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Nutritional value of ganoderma extract and assessment of its genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity using comet assays of
Abstract:
The nutritive composition of a hot aqueous extract of wild Ganoderma fruit bodies was determined. This extract was assessed for cytotoxicity and in vivo genotoxicity by both acute and subchronic exposure of mice (given by mouth at a dose equivalent to extract of 220g fresh Ganoderma fruit body/kg body weight). To test any alleged protection against mutagens by Ganoderma treatments, the mice were injected intraperitoneally with the radiomimetic mutagen ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), and after 24hr of treatment their lymphocytes were examined using the comet assay. Ganoderma extract consisted of Folin-positive material (68.9% of dry weight), but protein comprised only 7.3% of dry weight. Glucose accounted for 11. 1% and metals 10.2% of dry weight (K, Mg and Ca being the major components with Ge (often touted as being of value in sales literature for Ganoderma preparations) having the fifth highest metal concentration at 489 microg/g). In comparison to rodent chow, Ganoderma extract was a modest dietary supplement. No evidence was found for genotoxic chromosomal breakage nor cytotoxic effects by Ganoderma extract in the mouse, nor did it protect against the effects of ethyl methanesulfonate. We found no support in this study for the extract having any value in protecting against the test mutagen.
Insights
This study found that Ganoderma extract has no cytotoxic or genotoxic effects in mice. The mushroom extract did not protect against the mutagen ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS).
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Toxicology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Wild Ganoderma fruit bodies are often marketed for health benefits.
- The nutritive composition and safety of Ganoderma extracts require scientific evaluation.
- Previous claims suggest Ganoderma may offer protection against mutagens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the nutritive composition of a hot aqueous Ganoderma extract.
- To assess the cytotoxicity and in vivo genotoxicity of Ganoderma extract in mice.
- To investigate if Ganoderma extract protects against mutagen-induced DNA damage.
Main Methods:
- Nutrient analysis of Ganoderma extract (Folin, protein, glucose, metals).
- Acute and subchronic oral administration of Ganoderma extract to mice.
- Assessment of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity using the comet assay.
- Evaluation of protection against ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenicity.
Main Results:
- Ganoderma extract contained 68.9% Folin-positive material, 7.3% protein, 11.1% glucose, and 10.2% metals.
- No evidence of cytotoxicity or genotoxic chromosomal breakage was observed in mice.
- Ganoderma extract did not protect against the genotoxic effects of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS).
Conclusions:
- The evaluated Ganoderma extract is a modest dietary supplement with no observed toxic effects in mice.
- This study found no scientific support for Ganoderma extract protecting against the tested mutagen, EMS.
- Further research is needed to validate purported health benefits of Ganoderma species.