Mushroom Power: Boosting Platelets Naturally

Mushrooms are increasingly popular as food and medicine. They are rich in nutritional value and have been extensively studied for their medicinal properties. Edible mushrooms have been found to have antiplatelet properties, which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. For instance, extracts from the Chaga mushroom, which grows on birch trees, have been found to have the highest platelet aggregation inhibitory activity. However, it is important to note that the effect of mushroom extracts on platelet function is complex and depends on various factors such as the concentration of polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and ergosterol. While some mushrooms have been found to have anti-platelet properties, it is important to consult a medical professional before consuming mushrooms for this purpose, as they may have other effects on the body.

The effect of mushroom extracts on platelet function

Mushrooms are increasingly popular as a food source and for their potential medicinal properties. In vitro screening of eight edible mushroom species has been carried out to assess the effects of mushroom extracts on human platelet function and blood coagulation. The species investigated include Agaricus bisporus, Auricularia auricularia-judae, Coprinus comatus, Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus eryngii, and Pleurotus ostreatus.

The results suggest that certain mushrooms may have beneficial antiplatelet effects, warranting further experimental and clinical research. The favorable antiplatelet effects of mushroom extracts could have significant implications for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, as a decrease in platelet aggregation is associated with a reduced risk of myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular incidents.

In addition to the eight edible species mentioned above, another study investigated the effects of ethanol extract from the medicinal mushroom Inonotus obliquus on platelet function. This extract demonstrated potent platelet aggregation inhibitory activity, with the highest activity observed when extracted with ethanol at 80 °C for 12 hours.

The impact of mushroom extracts on blood coagulation

Mushrooms are increasingly popular as a food source and for their potential medicinal properties. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and a reduction in platelet aggregation is known to decrease the risk of myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular events. Therefore, the impact of mushroom extracts on blood coagulation has been a topic of interest in recent research.

Several in vitro studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of mushroom extracts on platelet function and blood coagulation parameters. One study assessed the effects of hot water extracts from eight edible mushroom species, namely Agaricus bisporus, Auricularia auricularia-judae, Coprinus comatus, Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus eryngii, and Pleurotus ostreatus. These species were chosen because they are commonly cultivated and consumed, and hot water extracts were used to mimic the way mushrooms are typically prepared for consumption.

The results of the study showed that all the mushroom extracts exhibited anti-aggregation activity by inhibiting platelet aggregation induced by adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP) via a P2Y12 receptor. The highest inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation was observed for P. eryngii, A. bisporus, A. auricula-judae, and C. comatus. Additionally, extracts of A. auricularia-judae, P. eryngii, and G. lucidum significantly inhibited arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation. However, the extract of P. ostreatus had the opposite effect, increasing platelet aggregation.

While the mushroom extracts showed promising antiplatelet effects, none of them altered the monitored coagulation parameters, including prothrombin time, prothrombin ratio, and the International Normalized Ratio (INR). These findings suggest that mushroom extracts may have a favorable impact on blood coagulation by inhibiting platelet aggregation without affecting coagulation factors. However, further research is needed to confirm these effects and explore the potential benefits of mushroom extracts in the prevention of CVD and other cardiovascular events.

The role of mushroom extracts in inhibiting platelet aggregation

Mushrooms have been extensively studied for their nutritional value and potential medicinal uses. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and it is well-established that a reduction in platelet aggregation would lead to a significant decrease in the risk of myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular events. In patients with CVD, antiplatelet therapy involving pharmaceuticals such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has proven effective in reducing cardiovascular events.

The focus of the discussion here is on the role of mushroom extracts in inhibiting platelet aggregation. In vitro screening of eight edible mushroom species has been carried out to assess the effects of mushroom extracts on human platelet function and blood coagulation parameters. The eight edible mushroom species included Agaricus bisporus, Auricularia auricularia-judae, Coprinus comatus, Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus eryngii, and Pleurotus ostreatus.

The results of the in vitro assays revealed that all investigated mushroom extracts exhibited anti-aggregation activity by inhibiting platelet aggregation induced by adenosine-5′diphosphate (ADP) via a P2Y12 receptor. The highest platelet inhibition was observed for P. eryngii (65.1%), followed by A. bisporus (58.0%), A. auricula-judae (54.3%), and C. comatus (51.6%). These responses were more effective than those induced by 140 µmol/L of ASA.

