Protective potential of Ganoderma lucidum on human gut microbiota balance and rat intestinal morphology

Abstract

Background: Ganoderma lucidum (GL) can help to control the gut microbiota, a dynamic microbial community that is crucial for human health. Hypothesis: This work investigates the dose-dependent effects of GL on gut microbiota composition using integrated in-vitro and in-vivo approaches, as well as its possible modulatory role. Materials and Methods: 150 female college students, aged between 19 to 21 years, participated in this study. They were given 500 and 1000 mg of GL capsules daily as supplements. Albino rats (n=12) were divided into control and GL-treated groups (n=6 each); the treated group received 112.12 mg/kg/day orally for 1 month. In-vivo human composition was examined by CFU enumeration, biochemical assays, Gram staining, and 16S rDNA PCR analysis of female-derived isolates. In-vitro, intestinal morphology was studied using SEM, and the lowest effective dose of GL was determined using MIC and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Results: Significant (p <0.05) increases in gram-positive lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium sp. and decreases in gram-negative Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., and Gram-positive total aerobes in the gut microbiota. GL was also shown to be sensitive to Salmonella sp., E. coli, and total aerobes and resistant to lactic acid and Bifidobacterium sp. Following supplementation, the SEM investigation also noted certain morphological changes. Conclusion: Our findings showed a novel role for GL in beneficially modifying the gut microbiota and maintaining small intestinal integrity through antimicrobial activity.