Positive Health Online

Abstract

CUI and colleagues, Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital, 300 Gumi-Dong, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Kyoungki-Do 463-707, Republic of Korea, have described the antioxidant effect of the mushroom, Inonotus obliquus.

Background

The mushroom Inonotus obliquus has been widely used as a folk medicine in Russia, Poland and most of the Baltic countries. The aim of this study was to elucidate the antioxidant capacities of this mushroom.

Methodology

4 different extracts of the fungus were evaluated for their antioxidant capacity in vitro.

Results

A polyphenolic extract had a strong antioxidant activity, and an extract containing triterpenoids and steroids presented a relatively strong antioxidant effect. A polysaccharide extract was inactive. The protective effects of these four extracts were assessed against oxidative stress induced in a human skin cell line. The polyphenolic extract protected these cells against oxidative stress, while the polysaccharide, triterpenoid and steroid extracts were ineffective. Additionally, the remnant polyphenolic and low molecular weight polysaccharide extracts showed a weakly protective effect.

Conclusion

Inonotus obliquus has the capacity to scavenge free radicals and to potentially protect cells against oxidative stress.

References

Cui Y, Kim DS, Park KC. Antioxidant effect of Inonotus obliquus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 96 (1-2): 79-85, Jan 4, 2005.