Ação do cogumelo Pleurotus ostreatus sobre a regulação glicêmica em camundongos C57BL/6 saudáveis.

Abstract

Mushrooms are considered ‘’superfoods’’ due to their various medicinal properties. Among them, the species Pleurotus ostreatus (Po) deserves to be highlighted because it is the most cultivated and used species of mushrooms in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, has several bioactive compounds and has potential for regulating blood glucose. In this context, the use of mushrooms as a non-medicated alternative seems promising in attenuating insulin resistance, a disorder of glucose metabolism related to several diseases. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of Po on blood glucose and insulin sensitivity in healthy C57BL / 6 mice. For this, the animals were evaluated at doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg / kg of Po extract administered by gavage for 4 weeks. Acutely, Po did not have a significant influence on blood glucose. The treatment for 4 weeks with the dose of 500 mg / kg was effective in increasing insulin sensitivity, without influencing weight gain, food intake and water intake. Finally, we highlight that the mushroom of the species Pleurotus ostreatus increases the sensitivity to insulin and, thus, has great therapeutic potential.