Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 259-274 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 266 Sanghuangporus polysaccharides have been shown to modulate gut microbiota and ameliorate hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. By improving gut dysbiosis, Sanghuangporus may help prevent complications associated with diabetes, such as inflammation and tissue injuries. Supplementation with Sanghuangporus has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and antioxidative capacity in diabetic mice, suggesting its potential in preventing the progression of diabetes and its related complications (Ni et al., 2023). 4.3 Liver diseases Sanghuangporus has shown hepatoprotective effects against liver injury. A study using a chronic ethanol-induced liver injury model in mice found that Sanghuangporus decoction significantly reduced the levels of serum biomarkers, such as ALT and AST, and improved hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Sanghuangporus was found to regulate key metabolic pathways, including biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and primary bile acid biosynthesis, providing a protective effect against liver injury (Dong et al., 2020). Sanghuangporus not only protects the liver from damage but also shows potential in preventing liver fibrosis. Its ability to modulate lipid metabolism and reduce inflammation suggests that Sanghuangporus could be an effective natural agent in improving liver function and preventing the progression of liver diseases. 4.4 Cardiovascular disorders Sanghuangporus has demonstrated effects on cardiovascular health by influencing factors such as lipid metabolism, blood pressure, and endothelial function. Sanghuangporus extracts have shown vasodilatory effects in rat mesenteric arteries, indicating their potential role in managing hypertension. The extract induces vasodilation in a dose-dependent manner, which is associated with the activation of calcium-activated potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells (Kwon et al., 2020). By promoting vasodilation and improving blood pressure regulation, Sanghuangporus may help in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties further contribute to its protective effects on the cardiovascular system. 4.5 Other chronic diseases While research on Sanghuangporus's role in neurodegenerative diseases is still emerging, its known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties suggest potential benefits in preventing or slowing the progression of conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, Sanghuangporus has been reported to modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in various chronic conditions. In a study on hyperuricemia and acute gouty arthritis, Sanghuangporus exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity by down-regulating the secretions of IL-1β and IL-6, indicating its potential in managing inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (Li et al., 2022). 5 Clinical Research on Safety and Efficacy 5.1 Overview of clinical trials and human studies Several clinical trials and pilot studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of Sanghuangporus species, in various health conditions. Most studies have focused on the related species Sanghuangporus due to its similar pharmacological profile. One clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Sanghuangporus extract for treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in 24 patients. The study demonstrated that the extract significantly improved symptoms of KOA without any adverse events (Ryu et al., 2022). Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial assessed the efficacy of Sanghuangporus extract in enhancing immunity. It found that the extract improved natural killer cell activity and interleukin-6 levels, indicating an immune-enhancing effect (Ku and Kang, 2022). 5.2 Safety profile of Sanghuangporus Toxicity studies on Sanghuangporus extracts have shown a favorable safety profile. In the study on KOA, no adverse events related to Sanghuangporus were reported, and there were no abnormal hematological or physical findings, suggesting the extract is safe for consumption at the administered doses (Ryu et al., 2022). Another
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