Cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum on isoproterenol–induced heart failure

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum), a medicinal mushroom, exerts protective effects on cardiovascular diseases but, it’s effect in isoproterenol-induced heart failure has not been studied. Therefore, the aim of the present study was whether G. lucidum has protective effects in isoproterenol-induced heart failure.

Thirty male Wistar rats were assigned into five groups (n=6) of control, heart failure (HF) and G. lucidum (50, 100 and 200mg/kg). For induction of HF in rats, isoproterenol (5mg/ kg) was injected subcutaneously for two weeks. In G. lucidum treated groups, G. lucidum was orally gavaged for three weeks and on day 8 isoproterenol was injected for two weeks. Then, Electrocardiogram pattern and cardiodynamic parameters, as well as myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde level, cardiac remodeling and apoptosis were studied.

G. lucidum improved hemodynamic factors such as mean arterial blood pressure as well as electrocardiogram pattern. Pre-treatment with G. lucidum also decreased myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde level and apoptosis in cardiac tissue. Histopathologic results showed a decrease in cardiac necrosis and fibrosis. However, it had no significant effect on cardiac hypertrophy.

Our results show that pre-treatment with G. lucidum demonstrates protective effects against HF, and thereby suggest that G. lucidum can be considered as a possible clinical use for preventive and adjuvant treatment in heart failure.