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Phytochemical Profiles and Inhibitory Effects of Tiger Milk Mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) Extract on Ovalbumin-Induced Airway Inflammation in a Rodent Model of Asthma

Summary

This research investigated how Tiger Milk mushroom, traditionally used in Malaysia, could help treat asthma. The study found that extracts from this mushroom reduced inflammation and other asthma symptoms in laboratory rats. This is significant because it validates traditional knowledge with modern science and could lead to new asthma treatments. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides scientific evidence for a natural alternative to conventional asthma medications • Validates traditional medicine practices that have been used for generations • Could lead to development of new asthma treatments with potentially fewer side effects • Offers hope for asthma sufferers looking for complementary treatment options • Demonstrates the value of investigating traditional medicines using modern scientific methods

Background

Asthma affects 300 million people worldwide and results from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Allergic asthma is characterized by airway eosinophilia infiltration, increased serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokine levels. Lignosus rhinocerus, known locally as Tiger Milk mushroom, is traditionally used to treat asthma by indigenous communities in Malaysia, but its efficacy has not been scientifically validated.

Objective

To investigate the volatile constituents of L. rhinocerus hot water extract using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluate its potential anti-asthmatic effects on ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized asthmatic Sprague Dawley rats.

Results

GC-MS analysis revealed five main compound groups with 18 constituents total. Linoleic acid (21.35%), octadecane (11.82%) and 2,3-dihydroxypropyl elaidate (10.47%) were present in highest amounts. The extract significantly reduced total IgE in serum and IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 levels in BALF. It also effectively suppressed eosinophil numbers in BALF while attenuating eosinophil infiltrations in the lungs.

Conclusion

L. rhinocerus hot water extract has potential to be used as an alternative treatment for acute asthma based on its demonstrated anti-asthmatic effects in reducing allergic asthma parameters including IgE levels, Th2 cytokines, and eosinophil infiltration.
  • Published in:BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
  • Study Type:Animal Study,
  • Source: 10.1186/s12906-016-1141-x
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