Hepatoprotective activities of aqueous extract of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) against lead-induced hepatotoxicity in albino Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)

The present study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective activities of aqueous extract of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) against lead-induced hepatotoxicity in Rattus norvegicus (albino Wistar rat). The different groups of the animals (groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and  6) were administered  a single dose of lead after groups 3, 4, 5 and 6  have been pre-treated with aqueous extract  of  Pleurotus ostreatus at  concentrations of 50mg/kg, 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg  daily, respectively for 21 days. Hepatoprotective effects were studied by the liver marker enzymes concentration assay [Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)]. Hepatotoxicity- induced rats (group 2(control II)) showed increased level of ALT and AST (26.25 ± 1.49 vs 21.57±1.32 and 54.75 ± 5.13 vs 35.5±1.66 U/L, P < 0.05) in serum when compared to group 1(control I).  On the other hand, the rats pre-treated with aqueous extract of Pleurotus ostreatus showed hepatoprotective effects by maintaining the levels of ALT (group 3: 14.00± 1.58, group 4: 15.50± 2.18, group 5: 14.75± 2.50 and group 6: 13.75 ± 1.18 U/L) and AST (group 3: 37.75 ± 5.20, group 4: 44.25 ± 2.87, group 5: 51.25 ± 1.89 and group 6: 44.00 ± 1.96 U/L,) in the serum around the normal levels.  These were observed to be significantly lower than group 2. This result reveals that aqueous extract of Pleurotus ostreatus demonstrated some degree of hepatoprotection against lead induced hepatocellular injury. Hence, it is recommended that Pleurotus ostreatus be included as one of the functional food with hepatoprotective qualities.