Paper
Renal Function in Mice after Long-term Intake of Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss:Fr) Karst Mycelium Produced by Solid-State Cultivation
- Authors:
- Bonald Cavalcante Figueiredo; Leifa Fan; Herta Stutz Dalla Santa; Ana Lúcia Tararthuch; Hermênio Cavalcante Lima Filho; Rosália Rubel
- Abstract
- Despite of their corroborated medicinal qualities, there is little information on toxic effects caused by Ganoderma lucidum (Ling Zhi or Reishi), a mushroom extensively used by traditional Chinese medicine as a promoter of health and longevity. Therefore, this work had as objective to evaluate the effect a diet supplemented with G. lucidum mycelium on kidney and intestinal functions in mice. Approach: G. lucidum was cultured by solid-state fermentation and used for chow formulation. Groups of mice (20 per group) were fed during fourteen weeks with G100 and G50 diets formulated with 84% and 42% of the G. lucidum mycelium, respectively. A control group received a regular diet without mycelium. Results: G. lucidum supplemented feed raised considerably the water intake and proved to have a potent diuretic effect. No remarkable physical-chemical alterations were detected in the animals’ urine. The plasma levels of urea and creatinine remained within the normal range. Blood, fat and leukocytes were not detected in stools. Glucose plasma concentration decreased 8.2% and 10.0% in mice when fed with G100 and G50 diets, respectively, but without statistical significance (p > 0.05 versus control). Conclusion: The long-term intake of G. lucidum did not cause detectable renal or intestinal injuries. The high urinary flow suggested a possible diuretic effect, which could be related to G. lucidum hypotensor activity. Also the slight glucose levels reductions indicated a possible hypoglicemic effect. However, complementary studies are necessary to clarify the relationship efficacy and safety.
- Keywords
- Ling Zhi; Reishi; Medicinal Mushroom; Renal Function
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