Hepatoprotective effect of Grifola frondosa water extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

The present study aimed at assessing the protective effect of water extract from fruit body of the Grifola frondosa (GFW) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity. Rats orally administered with GFW 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 g/kg for 14 days were treated with CCl4 to induce hepatotoxicity. Pretreatment with GFW remarkably prevented the elevation of serum AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, gamma-GTP, and liver lipid peroxides in CCl4-treated rat and GFW administration in liver injured rats by CC showed significant (p < 0.05) protection of liver as evidenced from normal serum enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In the ultrastructural changes, administration Of CCl4-induced damage of hepatocytes with vacuolation, a highly damaged endoplasmic reticulum, and degenerating nuclei. However, pre-administration with GFW preserved normal ultrastructure of hepatocytes. These results suggest that GFW had an effect to inhibit CCl4-induced liver injury in rat, and that it could be used as an effective hepatoprotective agent against chemical-induced liver damage