Abstract
The shiitake culinary-medicinal mushroom Lentinus edodes (=Lentinula edodes) has been used as a nutritional complement. This study evaluated, through reprotox tests, the consumption of L. edodes in pregnant rats, considering it as a functional food. Pregnant rats were daily exposed to L. edodes before implantation (LeB)-from 1 to 19 days of gestation, and after implantation (LeA)-from 9 to 19 days of gestation, compared with controls. On the 20th day of gestation, cesarean sections were performed. Blood was collected and hematological parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, white and red blood cells and platelets) were analyzed. Moreover, albumin, calcium, creatine kinase, alkaline phosphatase, transferases, creatinine, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, lipase, glucose, and insulin were assessed in serum. Organs were collected and weighed, and the fetuses were analyzed morphologically by body measurements. The consumption of L. edodes reduced triglycerides levels and there were no changes in maternal weight, biochemical and hematological parameters, organ weight, and reproductive capacity. There were no morphological changes in the fetuses' body measurements, suggesting possible safety in ingestion of mushroom. Reprotox tests used to evaluate the daily consumption of L. edodes points out potentiality as a functional food, suggesting safety during the gestational period.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
