Agaricus blazei Murrill does not reduces obesity or hepatic steatosis but improves glucose tolerance and hepatic cholesterol in obese mice

Abstract

Obesity is strongly associated with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), and there is a pressing need for new therapeutic strategies. The mushroom Agaricus blazei Murrill (ABM) contains bioactive compounds with potential metabolic effects, although experimental evidence remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of ABM supplementation on metabolic and hepatic parameters in obese mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks to induce obesity, and subsequently assigned to three groups: OB-CTL (control, water), OB-ABM1 (10% ABM), and OB-ABM2 (5% ABM), treated by daily gavage for 12 weeks while maintaining the HFD. Body weight, food intake, adiposity, blood glucose, plasma and hepatic lipid profiles, and liver steatosis were assessed. ABM supplementation did not affect body weight, food consumption, or fat accumulation. However, OB-ABM1 mice exhibited improved glucose tolerance, as evidenced by a reduced area under the curve in the glucose tolerance test. No changes were observed in plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Interestingly, both ABM-treated groups showed a significant reduction in hepatic cholesterol content, without alterations in macro- or microvesicular steatosis. In conclusion, ABM did not prevent obesity or hepatic steatosis but exerted modest beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and hepatic cholesterol metabolism. Further studies are warranted to clarify the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of ABM supplementation, particularly in models of established obesity.