Acute toxicity investigation of polysaccharide extracts of Lentinus polychrous in rats

Abstract

Lentinus polychrous (LP) is an edible mushroom that has been increasingly used as a food or a nutritional supplement. The present study investigated acute toxicity of LP in rats. Male and female rats (n = 10/group) were administered a single-dose of 50, 500, and 2,500 mg/kg of polysaccharide extract from either LP fruiting body (PSF) or LP mycelium (PSM). Two control groups, untreated and vehicle (distilled water) administered were included. Body weight, food and water intake, general signs, and mortality were observed for 14 days. Blood samples and organ weights were evaluated at day 14. All treatments caused no effects on food and water consumption, body weight, general signs, gross pathology of organs, organ weight, hematological parameters, or changes in biochemical parameters. We conclude that the NOAEL (no observedadverse-effect level) dose is greater than 2,500 mg/kg.

Keywords

• Lentinus polychrous
• mushroom
• mycelia
• fruiting body
• acute toxicity