Mushroom insoluble polysaccharides prevent carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rat

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of mushroom insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (MINSP) on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatic damage in rat. MINSP (100 and 200 mg/kg) administered daily orally for 15 days before CCl₄ (1.5 ml/kg). The effect of MINSP treatment was also examined in normal rats. Normal groups treated with MINSP showed significant decrease in serum activities of the liver enzymes, lipid peroxides and nitric oxide (NO) in the liver. Reduced glutathione (GSH) and total proteins (TP) contents in liver homogenate also increased after treatment with only MINSP for 15 days. In CCl₄-treated rats, significant elevation in serum liver enzymes, increased lipid peroxides and NO in the liver, and depletion of hepatic-GSH level were observed. Pre-treatment with MINSP significantly ameliorated the tested parameters when compared with CCl₄-treated group. It improved the antioxidant activity of the liver in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological examination of hepatic tissue revealed that MINSP administration alone protected hepatocytes from the damage induced by CCl₄. Conclusion: MINSP are safe; it could be used as fat replacer in processing low fat diet. MINSP represents a good functional food and liver supporter for patient suffering from various liver diseases.