Effects of shiitake mushroom fiber complex on intestinal function in mice

Objective To study the effects of shiitake mushroom(Lentinula edodes) fiber complex on intestinal function in mice.Methods Kunming mice were randomly divided into 4 groups(normal control,model,Qingchang capsule150 mg/kg d,and shiitake mushroom fiber100 mg/kggroup).The mice in Qingchang capsule and shiitake mushroom fiber group were treated with Qingchang capsule and shiitake mushroom fiber complex by gavage and those in the normal control and model group were given distilled water consecutively for 15 days.The changes in the weight,intestinal flora,intestinal movement,and bowel movement of the mice after the treatments were observed.Results Compared with the control group,significant increases in the numbers of intestinal bifidobacteria(9.82±0.76 and 9.10±0.37 log cfu/g) and lactobacillus(9.67±0.71 and 9.02±0.19 log cfu/g)were observed in Qingchang capsule and shiitake mushroom fiber group after the treatment(all P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the peristaltic rate of small intestine of the mice in shiitake mushroom fiber group was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the time of first time defecation(141.70±14.86 minutes)extended and the feces weight within 5 hours(0.22±0.06 g)decreased for the model group(all P<0.01).Compared with model group,the time of first time defecation(101.40±7.56 and 92.50±10.96 minutes)was shortened significantly and the weight of defecation within 5 hours(0.50±0.12 and 0.46±0.12 g)was significantly increased for Qingchang capsule and shiitake mushroom fiber group(all P<0.01).Conclusion Shiitake mushroom fiber complex can effectively increase the numbers of bifidobacterium and lactobacillus in intestine,promote intestinal peristalsis,and improve constipation in mice.