several physical manifestations of UC, such as increased disease activity index (DAI), decreased goblet cell division, enhanced fibrosis, reduced expression of Claudin1 and Zona occludens protein1 (ZO-1), decreased proliferative activity of colonic mucosal epithelial cells, disturbed oxidative balance, and alterations in intestinal flora. These symptoms align with the known characteristics of UC, including chronic inflammation and damage to the intestinal barrier[2]. Interestingly, the study found that GFP intervention significantly ameliorated or resolved these abnormal indicators. Specifically, GFP improved DAI scores, increased goblet cell division, reduced fibrosis, enhanced the expression of Claudin1 and ZO-1, and boosted the proliferative activity of colonic mucosal epithelial cells. These findings suggest that GFP can restore the integrity of the intestinal barrier, which is crucial for maintaining gut health and preventing inflammation[3]. Additionally, GFP was found to regulate the oxidative balance by reducing oxidative stress markers and enhancing antioxidant defenses. This is particularly relevant as oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of UC[4]. The study also highlighted GFP's ability to modulate intestinal flora, which is essential for maintaining gut homeostasis and reducing the production of inflammatory mediators. The results suggest that GFP might serve as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and mitigating the production of harmful enterotoxins. This aligns with previous findings that emphasize the importance of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases[2][5]. Moreover, the study demonstrated that GFP's therapeutic effects are dose-dependent, with higher doses providing more significant benefits. This dose-response relationship is crucial for determining the optimal therapeutic dose for future clinical applications. In conclusion, the study conducted by Guizhou Medical University and Jinan University provides compelling evidence for the potential of GFP as a treatment for UC. By restoring the intestinal barrier, regulating oxidative balance, and modulating gut microbiota, GFP offers a multifaceted approach to managing UC. These findings pave the way for future research and clinical trials to explore GFP's efficacy and safety in human subjects, potentially offering a novel and effective treatment option for patients with UC.

MedicineHealthMycology

References

Main Study

1) Grifola frondosa polysaccharide's therapeutic potential in oxazolone-induced ulcerative colitis.

Published 15th November, 2024 (future Journal edition)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122517

Related Studies

2) Update on the Use of Biologic Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11938-017-0120-8

3) New developments in goblet cell mucus secretion and function.

https://doi.org/10.1038/mi.2015.32

4) Telmisartan attenuates colon inflammation, oxidative perturbations and apoptosis in a rat model of experimental inflammatory bowel disease.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0097193

5) Optimizing biologic treatment in IBD: objective measures, but when, how and how often?

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-015-0408-x


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