Effect of Coprinus comatus on Plasma Glucose Concentrations in Mice

Abstract

To investigate anecdotal evidence that Coprinus comatus can lower blood glucose, normal mice were fed a diet containing powdered dried fruit bodies of C. comatus (33.3% w/w). Plasma glucose concentrations were reduced after 11 days, and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance was improved. However, body weight gain was interrupted, although energy intake was not substantially reduced. Plasma glucose was marginally lowered 10 hours after intragastric administration of dried C. comatus (3.6 g/kg body weight). The results suggest a slowly generated, mild hypoglycaemic effect of C. comatus in normal mice, accompanied by metabolic effects capable of interrupting body weight gain.