Pleurotus citrinopileatus, a valuable edible fungus characterized by its distinctive light yellow coloration and saprophytic growth on elm wood, has garnered increasing scientific interest due to its diverse bioactive constituents. Among these, polysaccharides derived from P. citrinopileatus (PCPs) have received the most extensive research attention. This review summarizes recent advances in the chemical structure and biological activities of PCPs. Structurally, PCPs are primarily composed of repeating units such as →3)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ and →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→. Functionally, PCPs exhibit a range of bioactivities, including immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, and antitumor effects. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms associated with these biological activities are also explored. This review aims to provide a comprehensive reference for future studies and facilitate the development and application of PCPs as potential functional food ingredients or therapeutic agents.

The increasing demand for natural flavor enhancers and functional food ingredients has driven interest in Lentinus edodes (shiitake mushrooms), which are rich in proteins and bioactive compounds. This study optimized the enzymatic hydrolysis of L. edodes using various proteases and response surface methodology. Single-factor experiments were conducted, and flavor protease was identified as the most effective enzyme. The optimal hydrolysis conditions were 50.268°C, 5.23% material ratio, and 223.64 kU/100 g protease dosage, with a predicted amino acid nitrogen raise ratio of 268.908%. Validation tests gave an average of 267.6 ± 0.7%, with <5% deviation. After hydrolysis, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and alanine increased, enhancing umami and sweetness. Essential amino acids such as lysine, valine, and isoleucine also rose significantly. Antioxidant activity was confirmed by DPPH and ·O_₂- scavenging, with IC_₅₀ values of 2.536 and 2.013, respectively. These results demonstrate that enzymatic hydrolysis is a promising approach to improve both the taste and nutritional value of L. edodes, supporting its application in natural seasoning and functional food development.

Grape pomace is a major byproduct of winemaking and a rich source of bioactive anthocyanins with potential functional value. This study aimed to optimize anthocyanin extraction from Tannat grape pomace and evaluate its antioxidant and anti-aging activities. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction combined with a Box–Behnken design identified optimal conditions of 51.27 °C, 53.46% ethanol, 20.10 min ultrasonication, and a 1:24.05 solid-to-liquid ratio, yielding 186.21 ± 1.03 mg/100 g (R² = 0.9798, p < 0.0001). Tannat Grape Pomace Anthocyanins showed strong antioxidant capacity, with 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging of 89.44% ± 0.87% at 0.2 mg/mL (IC₅₀ = 0.09 mg/mL) and 2,2′-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging of 95.83% ± 0.54% at 0.75 mg/mL (IC₅₀ = 0.26 mg/mL). In Caenorhabditis elegans, TGPA extended lifespan, improved motility, and increased heat and oxidative stress resistance without reducing reproductive capacity. Lifespan is a key indicator of aging. This study holds significant implications for advancing our understanding of the mechanisms underlying lifespan regulation, the connection between aging and disease, as well as the development of anti-aging therapies for humans. In conclusion, these findings indicate that Tannat Grape Pomace Anthocyanins possess promising antioxidant and anti-aging potential and support the sustainable, high-value utilization of grape pomace. This approach directly aligns with the core principles of sustainable agriculture by transforming an agricultural byproduct into a valuable resource.

Lentinula edodes (L. edodes) is a significant edible and medicinal mushroom with essential nutrient elements for its growth, including Fe²⁺, K⁺, and Mn²⁺. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these metal ions regulate the mycelial growth of L. edodes have been poorly elucidated at the transcriptomic level. In this study, plate culture was performed using concentration gradients to screen for optimal concentrations. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA‑seq) and qRT‑PCR validation were performed to elucidate the regulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of the three metal ions on the mycelial growth of L. edodes. The results showed that Fe²⁺ at concentrations above 20 µg/mL significantly inhibited mycelial growth; K⁺ at 1200 µg/mL and Mn²⁺ at 50 µg/mL significantly promoted mycelial growth, with increases of 21.22% and 10.77%, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Fe²⁺ primarily induced abnormal protein folding and suppressed material and energy metabolism, thus inhibiting mycelial growth. Mycelial growth is promoted by K⁺ by enhancing detoxification and secondary metabolism and by activating mitochondrial function and the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. The proliferation and growth of mycelial cells are regulated by Mn²⁺ through mechanisms that govern DNA repair and recombination, cell cycle progression, and detoxification. This study elucidates the differential regulatory mechanisms of the three metal ions on the mycelial growth of L. edodes at the transcriptomic level, offering a rationale for enhancing mineral nutrition and high‑yield cultivation of L. edodes.