Abstract: Objective: To explore the protective function of polysaccharides from different parts (fruitbodies, mycelia and residual solid medium) of cultured Cordyceps sinensis on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in mice. Methods: Totally 60 healthy male mice with the body weight of (20 ± 2) g were randomly divided into 6 groups: control group, acute CCl4 hepatic injury model group, sporophore polysaccharide group, mycelium polysaccharide group, solid culture residue polysaccharide group and positive control group with 10 mice in each group. The activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total protein (TP) were determined. The morphology of liver tissues was examined. Results: An obvious inhibition effect of polysaccharides from fruitbodies, mycelia and residual solid medium of Cordyceps sinensis on the increases of AST and ALT activities in serum and MDA in liver was observed. In contrast, the polysaccharides from the three sources could decrease SOD activity in liver and ameliorate local necrosis in liver. Conclusion: The three polysaccharides from Cordyceps sinensis have an obvious protective effect against chemical-induced liver damage. Fruitbody polysaccharides are superior to mycelium polysaccharides.

Key words: cultured Cordyceps sinensis, solid culture residue, mycelium, fruitbody, polysaccharide, liver injury