Exploring the in vitro hypolipidemic benefits of bamboo mushrooms: A study on their impact on lipid droplets and adipocytokine levels through metabolome and lipidome profiling

Functional foods from edible mushrooms, like the protein-rich and low-calorie Phallus indusiatus (Bamboo mushroom), are promising for obesity prevention. However, scientific evidence supporting its active compounds' benefits is limited. This study used tandem-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) to analyze Bamboo mushroom's metabolites and lipids, identifying over 1000 metabolites, with adenosine most abundant. Pathway analysis showed significant activity in amino acid and specific metabolism pathways. Lipidomic analysis revealed 131 molecular lipids across categories such as sphingolipids and glycerolipids. The extracts' cytotoxicity and hypolipidemic efficacy were evaluated using a mouse adipocytes model, demonstrating no cellular toxicity at 6.25–100 μg/mL and effective reduction in lipid droplets. Additionally, the extracts significantly reduced levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), suggesting potential hypolipidemic effects. These findings highlight Bamboo mushroom's capability as a functional food to combat obesity by influencing lipid metabolism.