Antihypoxic activities of the golden Chanterelle Mushroom, Cantharellus cibarius (higher Basidiomycetes).

Abstract

Cantharellus cibarius is an edible mushroom with worldwide distribution. Because of its good radical scavenging and strong iron-chelating activity, this mushroom was nominated for assay of antihypoxic activity. Protective effects of Chanterelle extract against hypoxia-induced lethality in mice were evaluated by 3 experimental models of hypoxia: asphyctic, hemic, and circulatory. Antihypoxic activity was especially pronounced in the hemic model. The effect was dose dependent. C. cibarius extract (600 mg kg-1) kept the mice alive for 10.07 ± 1.18 min. It significantly (P < 0.0001) and dose dependently prolonged survival time compared to control group (7.00 ± 0.63 min). Extract at 300 mg kg-1 prolonged survival time to 9.94 ± 0.87 min, which was statistically significant (P < 0.0001) compared to control group. In circulatory model, C. cibarius extract (600 mg kg-1) was effective. It prolonged latency for death significantly with regard to the control group (15.18 ± 4.21 vs. 9.84 ± 0.75 min; P < 0.001). At 300 mg kg-1, the extract also prolonged survival time (13.57 ± 0.87 min), and this effect was also statistically significant compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Extract showed no activity in the asphyctic model. Mice in the control group died of hypoxia in 28.20 ± 3.27 min. Extract (600 mg kg-1) prolonged latency for death, but this activity was not statistically significant (P < 0.05). Phenytoin prolonged latency for death to 55.00 ± 6.05 min (P < 0.0001).