The potential of reishi mushrooms in treating obesity.

Research by scientists in Taiwan (China) suggests the potential of reishi mushrooms in treating obesity and related diseases, at least in mice.

In a new experiment published in the journal Nature Communications, the research team suggests that Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms (scientifically known as reishi mushrooms) may help regulate harmful microbial flora while enhancing the protective effects of beneficial bacteria residing in the gut of obese mice that had consumed a high-fat diet.

Research team suggests the potential of reishi mushrooms to treat obesity in mice. (Image: Medical Xpress)

These beneficial bacteria prevent the leakage of toxins from harmful bacteria through the intestinal wall. Scientists found that mice fed a high-fat diet and given a solution containing reishi mushroom extract for two weeks had an increased number of bacteria protecting the intestinal wall and reduced levels of inflammation in the blood compared to the control group.

Conversely, mice not treated with reishi mushroom extract were obese, insulin resistant, had high levels of inflammation, and had significant fat accumulation under the skin and in the internal organs. The group of mice on a high-fat diet but treated with the highest dose (a solution containing 8% reishi mushroom extract) had the same body weight as the normal-eating mice and significantly lower than the mice on a high-fat diet but not treated.

According to Alobacsi.vn