Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 259-274 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 264 Sanghuangporus extract has been found to enhance T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation and natural killer (NK) cell activity, improving immune response in immunosuppressed conditions (Figure 5). Additionally, Sanghuangporus has been observed to modulate cytokine levels, contributing to its role in immune enhancement. Due to its immunomodulatory properties, Sanghuangporus shows potential in the management of immune-related diseases, including autoimmune disorders and conditions that require immune system support. Figure 5 Potential immunomodulatory mechanisms of Phellinus linteus (Adopted from Li et al., 2023) 3.4 Anti-inflammatory effects Sanghuangporus exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A study investigating Sanghuangporus's anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated that Sanghuangporus extract significantly decreased the expression of COX-2, iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells (Kim et al., 2019). The anti-inflammatory properties of Sanghuangporus suggest its potential application in managing inflammatory diseases such as colitis, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. For instance, Sanghuangporus was shown to ameliorate dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice by reducing inflammatory markers (Sun et al., 2018). 3.5 Hepatoprotective effects Sanghuangporus has demonstrated hepatoprotective effects by reducing liver enzymes and improving hepatic steatosis and inflammation. It modulates key metabolic pathways and targets such as the farnesol X receptor (FXR), providing a protective effect against chronic ethanol-induced liver injury (Dong et al., 2020). Sanghuangporus was found to significantly reduce serum biomarkers such as ALT, AST, triglycerides, and total bile acids, indicating its role in ameliorating liver damage and enhancing liver function. 3.6 Antidiabetic effects Sanghuangporus possesses antidiabetic properties, as it has been shown to improve glucose tolerance, reduce hyperglycemia, and normalize insulin levels. Its effects are partly due to the activation of GLUT4 translocation via the modulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway (Zheng et al., 2018). Studies involving KK-Ay mice with spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus showed that Sanghuangporus significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels and improved lipid profiles, suggesting its potential in managing diabetes and related metabolic disorders. 3.7 Cardiovascular protective effects Sanghuangporus has shown vasodilatory effects by influencing vascular smooth muscle cells and potassium channels. In studies using rat mesenteric arteries, Sanghuangporus extracts induced vasodilation in a dose-dependent manner, indicating their potential for managing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (Kwon
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