Hypocholesterolemic Properties and Prebiotic Effects of Mexican Ganoderma lucidum in C57BL/6 Mice

Abstract

Edible and medicinal mushrooms contain bioactive compounds with promising effects on several cardiovascular risk biomarkers. However, strains of Ganoderma lucidum of Mexican origin have not yet been studied. Standardized extracts of G. lucidum (Gl) were given to C57BL/6 mice fed a high-cholesterol diet compared with the drug simvastatin. The effects of the extracts on serum biochemical parameters, liver lipid content, cholesterol metabolism, and the composition of gut microbiota were assessed. Acetylsalicylic acid (10 mM) added to the cultivation substrate modulated properties of Gl extracts obtained from mature basidiomata. Compared to the high-cholesterol diet group, the consumption of Gl extracts significantly reduced total serum cholesterol (by 19.2% to 27.1%), LDL-C (by 4.5% to 35.1%), triglyceride concentration (by 16.3% to 46.6%), hepatic cholesterol (by 28.7% to 52%) and hepatic triglycerides (by 43.8% to 56.6%). These effects were associated with a significant reduction in the expression of lipogenic genes (Hmgcr, Srebp1c, Fasn, and Acaca) and genes involved in reverse cholesterol transport (Abcg5 and Abcg8), as well as an increase in Ldlr gene expression in the liver. No significant changes were observed in the gene expression of Srebp2, Abca1 or Cyp7a1. In several cases, Gl-1 or Gl-2 extracts showed better effects on lipid metabolism than the drug simvastatin. A proposed mechanism of action for the reduction in cholesterol levels is mediated by α-glucans and β-glucans from Gl, which promoted decreased absorption of cholesterol in the gut, as well as greater excretion of fecal bile acids and cholesterol. The prebiotic effects of Gl-1 and Gl-2 extracts modulated the composition of gut microbiota and produced an increase in the Lactobacillaceae family and Lactobacillus genus level compared to the control group, high-cholesterol diet group and group supplemented with simvastatin. Mexican genetic resources of Gl represent a new source of bioactive compounds showing hypocholesterolemic properties and prebiotic effects.

Understanding the Physiological Functions of the Host Xenobiotic-sensing Nuclear Receptors PXR and CAR on the Gut Microbiome using Genetically Modified Mice

“…has been observed to increase in relative abundance after dietary supplementation of the herbal remedies daikenchuto and the Lingzhi mushroom (G. lucidum) [104,105]. In particular, in Meneses et al, the increase in the relative abundance of AF12 after Lingzhi mushroom consumption by C57BL/6 mice was followed by lowered cholesterol and greater excretion of fecal bile acids [105]. This study observed increased levels of cholic acid (CA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA) in hPXR-TG mice, which may be related to the increase in AF12 sp.…”

Comparative study of antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the edible mushrooms Pleurotus levis, P. ostreatus, P. pulmonarius and P. tuber‐regium

“…Diverse bioactive compounds have been identified, including polyphenols, flavonoids, minerals, polysaccharides, vitamins and carotenoids (Kozarski et al, 2015). However, comparative analysis of functional and medicinal properties of edible mushrooms is problematic, as in many studies, species are not molecularly identified, cultivation and extraction protocols are not standardised, and there is heterogeneity in the chemical composition and purification of mushroom-based products, extracts or compounds (Meneses et al, 2016). ), shiitake (Lentinula edodes), enokitake (Flammulina velutipes), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), the monkey-head mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), the paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) and the pioppino mushroom (Cyclocybe aegerita).…”

“…Antimicrobial properties of diverse mushroom metabolites against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as other fungi, have also been studied (Chang & Miles, 2004;Shen et al, 2017). However, comparative analysis of functional and medicinal properties of edible mushrooms is problematic, as in many studies, species are not molecularly identified, cultivation and extraction protocols are not standardised, and there is heterogeneity in the chemical composition and purification of mushroom-based products, extracts or compounds (Meneses et al, 2016).…”

Effects of hispolon on glioblastoma cell growth

“…PL is reported to have the most potent antitumor effect of the basidiomycetes . In the last few decades, the use of PL for suppressing cancer or enhancing immunity has been actively investigated: immunomodulatory activity, antioxidant, antiallergic and anti‐inflammatory, antitumor, cholesterol lowering, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic …”