A Water-Soluble Polysaccharide from the Fruit Bodies of Bulgaria inquinans (Fries) and Its Anti-Malarial Activity
2011

Anti-Malarial Activity of a Polysaccharide from Bulgaria inquinans

Sample size: 36 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hongtao Bi, Han Han, Li Zonghong, Ni Weihua, Chen Yan, Zhu Jingjing, Gao Tingting, Hao Miao, Zhou Yifa

Primary Institution: Northeast Normal University

Hypothesis

Can the water-soluble polysaccharide BIWS-4b from Bulgaria inquinans exhibit anti-malarial activity?

Conclusion

The polysaccharide BIWS-4b shows significant anti-malarial activity and enhances the immune response in mice.

Supporting Evidence

  • BIWS-4b significantly reduced parasitemia in malaria-infected mice.
  • Co-administration of BIWS-4b and artesunate resulted in higher chemosuppression than either treatment alone.
  • BIWS-4b enhanced macrophage phagocytosis and lymphocyte proliferation.

Takeaway

A special sugar from a mushroom can help fight malaria and make the body's defenses stronger.

Methodology

Mice were treated with different doses of BIWS-4b and artesunate, and their anti-malarial effects were measured through parasitemia levels.

Limitations

The study was conducted only in mice, and the effects in humans are not yet known.

Participant Demographics

Male and female ICR mice, 6-8 weeks old.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/ecam/neq070

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