Pleurotus Eryngii Mushroom
Also known as: Pleurotus eryngii, King Oyster mushroom, King Trumpet mushroom, French Horn mushroom
Overview
Pleurotus eryngii, commonly known as King Oyster mushroom, is an edible mushroom native to Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It is cultivated for its culinary uses and potential health benefits. The mushroom is characterized by its thick stem, mild flavor, and high protein content. Research suggests that P. eryngii possesses antioxidant, anti-obesity, and neuroprotective properties. These effects are attributed to various bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (β-glucans), proteins, siderophores, and tryptamine derivatives. While primarily used as a food source, P. eryngii is also available as a dietary supplement. Most research is preclinical, involving animal and cell studies, with limited human clinical trials. Therefore, while promising, the evidence is not yet definitive, and further research is needed to confirm its benefits and establish optimal usage guidelines. It grows on decaying plant material, particularly roots of certain plants.
Benefits
Pleurotus eryngii demonstrates several potential health benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. In vitro studies show genoprotective effects, with post-fermentation supernatants reducing DNA damage in human lymphocytes by 28.1%. Animal studies suggest anti-obesity effects, where dietary intake of P. eryngii attenuated high-fat diet-induced obesity by improving lipid metabolism and gut microbiota composition. Additionally, extracts of P. eryngii have shown serotonin receptor binding activity in vitro, suggesting potential antidepressant effects. These genoprotective effects have been observed in studies using fecal inocula from healthy elderly volunteers. While these findings are promising, human clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits and determine their clinical significance in the general population.
How it works
Pleurotus eryngii exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its genoprotective properties are likely mediated by water-soluble bioactive compounds that protect against genotoxic agents, possibly via antioxidant or DNA repair mechanisms. The anti-obesity effects involve modulation of lipid metabolism and gut microbiota, leading to reduced fat accumulation and improved metabolic health. Furthermore, the mushroom's neuroprotective and antidepressant potential is linked to its serotonin receptor binding activity, possibly due to tryptamine derivatives. P. eryngii interacts with the gastrointestinal system by modulating gut microbiota and potentially protecting intestinal cells from genotoxic damage. It also influences neurological pathways through its interaction with serotonin receptors, such as HT1A.
Side effects
Pleurotus eryngii is generally considered safe when consumed as food. However, the safety profile of P. eryngii supplements is less well-studied. No significant adverse effects have been reported in available clinical or preclinical studies. Due to the serotonin receptor activity of P. eryngii extracts, there is a theoretical potential for interaction with serotonergic drugs, but no clinical evidence supports this. No contraindications have been established. Special populations, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and children, have not been specifically studied, and data are limited. Therefore, caution is advised when considering P. eryngii supplementation in these groups. While generally safe, further research is needed to fully characterize the safety profile of P. eryngii supplements.
Dosage
Due to limited human clinical trials, a minimum effective dose, optimal dosage ranges, and maximum safe dose of Pleurotus eryngii have not been definitively established. In vitro studies have used 1% v/v of post-fermentation supernatant. Animal studies have incorporated the whole mushroom as part of the diet. No specific timing recommendations exist for P. eryngii consumption. Whole mushroom, powder, and extract forms are used in research, but no clear superiority of one form over another has been demonstrated. Absorption of bioactive compounds is likely dependent on gut microbiota and digestion. No required cofactors have been identified. Until further research is available, it is important to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using P. eryngii supplements.
FAQs
Is Pleurotus eryngii safe to consume?
Pleurotus eryngii is generally considered safe when consumed as food. However, limited data exist on the safety of P. eryngii supplements, so caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended.
How should I take Pleurotus eryngii?
There are no specific recommendations for timing or administration. It can be consumed as part of a regular diet. Whole mushroom, powder, and extract forms are available, but no form has been proven superior.
What are the expected benefits of Pleurotus eryngii?
Potential benefits include DNA protection, improved metabolic health, and possibly mood enhancement. However, human evidence is limited, and these benefits are based on preliminary research. It is not a cure-all.
Are there any drug interactions with Pleurotus eryngii?
There are no known significant drug interactions. However, due to its serotonin receptor activity, there is a theoretical potential for interaction with serotonergic drugs, but no clinical evidence supports this.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.988517/full – This in vitro study investigated the genoprotective effects of Pleurotus eryngii post-fermentation supernatants. The study found that the supernatants reduced micronuclei frequency in human lymphocytes, indicating a protective effect against DNA damage. This suggests potential benefits for maintaining genomic stability.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/7/3/190 – This study explored the antidepressant potential of Pleurotus eryngii extracts. The research demonstrated that the extract exhibited serotonin receptor binding activity, suggesting a possible mechanism for antidepressant effects. A purified fraction showed significant inhibition of receptor binding, highlighting the potential for mood regulation.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.02024/full – This research focused on the impact of Pleurotus eryngii on gut microbiota composition. The study revealed that dietary intake of the mushroom can modulate the gut microbiota, potentially contributing to improved metabolic health. This modulation may play a role in the observed anti-obesity effects.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/14/7/1012 – This review provides an overview of the nutritional and medicinal properties of Pleurotus eryngii. It highlights the mushroom's rich composition of bioactive compounds and its potential health benefits. The review emphasizes the need for further research to fully understand and validate these properties.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38609215/ – This animal study investigated the anti-obesity effects of dietary Pleurotus eryngii in mice fed a high-fat diet. The results showed that the mushroom attenuated high-fat diet-induced obesity by improving lipid metabolism and gut microbiota composition. This suggests a potential role for P. eryngii in managing obesity and related metabolic disorders.
