Axenov-Gribanov, D. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2024

The first report on the effect of white and black truffle extracts on human semen parameters in vitro

Our experiment aimed to evaluate the influence of extracts of white and black truffle mushrooms on human spermatozoa. The study utilized 28 samples of wild truffle fruiting bodies. In the experiment, we used ejaculate from male volunteers of active reproductive age (N=10, 25-35 years old). During the experiment, we assessed sixteen physiological parameters. Research has shown that extracts from black and white truffles related to Tuber sp. have a stimulating effect on spermatozoa. The average path sperm velocity, curvilinear velocity and beat cross-frequency were increased by 56%, 48% and 50% respectively. Linearity showed a significant increase by 56% and straightness by 48%. This could be useful in the development of drugs to enhance sperm activity and lifespan. Additionally, extracts from black truffles have been found to have negative effects on spermatozoa, which could be relevant for developing new contraceptive drugs. Our study demonstrated, for the first time, the influence of methanol extracts of Tuber sp. mushrooms on male gametes in vitro.

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2024

Effect of truffle extracts on growth of Chlorella vulgaris

Truffles are hypogeous ectomycorrhizal fungi with a complex system of chemical communications and biotic interactions. This study examines the influence of truffle extracts on the growth of the alga Chlorella vulgaris as a model organism commonly employed in pharmacology, food industry and biomonitoring. The study involved sampling of fruiting bodies of black truffles in a number of regions across Russia, over a number of years. The observed differences in truffle condition were used to illustrate a potential correlation between the quality and biological activity of truffles. Methanolic extracts were prepared and added to the culture of C. vulgaris to evaluate the growth of algae using the spectrophotometry methods. For the first time, we demonstrated that truffle extracts had biological activity in terms of the algae C. vulgaris growth stimulation. We observed the effects of short-term and long-term growth stimulation. To date, it can be concluded that there is no direct correlation between the stimulating effects on algae and the state of truffles, place of their sampling, or their quality. Finally, it is crucial to examine biological regulations that operate in complex systems such as truffles. It is suggested that in the near future truffles may become a model system for the study of complex biotic and chemical communications.

biochemistry↗