Lentinus edodes heterogalactan: Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects

Cold aqueous extraction of basidiocarps (fruiting bodies) of the edible mushroom Lentinus edodes (shiitake) gave rise to a heteropolysaccharide, whose chemical structure, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties were determined. Its chemical structure was based on monosaccharide composition, methylation analysis, and NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, HSQC, HSQC-TOCSY, HSQC-NOESY, and coupled HMQC). It was found to be a fucomannogalactan with a main chain of (1 → 6)-linked α-d-galactopyranosyl units, partially substituted at O-2 by single-unit β-d-Manp or α-l-Fucp side chains. The polysaccharide produced a marked and dose-related effect when assessed against acetic acid-induced visceral nociception. Prevention of peritoneal capillary permeability and leukocyte infiltration caused by the acetic acid was similar in potency and effectiveness.