Efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in rats fed with high cholesterol diet

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the anti‐cholesterol activities of Ganoderma lucidum on Sprague–Dawley white rats.Design/methodology/approachRats were divided into four groups with a sample size of six rats per groups. Different formula diets were given to each group for a period of six months. At regular intervals, blood samples were taken and analysed for the total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and low density lipoprotein (LDL‐C) levels.FindingsAdministration of hyperlipidemia diet in rats fed with 1 per cent cholesterol diet caused an increase in the TC, TG, as well as LDL‐C level as compared to the control. A decrease of 23.6 per cent in the HDL‐C level was also noted. However, supplementation of the feed with G. lucidum (0.1 per cent) in rats decreased the TC, TG and LDL‐C level significantly (P < 0.05) while further increased the plasma concentration of HDL‐C. In the case of rats fed with diet containing a mixture of 1 per cent cholesterol and 0.1 per cent of Ganoderma, the lipid profile showed much higher readings (p < 0.05) compared to the chol group.Practical implicationsThe possible efficacy of G. lucidum in reducing the deposition of cholesterol in the wall of the blood vessels was indicated.Originality/valueThis article provides useful information to health care providers and consumers.