Abstract

The hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic activity of three fungi basidiomycetes from Northeastern Mexico were investigated in this study. Aqueous and methanolic extracts fromLentinus lepideus, Calvatia cyathiformis and Ganoderma applanatum were orally administered to alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose and cholesterol was determined using an Accutrend Glucometer (Roche, Germany) at 0, 3 and 6 h after treatment administration. The rats that received the methanolic extract of L. lepideus had significantly lower glycemic levels at 3 (30%) and 6 h (35%). In contrast, the methanolic extracts of C. cyathiformis and G. applanatum had no significant differences when compared with the control group. No statistical difference in cholesterol levels was observed in the experimental groups when compared with the control group with any of the administered extracts.

Key words: Basidiomycetes, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, glibenclamide.