Furthermore, extracts of A. bisporus, A. auricula-judae, G. lucidum, and the first three mushrooms mentioned above also demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation. The highest inhibition was observed for A. auricula-judae (34.0%), followed by P. eryngii (33.1%) and G. lucidum (30.1%). The response of these extracts was comparable to that of ASA. Interestingly, the extract of P. ostreatus had the opposite effect, increasing platelet aggregation by 26.8%.

The effect of mushroom extracts on platelet function was positively correlated with their antioxidative properties and concentration of polysaccharides and ergosterol. Conversely, it was inversely related to zinc concentration. This suggests that selected mushrooms may offer favourable antiplatelet effects, highlighting the need for further research.

The safety of mushroom extracts and their cytotoxicity to human platelets

Edible mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular as food across the world due to their nutritional value and potential medicinal use. Some studies have investigated the effects of mushroom extracts on human platelet function and blood coagulation parameters.

To evaluate the safety of mushroom extracts, their cytotoxicity to human platelets, leukocytes, and erythrocytes is assessed. A lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay on platelet-rich plasma and isolated leukocytes is performed to determine cytotoxicity. LDH is a widely used marker for cytotoxicity as it is released rapidly by cells undergoing death due to loss of membrane permeability.

In terms of the effect of mushroom extracts on platelet function, some studies have found that selected mushrooms may exert favourable antiplatelet effects. For example, the highest rate of inhibition of adenosine-5′-diphosphate (ADP)-induced and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced aggregation was exhibited by extracts of A. auricularia-judae and P. eryngii.

However, it is important to note that the Ganoderma lucidum extract, while exhibiting a dual effect similar to that of A. auricularia-judae and P. eryngii, was proven to be cytotoxic in platelets and leukocytes. Additionally, the extract of P. ostreatus revealed an additive effect on AA-induced platelet aggregation.

Overall, while some mushroom extracts have shown promising antiplatelet effects, further research is needed to fully understand their safety and potential medicinal use.

The potential medicinal use of mushrooms in increasing platelets

Mushrooms have been extensively studied for their nutritional value and potential medicinal uses. In particular, their effects on human platelet function and blood coagulation have been the subject of recent research. While some mushrooms have been found to have antiplatelet effects, others have been shown to increase platelet aggregation. This complex relationship between mushroom extracts and platelet function highlights the need for further research.

One study investigated the effects of hot water extracts from eight edible mushroom species on human platelet function and blood coagulation parameters. The species included Agaricus bisporus, Auricularia auricularia-judae, Coprinus comatus, Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus eryngii, and Pleurotus ostreatus. The results showed that all extracts exhibited anti-aggregation activity by inhibiting platelet aggregation induced by ADP via a P2Y12 receptor. The highest inhibition was observed for P. eryngii, A. bisporus, A. auricula-judae, and C. comatus. Interestingly, the responses of these four mushrooms exceeded that of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), a pharmaceutical used in antiplatelet therapy for cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, extracts of the first three mushrooms mentioned above, as well as G. lucidum, demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on AA-induced platelet aggregation. However, the extract of P. ostreatus had the opposite effect, increasing platelet aggregation. None of the mushroom extracts altered the monitored coagulation parameters, including prothrombin time and the international normalized ratio.

Another study focused on the medicinal mushroom Inonotus obliquus, which grows on birch trees in colder northern climates. Ethanol extract from the mycelia of this mushroom exhibited the highest platelet aggregation inhibitory activity among 55 kinds of mushrooms tested. The extract was found to contain a novel tripeptide with a molecular mass of 365 Da, named Trp-Gly-Cys. This extract also showed high platelet aggregation inhibitory activity in Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice.

In conclusion, while some mushroom extracts have shown promising antiplatelet effects, the complex nature of platelet aggregation and the varying responses between different mushroom species highlight the need for further experimental and clinical research. The potential medicinal use of mushrooms in increasing platelets remains a subject of ongoing investigation, and future studies may uncover more definitive conclusions.

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