Intellectual Property Office

Non-Confidential Disclosures

Identification of Selenoergothioneine as a Natural Organic Form of Selenium from Cultivated Mushrooms

PSU Inv. Disc. No 2005-3098

Field of the Invention:

Antioxidants, Nutraceuticals and Wholesome Foods

Inventors:

R. Beelman, J. Dubost, D.G. Peterson, M. Hausman

Background:

Current research in the area of phytochemicals in various food materials has shown that specific plant components may have a positive effect on health. Recent publications on plant natural antioxidant products, for example, have been associated with human biological function. Antioxidants present in the diet can act as possible protective agents against oxidative stress and damage. Ergothioneine is an odorless, colorless 2-thio-imidazole, amino acid that is water soluble. Ergothioneine serves as an antioxidant in vivo (Hartman 1990; Akanmu and others 1991) and a cellular protector against oxidative damage (Aruoma and others 1999; Chaudiere and Ferrari-Iliou 1999). The antioxidant properties of ergothioneine can be summarized as follows: scavenger of strong oxidants (reactive oxygen species), chelation of various divalent metallic cations, and plays a key role in the oxidation of various hemoproteins. Selenium is an essential micronutrient that has generated much interest in nutritional and medical research and more recently in the food industry. Selenium has numerous physiological functions but is best known as a necessary cofactor for the glutathione peroxidase enzyme system. This system is responsible for removing free radicals from the body, thus reducing oxidative damage.

Invention description:

The researchers have discovered a method to produce high levels of ergothioneine in commercially grown mushrooms as well as the amino acid derivative, selenoergothioneine. Ergothioneine and selenoergothioneine may have unique bioactive properties for nutritional and medicinal applications. Given the observational studies on selenium and ergothioneine, selenoergothioneine may have beneficial effects in reducing the incidences of cancer, ameliorating gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s Disease, heart disease as well as impaired immune systems.

Contact:

Mr. Matthew Smith
Sr. Technology Licensing Officer
Intellectual Property Office
113 Technology Center
The Pennsylvania State Univ.
University Park, PA 16802-7000
Phone: (814) 863-1122
Fax: (814) 865-3591
E-mail: mds126@psu.edu