Antifibrotic activity a fermentation filtrate of Ganoderma lucidum.

The effects of a fermentation filtrate of Ganoderma lucidum (FGL) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatic fibrosis were investigated in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered with FGL (20 or 100 mg/kg) for 33 days, and orally administered with CCl(4) (1.0 mL/kg; 2 mL/kg of 50% in corn oil) at 3-day intervals 1 h after FGL treatment. Body and liver weights, blood and histopathological findings in accordance with hydroxyproline concentrations were analyzed. Chronic exposure to CCl(4) reduced the body weight gain, but increased liver weights and fibrosis, resulting in 3.35-fold increase in hydroxyproline level. Although FGL did not significantly reduce the CCl(4)-induced body and liver weight changes, it attenuated the increases in the hepatic fibrosis and hydroxyproline contents. Taken together, it is suggested that FGL might prevent hepatic fibrosis, and that FGL or its ingredient could be a potential candidate for the prevention of chronic hepatic disorders.