Comparative anti-photoaging effects of polysaccharides from Tremella fuciformis fruiting bodies and spores in Caenorhabditis elegans

This study investigated the extraction and purification of polysaccharides from the fruiting body and spore exopolysaccharides of Tremella fuciformis, as well as their anti-photoaging properties. The optimal extraction conditions for the fruiting body polysaccharides (FTPs) and the spore exopolysaccharides (ETPs) were determined using single-factor and orthogonal design experiments. Crude polysaccharide extracts (cFTP and cETP) were further purified into distinct fractions, including neutral and salt-eluted acidic polysaccharides. The biological activities of these fractions were evaluated in Caenorhabditis elegans under ultraviolet B (UV-B)-induced photoaging stress. Among the 6 polysaccharide samples, ETPs, particularly the acidic fractions ETP-2 and ETP-3, exhibited a marked extension in lifespan, enhancement of reproductive output, improvement in heat and oxidative stress resistance, and effective suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Furthermore, ETPs demonstrated superior anti-photoaging activity by increasing glutathione (GSH) levels and the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content. A comprehensive evaluation based on multi-index analysis confirmed that ETP-2 had the strongest anti-photoaging efficacy. These findings suggest that ETPs, particularly acidic components obtained via fermentation, possess greater bioactivity than traditional FTPs and hold promise as novel anti-photoaging agents.