Work

Comparative anti-photoaging effects of polysaccharides from Tremella fuciformis fruiting bodies and spores in Caenorhabditis elegans

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the extraction and purification of polysaccharides from the fruiting body and spore exopolysaccharides of Tremella fuciformis , as well as their anti-photoaging properties. The optimal extraction conditions for the fruiting body polysaccharides (FTPs) and the spore exopolysaccharides (ETPs) were determined using single-factor and orthogonal design experiments. Crude polysaccharide extracts (cFTP and cETP) were further purified into distinct fractions, including neutral and salt-eluted acidic polysaccharides. The biological activities of these fractions were evaluated in Caenorhabditis elegans under ultraviolet B (UV-B)-induced photoaging stress. Among the 6 polysaccharide samples, ETPs, particularly the acidic fractions ETP-2 and ETP-3, exhibited a marked extension in lifespan, enhancement of reproductive output, improvement in heat and oxidative stress resistance, and effective suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Furthermore, ETPs demonstrated superior anti-photoaging activity by increasing glutathione (GSH) levels and the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content. A comprehensive evaluation based on multi-index analysis confirmed that ETP-2 had the strongest anti-photoaging efficacy. These findings suggest that ETPs, particularly acidic components obtained via fermentation, possess greater bioactivity than traditional FTPs and hold promise as novel anti-photoaging agents.

Source: Agricultural Products Processing and Storage

DOI: 10.1007/s44462-025-00039-z