Effects of Agaricus blazei and Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms on embryonic and gestational development of Wistar rats

Daily intake of edible mushrooms during the pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects on embryonic and gestational development in pregnant rats exposed daily to Agaricus blazei and Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms. Methods: After the confirmation of pregnancy (1st day) the animals were randomly separated into 5 groups (n=6, each): saline control (Cs), A. blazei (Ab1-8, 1st - 8th day), A. blazei (Ab9-19, 9th - 19th day), G. lucidum (Gl1-8, 1st - 8th day) and G. lucidum (Gl1-19, 9th - 19th day). The animals received daily, via gavage, 1.5 mL of each mushroom (100 mg/kg of lyophilized powder dissolved in saline solution). On the 20th gestational day, the females were euthanized for blood collection (biochemical and hematological analyses); kidneys and placenta (histological analyses); uterine horns (morphometric and morphological analyses of the fetuses). Results: No deleterious effects were observed in the reproductive and gestational profile of the rats, nor any changes in hematological parameters. No hepatotoxicity or maternal nephrotoxicity was observed, but there was a plasma reduction of total cholesterol and triglycerides. G. lucidum increased the glycogen-producing cells in the placenta in the period before implantation. As for the offspring, there was a significant decrease in the weight of the fetuses of both groups exposed to mushrooms. Conclusion: Oral administration of Agaricus blazei and Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms in pregnant rats positively reduced total cholesterol and triglycerides, revealing a cardioprotective effect. The use of these mushrooms during the gestational period was safe, had no teratogenic effects and led to a weight reduction of the offspring, which can be useful in occurrences of gestational Diabetes mellitus.