OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of Armillariella tabescens on cisplatin chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal tract reaction.

METHODSForty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into control group, model group, low dose Armillariella tabescens group, middle dose Armillariella tabescens group, high dose Armillariella tabescens group and ondansetron group. The rats were injected intraperitoneally with cisplatin to induce pica, and observe the effect of Armillariella tabescens on consumption of kaolin, food, water and body weight.

RESULTS24-72 h after cisplatin administration, in the middle dose Armillariella tabescens group, the high dose Armillariella tabescens group and the ondansetron group, the kaolin intake was significantly lower than that in the model group, respectively (P<0.05). The most significant difference was between the high dose Armillariella tabescens group [(0.58 +/- 0.23) g/24 h] and the control group [(2.16 +/- 0.98) g/24 h] at 24 h after cisplatin administration. The variables, such as consumption of food during 48-72 h (P<0.05), water during 48-72 h (P<0.05), and body weight at 72 h (P<0.05) in the middle dose Armillariella tabescens group were significantly higher than those in the model group, but no statistically significant difference between the ondansetron group and the model group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSArmillariella tabescens can effectively inhibit the cisplatin-induced pica response, and the middle dose Armillariella tabescens group is significantly better than the model group in improving the food intake reduction, water intake reduction and body weight loss.