Six Bioactive Small Molecules from Tremella fuciformis with Potential for Healthy Aging

Six representative small-molecule constituents were isolated and structurally characterized from the edible mushroomTremella fuciformis:cis-oleic acid (1), 1-oleoylglycerol (2), cerevisterol (3), a cerebroside (4),trans-homoaconitic acid (5), and uridine (6). Compound5, a tricarboxylic acid derivative, is reported for the first time as abundantly accumulated in this fungus. Aging-relevant assays showed that 1 potently inhibited α-glucosidase (IC50= 0.02 mM, surpassing acarbose) and moderately inhibited acetylcholinesterase (IC50= 0.29 mM);5competitively inhibited alkaline phosphatase (IC50= 5.47 mM) and suppressed GluN2A-containing NMDA receptor currents (IC50= 0.40 mM), the first such dual report for a fungal tricarboxylic acid; and4inhibited tyrosinase (IC50= 0.80 mM) comparably to kojic acid. HPLC confirmed meaningful recovery under mild hydro-alcoholic extraction compatible with functional food processing. These multifunctional small molecules target carbohydrate metabolism, cognition, and skin homeostasis, supportingT. fuciformisas a source of healthy-aging food ingredients.