Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Medicinal Fungus Antrodia cinnamomea Cultivated on Pinus morrisonicola Hayata.

Research background: The fungus Antrodia cinnamomea, which grows on Cinnamomum kanehirae tree, has many medicinal uses. However, its cultivation using the traditional method of growing on the C. kanehirae tree is costly and time-consuming. A possible alternative method of cultivating A. cinnamomea is to use Pinus morrisonicola Hayata tree, as it contains α-terpineol, which stimulates the synthesis of triterpenoids.

Experimental approach: To compare the cultivation of A. cinnamomea on P. morrisonicola and C. kanehirae, the contents of triterpenoids and antcin were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Anti-inflammatory effects of the extracts of each product were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 cells. Their mechanisms on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways (p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)) were determined using Western blot analysis.

Results and conclusions: The results showed that the cultivation times of A. cinnamomea on P. morrisonicola and traditional C. kanehirae discs were drastically different, lasting 6 and 18 months, respectively. The concentration of triterpenoids in the corresponding fruiting bodies was (70.0±3.0) and (20.0±4.0) mg/mL, respectively. More antcins were produced in the P. morrisonicola culture. Similar anti-inflammatory effect was obtained by both cultures, which is confirmed by the reduced production of IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2 and nitrogen monoxide. Their mechanisms were confirmed by the suppression of MAPK signalling pathways.

Novelty and scientific contribution: Cultivation on P. morrisonicola is an innovative and more cost-effective method for growing A. cinnamomea. The same anti-inflammatory effect is achieved in a shorter production time.