Abstract
The effects of Ganoderma Lucidum consumption (GL) on the liver function and lipid metabolic disorder induced by alcohol consuming were studied in rats using GL powder(1%, 2%, 4%) and 10% ethly alcohol. Thirty-five rats(Sprague-Dawley, male) were divided into five groups and fed experimental diets for seven weeks. The concentrations of serum cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride were the highest in the alcohol group, while the levels were apparently reduced by in groups fed GL. The atherogenic indices(AI) also tended to be higher in the alcohol group. Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(GOT) activities were significantly lower in body alcohol + 2% GL and alcohol + 4% GL groups, and glutamic pyruvic transaminase(GPT)activities lower only in the alcohol + 2% GL compared with the alcohol group. Alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activities were not significantly different among the groups. The elevated levels of liver cholesterol and triglyceride due to alcohol consumption, were apparently reduced by GL supplementation. On microscopic observation of liver tissues, fat droplets appeared extensively on the liver-lobule in the alcohol group, while fat droplets appeared only on the central vein in the alcohol + 1% GL group. However, in groups administered 2% and 4% GL, fat droplets appeared similar to the alcohol group. The concentrations of fecal bile acid were significantly increased in groups fed GL. These results indicate that GL exerted some beneficial effects on lipid metabolic disorder caused by long-term alcohol consumption. Thus, it seems that GL may be effective in preventing or curing some aspects of alcohol toxicity. More detailed studies are needed in order to determine proper dietary levels of GL for combating alcohol toxicity.