Angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity and antitumor activityof Hatakeshimeji (Lyophyllum decastes Sing.)

In the present study we have focused our attention mainly on both ACE inhib itory and antitumor activities of Hatakeshimeji (Lyophyllum decastes Sing.) . A cold-water extract (CWE), a hot-mater extract (HWE) and an ethanol extr act (EE) showed significant ACE inhibitory activities, but their pronase hy drolysates did not show any ACE inhibitory activities, indicating that prot ein(s) and/or peptide(s) of Hatakeshimeji are responsible for ACE inhibitor y activity. ACE inhibitory activities of CWEs of the other 8 edible mushroo ms were also examined and compared with that of Hatakeshimeji. Hatakeshimej i was found to be the highest among the nine mushrooms tested. Furthermore, among the crude polysaccharides derived from HWEs of the nine mushrooms, H atakeshimeji-derived polysaccharide was shown to possess the highest antitu mor activity against solid tumor growth of Sarcoma 180 in mice. These resul ts suggest that Hatakeshimeji may be an excellent functional food for preve nting both cancer and hypertension.