Ameliorative Effects of Ganoderma lucidum on Pb-induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Background and Purpose: Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom that is used to promote health and longevity. This study was designed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of aqueous extract of G. lucidum (GL) on Lead (Pb)- induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty-five (35) Wistar rats were randomly allotted into seven groups (n=5). Group 1 served as control and was given distilled water ad libitum, group 2 was given (100 mg/kg) of Pb, group 3 was given Pb (100 mg/kg) plus GL (50 mg/kg), group 4 was given Pb (100 mg/kg) plus GL (100 mg/kg), group 5 was given Pb (100 mg/kg) plus GL (200 mg/kg), group 6 was given Pb (100 mg/kg) plus 50 mg/kg of 2,3-dimecarptosuccinic acid (DMSA), group 7 was given Pb (100 mg/kg) plus vitamin C (100 mg/kg). Treatment was daily by the oral route and for 28 days. Analyses of liver function enzymes, serum lipid profile, total protein and albumin were carried out. Results: GL significantly reduced the level of ALT, AST, and ALP (P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.05, respectively). Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively), but high-density lipoprotein (HDL), albumin and total protein levels were significantly (P<0.001) increased. DMSA and Vitamin C significantly (P<0.001) reduced levels of TG, LDL, and the liver enzymes but significantly (P< 0.05) increased total protein but had no effect on albumin. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of G. lucidum may ameliorate Pb poisoning by reducing ALT, ALP, AST, LDL, TC, TG and improving the levels of albumin, total protein, and HDL.