Hypotriglyceridemic effect of the antler-shaped fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum on the high-fat diet induced hyperlipidemia in Syrian hamsters

Abstract

The effect of the antler-shaped fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum (Rokkaku-Reishi, RR), which has been used as a traditional supplement for human health, on the high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia was investigated in Syrian hamsters. RR was administered to the hamsters by adding the dried and powdered fruiting body to the high-fat diet at doses of 0.1 and 1.0% (w/w). One week later, non-fasting plasma samples were collected and the levels of triglyceride (TG) were determined. The results were as follows : hypertriglyceridemia was induced by the high-fat diet and the elevated TG was significantly suppressed by the RR administration in a dose-dependent manner. Fasting plasma TG at 2 weeks after the administration was also significantly decreased in the RR-administered hamsters. These findings suggest that RR possesses hypotriglyceridemic effect.