#fungus comb

Ethyl Acetate Extract of Fungus Comb from Malayan Termite (Macrotermes Gilvus Hagen) Mound Modulates Splenic Inflammatory Responses in Mice

ABSTRACT Background: The fungus comb is a unique structure inside termites’ nests that facilitates the growth of Termitomyces sp. as a nutrient source for the termites. It is known to possess immunomodulatory properties that boost the immune system. Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of ethyl acetate extract of fungus comb (EAEFC) on the inflammatory reaction in the spleen of mice induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: An experimental study was conducted using a post-test-only control group design with male BALB/C mice (n = 24). The mice were divided randomly into four groups, each comprising six mice, and administered substances via gavage. Groups I and III were administered a solution of 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in distilled water, while Groups II and IV were given 500 mg/kg BW EAEFC dissolved in 5% DMSO.

Chemical Components of Fungus Comb from Indo-Malayan Termite Macrotermes gilvus Hagen Mound and Its Bioactivity against Wood-Staining Fungi

Abstract Recently, the architectural and physical properties of the fungus comb from subterranean termite Macrotermes gilvus Hagen (Isoptera: Termitidae) mounds had been studied and it is important to determine its chemical profile as well as to evaluate its anti-staining-fungi activity. The results showed that fungus comb of M. gilvus has a high crude ash (30.57%), fiber (25.46%), starch (7.76%), protein (5.80%, 5.53% amino acid), acid-insoluble ash (3.45%), and fat (0.73%). It also contained phenol hydroquinone, steroids, terpenoids, and saponin compounds. Seventeen amino acids were identified via high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, of which arginine, leucine, glutamate, and aspartic acid were the majority. According to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, the n-hexane extract consists of several types of fatty acid derivatives. Meanwhile, the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts were primarily phenol groups with 1,2,3-propanetriol (glycerol) at the highest relative concentration.