Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: Antrodia cinnamomea is found with polysaccharides, lipids, vitamins, fibers and ash (minerals) and is well known in Taiwan as a traditional Chinese medicine. Its biological activities have been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory effects, but its protective effects on liver function are still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We determined if Antrodia cinnamomea was hepatoprotective against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) toxicity in Wistar rats. Six groups were used in the study: 1) control (no induction by CCl(4)); 2) negative control (CCl(4)-induction and no treatment); 3) positive control (silymarin treatment); 4) groups 4-6 were treated with CC1(4) and different concentrations (350 mg/kg, 1,400 mg/kg, 3,150 mg/kg) of Antrodia cinnamomea. Blood and liver samples of rats were harvested and then detected by biochemical and tissue histochemical analysis. Activity of the antioxidative enzymes glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in the liver were also monitored. RESULTS: Only the high-dose treatment was able to decrease serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) levels and improve liver function. High and medium doses increased total liver protein and reduced hydroxyproline. It was also observed that the high dose treatment reduced lipid peroxidation. Liver sections of CC1(4) treated animals receiving Antrodia cinnamomea showed less fibrosis compared to the CCl(4) control group. CONCLUSION: This finding suggested that Antrodia cinnamomea can either enhance liver recovering from CCl(4) damage or attenuate CCl(4) toxicity in rats.