Effects of a Hot-Water Extract of Trametes versicolor (L.: Fr.) Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) on the Recovery of Rat Liver Function

Abstract

To investigate influences of Trametes versicolor on hepatocarcinoma and regenerated normal hepatocytes, hot-water extract (CVA) and ethanol-soluble (CVB) and ethanol-insoluble (CVC) fractions of its basidiocarps were examined for growth inhibition of hepatoma cells and primary culture of hepatocytes isolated from regenerated rat liver at 24 h after partial hepatectomy were studied for effects on DNA, RNA, protein, and collagen biosynthesis. Fractions CVA, CVB, and CVC inhibited the growth of the SK-Hep-1 cell line at a concentration of 100 μg/ml. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of CVA, CVB, and CVC fractions against SK-Hep-1 were 36.9, 64.2, and 37.1 μg/ml, respectively. In DNA biosynthesis ability that was measured by incorporation of [3H]thymidine in the primary cultured hepatocytes, fractions CVA and CVC augmented DNA biosynthesis by 1.5- and 1.4-fold of that of the control, respectively. Fractions CVA and CVC also increased RNA biosynthesis ability to 1.5- and 1.8-fold of that of the control, respectively. Fractions CVA and CVC potentiated protein biosynthesis ability to 1.4- and 1.5-fold to that of the control, respectively. Stimulatory effects of both CVA and CVC fractions on collagen biosynthesis were 1.2-fold of that of the control, respectively. In summary, it was found that all three fractions significantly inhibited human hepatoma cell growth in vitro at a concentration of 100 μg/ml and fractions CVA and CVC significantly restored the function of the regenerated hepatocytes. Therefore, the high molecular weight fraction, CVC, showed inhibitory action on the hepatoma cell and stimulatory or recovery functions of normal hepatocytes. Therefore the high molecular weight fraction of T. versicolor has the potential to be developed as a hepatoprotective agent.