Genotoxicity and subchronic toxicity studies of Taiwanofungus camphoratus extract

Abstract

Taiwanofungus camphoratus is an edible and medicinal mushroom originating in Taiwan. Several researches have revealed T. camphoratus possessed various biological activities, including anti-cancer, immunomodulation, liver protection and anti-inflammation. Recently, it has been widely used in food supplements and drug development for its health benefits and medicinal properties. Therefore, the safety issue is the primary concern for consumers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicological effects of T. camphoratus extract that was composed of extracts from cut-log cultivated fruiting body and solid-state culture of T. camphoratus. The genotoxicity tests, rodent and non-rodent repeated dose toxicity studies were performed. The results of the genetic toxicology tests including in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay, in vitro chromosomal aberration test, and in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay were all negative that indicated neither mutagenicity nor clastogenicity was caused by T. camphoratus extract. Moreover, 13-week and 26-week repeated dose oral toxicity studies in rats showed that no significant adverse effects of T. camphoratus extract were found up to dosages of 3400 mg/kg and 1700 mg/kg for male and female rats, respectively. The results of 28-day repeated dose oral toxicity study in beagle dogs showed no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of T. camphoratus extract up to dosage of 1500 mg/kg for male and female dogs. Accordingly, these results provided the safety information of T. camphoratus extract that supported for using in food supplements or medicinal usage.