Nutritional composition of shiitake mushrooms and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated C2C12 myoblasts

Abstrakt

Background: Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are valued for their nutritional and medicinal properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, their impact on skeletal muscle health at the cellular level remains underexplored. Investigating their bioactive potential may reveal natural therapeutic strategies for reducing muscle inflammation and oxidative stress while promoting cell viability.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and therapeutic potential of shiitake extract on muscle cells.

Methods: Shiitake mushrooms were freeze-dried, powdered, and extracted with 70% ethanol. Nutritional and amino acid profiles were analyzed using standard methods and LC-MS/MS. identified by HPLC, and antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the radical scavenging activity using the DPPH assay. C2C12 myoblast cells were treated with the extract at concentrations of 125–1000 µg/mL. Cellular responses, including cell viability (MTS assay), IL-6 secretion (ELISA), ROS production, apoptosis, and cell cycle distribution (flow cytometry), were subsequently evaluated. 

Results: Nutritional analysis revealed that shiitake mushrooms provide 356 calories per 100 grams, with a high protein content (27.43 g), low fat (1.5 g), and abundant carbohydrates (58.2 g), including significant dietary fiber (34.98 g). The amino acid profile was dominated by glycine, L-Aspartic acid, and L-Leucine, along with various essential and non-essential amino acids. Bioactive compounds, such as gallic acid, p-Coumaric acid, and methyl gallate, were identified in the extract, which also exhibited potent antioxidant activity (314.04 mg Trolox/100g). In vitro experiments demonstrated that the extract reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in LPS-stimulated myoblast cells, as evidenced by decreased IL-6 secretion and ROS production. Moreover, the extract enhanced cell viability and reduced apoptosis at concentrations of 125–500 µg/mL, while concentrations above 1000 µg/mL showed toxicity. 

Conclusion: The findings suggest that shiitake extract has favorable potential as a therapeutic agent for promoting muscle health, and cell survival in muscle cells, as well as reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Novelty of the Study: This study is unique in that investigates the therapeutic potential of Lentinula edodes (shiitake) extract on muscle cells, focusing on its protective effects against inflammation and oxidative stress in LPS-stimulated myoblasts. Unlike prior studies, it highlights specific bioactive compounds and demonstrates improved cell viability and reduced apoptosis, suggesting its potential as a natural agent for muscle health support.

Keywords: Anti-inflammation, Antioxidant activity, Bioactive compounds, C2C12 cells, Nutritional composition, Shiitake mushroom