Preventive Effects of the Mushroom (<i>Volvariella</i><i> </i><i>volvacea</i>) on Leukocyte Parameters, Albumin and Alanine Aminotransferase in Wistar Rat on a High-f

Consumers are now showing a strong interest in bioactive foods such as mushrooms, which have beneficial effects on human health and reduce the risk of diet-related diseases such as obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with powdered <i>Volvariella volvacea </i>(Vv) mushroom on leukocyte parameters, albumin and alanine aminotransferase to the Wistar rats induced rats on a high-fat diet for 42 days. Rats weighing an average of 96.2 ± 1.3 g were fed control diets and diets based on mushroom powder at different percentages: negative control diet or distilled water (DW), positive control diet or high-fat diet (HFD), 5% diet (Vv 5% and HFD), and 10% diet (Vv 10% and HFD). Blood samples were collected from the animals at the beginning of the experiment (day 1) and again on day 42. Leukocyte parameters were measured using a BC-30s hematology analyzer, and albumin and alanine aminotransferase levels were measured using an automated spectrophotometer. The results showed that the consumption of 10% Vv mushrooms slowed the increase in the rate of WBC (20.8%) unlike the positive control group (53.1%). Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were lower than in the positive control group (15.9% vs. 57.5% and 12.78% vs. 61.35%, respectively) with the 10% Vv dose, which is thought to be related to the overall immune response of animals fed this mushroom. Significantly reduced levels (P < 0.05) of the liver enzyme ALT were observed in the Vv 10% diet (16.50%) compared to the fat diet (68.50%), which helps prevent hepatic steatosis. Albumin levels, which increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the Vv 10% group (15.80%) and decreased significantly in the positive control group (16.95%), were influenced by protein intake. In summary, leukocyte parameters, the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase and albumin levels were close to those of non-obese rats; therefore, Vv consumption could have benefits for human health.