Ganoderma lucidum ethanol extract abrogates metabolic syndrome in rats: In vivo evaluation of hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hypotensive and antioxidant properties

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and central obesity remains a global menace. Ganoderma lucidum possesses various beneficial bioactivities. This study, thus, evaluated the efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum ethanol extract (GLEE) against MetS complications in rats. Thirty male rats were randomized into six groups (n = 5): Control, MetS control, MetS + standard drugs, MetS + GLEE (26 mg/kg), MetS + GLEE (44 mg/kg), and MetS + GLEE (70 mg/kg). Bodyweight, blood sugar, and pressure were monitored. Animals were sacrificed following two weeks of GLEE treatment post-MetS induction. Blood, pancreas, heart, liver, and kidney were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Plasma triacylglycerol (TAG), plasma and lipoproteins (HDL and LDL) cholesterol (CHOL) levels, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) level, were estimated in the pancreas, heart, liver, and kidneys. GLEE Phyto-analysis revealed terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. A dose-dependent total antioxidant capacity and, a near dose-dependent DPPH radical scavenging, and ferric ion reducing ability were exhibited by GLEE in vitro. GLEE (70 mg/kg) reversed significantly (p < 0.05) the MetS-induced hyperglycemia and hypertension. Furthermore, increments in plasma TAG, CHOL, LDL, and MDA levels reduced dose-dependently. Increased CAT (pancreas and heart) and SOD (the four organs) activities and, NRF2 protein levels significantly reduced in GLEE-treated group relative to MetS control. Histological evidence suggests that GLEE abated the MetS- induced cytomorphological derangements in the organs. This study concludes that GLEE may be a viable regimen against MetS and its attendant complications.