Hepatoprotective Effects of Polysaccharides Isolated from Phellinus gilvus Against Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Liver Injury in Rats

Phellinus gilvus (PG) is a widely used mushroom for health promotion. We studied the hepatoprotective effect of the polysaccharide aqueous extract of PG (PGP) against carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$)-induced liver injury in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: Normal control, $CCl_4$ control, PGP 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg + $CCl_4$. The levels of serum biochemical parameters, liver lipid peroxide and antioxidant enzymes, and histological appearances were evaluated. The $CCl_4$-induced increments of alanine aminotransferase, asparate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels in serum were significantly decreased by PGP-pretreatments. The PGP dose-dependently decreased hepatic malondialdehyde formations in $CCl_4$-treatment groups. Hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) were elevated by PGP in $CCl_4$-treatment groups. Histopathological evaluation of liver showed that the loss of hepatocytes, fatty changes, swelling and extensive necrosis of hepatocytes in centrilobular regions of the $CCl_4$-treated rats were ameliorated by PGP pretreatment. The PGP has hepatoprotective and antioxidative effects in $CCl_4$-induced liver injury of rat.