Oxidative stress and defense system of SD-rats were studied with an edible Nigerian mushroom, namely, Lentinus tuber-regium (Fries) Singer. Experimental diets prepared with Lentinus tuber-regium (LTR) instead of carbohydrates were fed to SD rats for 6 weeks. Hydroxyl radical (-OH) formations were significantly inhibited (21.7% and 16.4%, respectively). In LTR-50 and LTR-100 groups used instead of carbohydrates, and hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide (NO) were also significantly inhibited by 10%, and 6¡10%, respectively compared with control group, but there was no significant changes in superoxide radical (O©ü) formations in these groups. Lipid peroxide (LPO) and oxidized protein (OP) levels as an oxidative stress were desirably inhibited (6¡12% and 5¡13%, respectively) in these LTR groups compared with control group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly increased (15¡50%, 10¡25% and 60¡90%, respectively) in these LTR groups. These results suggest that an edible mushroom, Lentinus tuber-regium may inhibit an oxygen radicals and oxidative stresses, but may also effectively modulate an aging processes.
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