Ganoderma terpenoid extract exhibited anti-plasmodial activity by a mechanism involving reduction in erythrocyte and hepatic lipids in Plasmodium berghei infected mice

Abstract

Bioactive components of Ganoderma lucidum has recently gained intense research attention due to their acclaimed nutritional and medicinal properties. Thus, the terpenoid extract from the fruit bodies of G. lucidum (GT) was evaluated for activity against Plasmodium berghei in mice in two separate experiments. In addition, the effects of the extract on erythrocyte and hepatic lipids as well as liver HMG-CoA reductase activity before and after the treatments were also assessed. Mice with established infection were administered 100 and 250 mg/kg/day GT alone and in combination with chloroquine (CQ), in either case two separate controls designated: CQ (30 mg/kg chloroquine) and INF-CTR (1 mL DMSO) were also included. Treatment was administered orally for 12 days and parasitemia determined every three days. Percentage survival was significantly increased to 87% from 66% due to combination of GT100 with CQ compared to GT100 alone and to 75% from 62% when GT250 was administered with CQ compared to GT250 alone. Erythrocyte triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), LDL and phospholipids contents were significantly lower in GT + CQ-treated mice compared to CQ alone and INF-CTR. Similarly, hepatic TC and phospholipid levels were significantly lower in the GT + CQ-treated mice compared to CQ alone and INF-CTR and HMG-CoA reductase activity in the liver was significantly inhibited due to administration of GT + CQ. Data from this study suggest that the anti-plasmodial action of GT could involve mechanisms associated with its hypolipidemic activity. It was also demonstrated that chloroquine, when administered in combination with GT, potentiates its curative effect in P. berghei-infected mice.

In vitro and In vivo antimalarial activities of Avicennia africana P. Beauv. (Avicenniaceae) ethanolic leaf extract

“… 57 Also, the contribution of terpenoids or their synergies with other bioactive compounds in plants against malaria parasites have been extensively studied by several actors in the medical sciences in recent times. 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 Tannins in medicinal plants form tannin-zinc or tannin-iron complexes that obstruct parasite growth (trophozoite stage) by depriving the parasites of the needed growth requirements. 62 These bioactive compounds have been associated with antimalarial activities 63 and are possibly the reason for the extract's higher suppressive and inhibitory activities.…”

Antiprotozoal activity of Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf and Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Kart extracts against Blastocystis hominis

“…The extract of G. lucidum and its pure compounds showed antimicrobial activity against bacteria, parasites, and yeasts [ 12 ]. The antimalarial activity of G. lucidum has been proposed by many studies [ 26 , 27 ]. Terpenoid extracts from G. lucidum fruit bodies demonstrated antimalarial activity by a mechanism involving a reduction in erythrocyte and hepatic lipids in Plasmodium berghei [ 26 ].…”

“…The antimalarial activity of G. lucidum has been proposed by many studies [ 26 , 27 ]. Terpenoid extracts from G. lucidum fruit bodies demonstrated antimalarial activity by a mechanism involving a reduction in erythrocyte and hepatic lipids in Plasmodium berghei [ 26 ]. Furthermore, terpenoid extracts of Ganoderma protected the liver against P. berghei -induced damage in infected mice [ 26 ].…”

“…Terpenoid extracts from G. lucidum fruit bodies demonstrated antimalarial activity by a mechanism involving a reduction in erythrocyte and hepatic lipids in Plasmodium berghei [ 26 ]. Furthermore, terpenoid extracts of Ganoderma protected the liver against P. berghei -induced damage in infected mice [ 26 ]. The findings of this study showed that versalide is the main compound in G. lucidum extract followed by astratone.…”

Characterization of medicinal Ganoderma of GKR7 isolate based on cultural, morphological, and molecular characters

“…Ganoderma mushroom is one of the traditional medicinal mushrooms which developed in several countries including China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. It has been cultivated and applied as the component of various health products for antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-plasmodial, antiaging, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiviral, antihypertension, immunomodulatory activity, and hepatoprotective activity [1][2][3][4]. There are approximately over 500 species of Ganoderma including epithets in worldwide distributed in Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa but just some of them are used for medicinal purpose.…”