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ABSTRACT
Ganoderma lucidum have been used for centuries in the management of chronic diseases including diabetes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sub chronic toxicity and possible antidiabetic effects on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A total of 20 rats were used in sub chronic toxicity for 45 days, while in vivo antidiabetic study was carried out using streptozotocin model. Wistar rats were divided into six groups (Group 1 through 6). Group 1 served as the normal control and was given water only. Diabetes was induced in rats of groups 2, 3 and 4 by single dose intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight) to overnight fasted rats. Only rats with fasting blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL were used for this study. Methanol extract of G. lucidum (30, 50, 100 mg/kg body weight) were administered to rats of group 4, 5 and 6 respectively for 14 days, while group 3 was administered antidiabetic drug gliberclamide (10 mg/kg body weight) only for 14 days . Blood glucose was monitored on Day 0, Day 1, Day 7 and Day 14. After 14 days experimental period fasting blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Tissues (liver, pancreas, heart and kidney) were excised out and weighed and histology was carried out. Results show that methanol extract of G. lucidum administered to normal rats for 45 day did not alter biochemical changes, which suggest that the extract is safe. The extract given to diabetic rats showed a significant increase in body mass index when compared with the diabetic control. Also, a significant decrease in blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C level with significant increase in HDL-C was seen in the diabetic treated rats at all doses when compared with the diabetic control. A significant decrease in the weight of the pancreas and a significant increase in the weight of the liver were seen in the diabetic control rats when compared with the diabetic treated groups. Therefore results from this findings show that methanol extract of G. lucidum possess antidiabetic activities and could regenerate damaged pancreatic cells.
