Medicinal Mushrooms Cordyceps militaris and Ganoderma lucidum-Based Beverage with Adjunctive Herbs Exerts Immunomodulatory and Hepatoprotective Effects in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice

This study evaluated the immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective therapeutic effects of a medicinal mushroom-based functional beverage (CGPL) combining Cordyceps militaris, Ganoderma lucidum, Panax ginseng, and Lycium barbarum in cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced immunosuppressed mice. CGPL was standardized for bioactive compounds (cordycepin, polysaccharides, saponins) and safety parameters (heavy metals, pesticide residues). Mice were divided into six groups (n = 10 per group) to exclusively assess CGPL's ability to reverse CYP-induced damage: normal control, CYP-treated model control (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, days 5-8), lentinan-treated positive control, and CGPL treatment (50/100/200 mg/kg; C. militaris: G. lucidum: P. ginseng: L. barbarum = 5:2.2:0.8:2) designed to assess therapeutic activity. Immune and hepatic biomarkers were measured to characterize therapeutic efficacy. Compared with the model control, CGPL significantly restored body weight (P < 0.01) and enhanced thymus/spleen indices. Leukocyte and platelet counts increased in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01), with elevated serum IL-2, TNF-α, and IgG concentrations (P < 0.05). Hepatoprotection was confirmed by reduced hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and transaminases (ALT), alongside restored superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) activities (P < 0.01). High-dose CGPL (200 mg/kg) showed maximal efficacy. CGPL exerted significant immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects in CYP-induced immunosuppressed mice, supported by its bioactive components from medicinal mushrooms and adjunctive herbs. CGPL thus represents a promising dietary supplement for supporting patients undergoing chemotherapy. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate its therapeutic applications in CYP-based immunosuppressive treatment regimens.