The effects of Coprinus comatus supplementation on glycemic control, antioxidant defense, and DNA damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Kristina Atlagic, Mirjana Mihailovic, Jelena Arambasic-Jovanovic, Tijana Cvetic-Antic, Jovana Lukicic, Miroslav Zivic, Svetlana Dinic, Nevena Grdovic, Aleksandra Uskokovic, Andjela Laudanovic, Melita VidakovicCoprinus comatus is an edible mushroom with potential antidiabetic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic and protective effects of lyophilized and powdered fruiting bodies of Coprinus comatus in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in the animals by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (30 mg/kg/day for four consecutive days), and hyperglycemia was confirmed 24 h after the final STZ dose. Diabetic rats were orally treated with powdered C. comatus fruiting bodies for four weeks following the final STZ administration. Biochemical parameters, including fasting blood glucose levels, oxidative stress markers, and the extent of tissue DNA damage, were evaluated. The results showed that C. comatus significantly lowered blood glucose levels, improved antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced DNA damage in kidney tissue. These findings suggest that C. comatus exerts antidiabetic effects by improving glycemic control, lowering blood glucose levels, and reducing kidney DNA damage in diabetic rats to levels comparable with those of the control group, highlighting its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent in diabetes management.