Dietary Intervention using Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Lucidum) Reduces Oxidative Stress and Enhances Erythrocyte/Serum Defense Systems in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease that causes high blood glucose which is called hyperglycemia. In addition to hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, which raises the risk of complications, is one of the many other important factors that contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of diabetes. The goal of the current study was to determine how well (Ganoderma lucidum) ethanol extract (GLE) intervenes against oxidative stress in living cells, with a focus on its mechanistic elements in the management of diabetes mellitus. Rats treated with alloxan showed a significant (p≤0.01) increase in serum glucose levels from 92.67 mg/dL in normal control rats to 311.24 mg/dL in treated rats. Serum glucose levels in rats fed GLE (200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg bw) for 28 days showed a significant (p≤0.05) decline, with values recorded at 294.26, 268.34, 210.17, and 192.78, respectively. With GLE intervention, there was a dose-dependent increase in the rate of serum glucose decrease. The biochemical indicators of oxidative stress levels in plasma, nitric oxide (NO), malonaldehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), all exhibited the same conduct. However, there was a notable (P≤0.05) increase in the various antioxidant protective mechanisms in the serum, which included bioactive molecules (GSH fractions), antioxidant vitamins (A, C, and E), and antioxidant enzymes [glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalases (CAT)]. Ultimately, these results establish a foundation for the application of (Ganoderma lucidum) extracts in the prevention and/or treatment of T2D by inhibiting oxidative stress, which is one of the factors contributing to the illness and its consequent challenges.