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Comparative Efficacy of Antrodia cinnamomea on Liver Function Biomarkers in Mice and Rats: A Network Meta-Analysis

Summary

This study compared different extracts from a medicinal mushroom called Antrodia cinnamomea to see which ones work best for protecting liver health. Researchers analyzed data from multiple animal studies and found that extracts rich in compounds called triterpenoids were the most effective at improving liver function and reducing inflammation. The findings suggest that this mushroom could potentially become a natural treatment option for liver disease in the future.

Background

Liver diseases, particularly metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), represent a major global health challenge with rising prevalence and potential progression to severe conditions. Antrodia cinnamomea, a medicinal mushroom native to Taiwan, has been used in traditional medicine for treating liver dysfunction. Despite growing interest in its hepatoprotective properties, the comparative efficacy of different bioactive extracts remains unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to systematically evaluate and compare the hepatoprotective efficacy of different bioactive extracts from Antrodia cinnamomea (triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and ubiquinone derivatives) on liver function biomarkers using network meta-analysis of animal experiments. The analysis focused on alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels.

Results

High-dose triterpenoids were most effective in reducing ALT (MD: −42.37, 95% CI: −54.19 to −30.54) and AST (MD: −50.18, 95% CI: −73.31 to −27.05). For oxidative stress, high-dose triterpenoids showed the most pronounced reduction in MDA (MD: −19.05, 95% CI: −24.00 to −14.09). For inflammation, high- and medium-dose triterpenoids significantly reduced TNF-α levels with overlapping confidence intervals indicating similar efficacy.

Conclusion

High-dose triterpenoids from Antrodia cinnamomea demonstrated favorable and consistent effects across multiple liver function biomarkers, highlighting their potential value for future liver-related therapeutic strategies. Polysaccharides and antroquinonol also showed beneficial effects, particularly in attenuating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, though with comparatively moderate efficacy.
  • Published in:Antioxidants (Basel),
  • Study Type:Network Meta-analysis,
  • Source: PMID: 40563294
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