Chemical Characterization and Anti-Obesity Activity of Exopolysaccharide Isolated from Scleroderma areolatum (Agaricomycetes)

Int J Med Mushrooms. 2025;27(5):33-42. doi: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2025058054.

Abstract

Two polysaccharide fractions were successfully isolated from the crude exopolysaccharide (EPS) of Scleroderma areolatum via gel filtration chromatography. Size exclusion chromatography/multi-angle laser light scattering (SEC/MALLS) analysis showed that the weight of average molecular weights (Mw) of these fractions was 3.162 ȕ 106 (Fr-I) and 2.613 ȕ 106 (Fr-II). Both EPS fractions exhibited a compact globular structure in aqueous solution. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that they were primarily composed of mannose and glucuronic acid. FT-IR spectral analysis identified prominent functional groups, such as hydroxyl and carboxylic, typical of heteropolysaccharides. When administered as supplements in high-fat diets to obese rats for 8 weeks, the EPS fractions reduced body weight, serum inflammatory factor levels, and significantly regulated serum lipid levels. Additionally, they increased the total concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in colonic digesta. These results suggest a potential role for EPS in mitigating obesity and related metabolic disorders in high-fat diet-induced obese rats.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Obesity Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Obesity Agents* / chemistry
  • Anti-Obesity Agents* / isolation & purification
  • Anti-Obesity Agents* / pharmacology
  • Basidiomycota* / chemistry
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Diet, High-Fat / adverse effects
  • Fatty Acids, Volatile / metabolism
  • Fungal Polysaccharides* / chemistry
  • Fungal Polysaccharides* / isolation & purification
  • Fungal Polysaccharides* / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Molecular Weight
  • Obesity* / drug therapy
  • Polysaccharides* / chemistry
  • Polysaccharides* / isolation & purification
  • Polysaccharides* / pharmacology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Anti-Obesity Agents
  • Fungal Polysaccharides
  • Polysaccharides
  • Fatty Acids, Volatile