Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Investigations of Methanol Extract of Ganoderma lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum is a popular woody and spongy mushroom (fungi) widely distributed throughout the world. It is commonly used in the production of nutriceuticals, functional foods and also serves as a therapeutic herb used in the treatment of several diseases. This study was aimed at evaluating the phytochemicals, proximate composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities as well as acute toxicity of the crude methanol extract of G. lucidum. The phytochemicals, proximate composition and antioxidant potential were determined using already established methods. The formalin-induced inflammation and acetic acid-induced writhing techniques were applied to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities respectively. Phytochemicals detected were saponins, flavonoids and terpenoids. The moisture content, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, total ash, alcohol extractive value and water extractive value were 12.53 ± 0.18%, 1.45 ± 0.21%, 2.68 ± 0.51%, 3.31 ± 0.2%, 1.41 ± 0.00% and 1.07 ± 0.01% respectively. The IC50 values for the DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the extract and ascorbic acid standard) were 31.56 ± 1.30 and 18.84 ± 2.06 µg/mL respectively. The crude extract at the dose of 50 mg/kg body weight showed the highest % inhibition of edema after 4 hours and there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the number of writhes in a dose dependent manner. In the oral administration of the crude extract to Swiss mice, 100% mortality was recorded at 5000 mg/kg. The study confirms that G. lucidum is a potential source of phytomedicine with substantial pharmacological and antioxidant properties but however, could be toxic at higher doses.