Medicinal Mushrooms Cordyceps militaris and Ganoderma lucidum-Based Beverage with Adjunctive Herbs Exerts Immunomodulatory and Hepatoprotective Effects in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice

Ren, C., Yang, J., Yang, D., Wang, Y., Luo, S., Liu, L., Cao, Q., Fan, H., Xie, J., Vriesekoop, F., Zhang, H. and Xie, G. (2026) Medicinal Mushrooms Cordyceps militaris and Ganoderma lucidum-Based Beverage with Adjunctive Herbs Exerts Immunomodulatory and Hepatoprotective Effects in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. ISSN 1521-9437

Text F Vriesekoop Medicinal Mushrooms (Cordyceps militaris, Asomycetes; Ganoderma lucidum, Agaricomycetes) OCR Upload.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 1 June 2027. Download (830kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

This study evaluated the immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective therapeutic effects of a medicinal mushroom-based functional beverage (CGPL) combining Cordyceps militaris, Ganoderma lucidum, Panax ginseng, and Lycium barbarum in cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced immunosuppressed mice. CGPL was standardized for bioactive compounds (cordycepin, polysaccharides, saponins) and safety parameters (heavy metals, pesticide residues). Mice were divided into six groups (n = 10 per group) to exclusively assess CGPL’s ability to reverse CYP-induced damage: normal control, CYP-treated model control (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, days 5-8), Lentinan-treated positive control, and CGPL treatment (50/100/200 mg/kg; C. militaris: G. lucidum: P. ginseng: L. barbarum = 5:2.2:0.8:2) designed to assess therapeutic activity. Immune and hepatic biomarkers were measured to characterize therapeutic efficacy. Compared to the model control, CGPL significantly restored body weight (p < 0.01) and enhanced thymus/spleen indices. Leukocyte and platelet counts increased in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01), with elevated serum IL-2, TNF-α, and IgG concentrations (p < 0.05). Hepatoprotection was confirmed by reduced hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and transaminases (ALT), alongside restored superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) activities (p < 0.01). High-dose CGPL (200 mg/kg) showed maximal efficacy. CGPL exerted significant immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects in CYP-induced immunosuppressed mice, supported by its bioactive components from medicinal mushrooms and adjunctive herbs. CGPL thus represents a promising dietary supplement for supporting patients undergoing chemotherapy. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate its therapeutic applications in CYP-based immunosuppressive treatment regimens.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Harper Food Innovation
Depositing User:	Mrs Susan Howe
Date Deposited:	01 Apr 2026 14:40
Last Modified:	01 Apr 2026 14:40
URI:	https://hau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18347

Actions (login required)

Edit Item