Hypolipidemic Effects of Antrodia Cinnamomea Extracts in High-Fat Diet-Fed Hamsters

Antrodia cinnamomea (AC) is a popular medicinal fungus used for treating hypertension, hepatotoxicity and tumors. This study aimed to examine the hypolipidemic properties of A. cinnamomea extracts (ACE) in high-fat diet-fed hamsters. Results showed that at concentrations 500, 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg, ACE showed no significant effect on total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein concentrations, but a trend of decrease in plasma triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels was noted, and a significant reduction in LDL was observed at 1,500 mg/kg ACE. ACE caused a significant decrease in liver triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations. ACE possessed the ability to enhance superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase production, and reduced the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances level in hyperlipidemic hamsters. These results conclude that ACE is able to lower the plasma triglycerides and LDL, liver triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations, as well as enhancing the level of antioxidant enzymes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Although AC is reputed to have cholesterol-lowering property among the local community, little is known about its effects on lipid metabolism. The present study has shown that the cultured ACE is able to lower the plasma triglycerides and LDL, liver triglycerides and total cholesterol concentrations, as well as enhancing the level of antioxidant enzymes. These findings have partly provided evidence to support the traditional use of ACE for the treatment and management of hyperlipidemia and related diseases.