Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum Extract on Morphine-Induced Addiction and Memory Impairment in Mice

Ganoderma lucidum extract (Lingzhi) has been used so far with various pharmacological effects. However, the reports on its effects on drug addiction, especially morphine, and morphine-induced memory impairment in vivo, remain limited. In the present study, the effect of G. lucidum extracts on preventing morphine addiction was evaluated by the conditioned place preference model. The extract's learning and memory improvement activities on morphine-induced memory loss were examined using Y maze, novel recognition, and Morris water maze tests. The results found that G. lucidum extracts at doses of 200-400 mg/kg decreased conditioned place preference score and increased the percentage of alteration, novel object exploration, and prolongation of locating hidden platform. With these doses, G. lucidum extracts prevented morphine addiction and improved short-term memory, visual memory, and long-term memory impairment caused by morphine. Our results first demonstrated that G. lucidum extracts promised as an effective natural source in treating drug addiction and morphine-induced memory loss.