Hepatoprotective and immune modulating effects of Grifola frondosa water extract on the CCl4-induced liver injury in rats.

The whole extract or isolated compounds of mushroom have shown biologic effects such as modulation of the immune system. The aim of the present study is to investigate hepatoprotective and immunomodulative activities of water extract from Grifola frondosa, a popular mushroom in Asia for its tasty flavor, against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury. Administration of CCl₄ (1 ml/kg body weight for 3 days) caused liver injury revealed as increased the serum level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and local infiltration of inflammatory cells. CCl₄ administration also induced immunosuppression as indicated by decreased expression of IL-6 and increased expression of MCP-1 and MMP-2. The pre-administration of water extract from Grifola frondosa for 14 days significantly prevented the changes in AST/ALT activity and altered expression of IL-6, MCP-1, and MMP-2 in liver tissue. In addition, water extract from Grifola frondosa blocked the local infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver. These results indicate that the water extract from Grifola frondosa may have a protective role against CCl₄ toxicity in the liver of rat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]