Study of solid cultivated fruit bodies of Antrodia camphorata combined with or without aspirin on neuroprotection and lowering the neurobehavioral deficits in rat ischemic stroke: evaluating the risks of inducing hemorrhagic side effects.

Antrodia camphorata (A. camphorata), a native species of fungi in Taiwan, is considered as a dietary supplement due to the enrichment of triterpenoid. It has been widely used in liver disease or even cancer treatment. Recently, some studies also indicated that A. camphorata may be beneficial on the prevention and treatment of stroke and cardiovascular diseases. However, there are no direct evidences to support these inferences. Stroke is the leading cause of vascular disease induced mortality and of morbidity, it severely affects human health. Development of stroke therapy progresses rarely because of the unpredictability of stroke. This project will evaluate the protective effect of A. camphorata fruiting bodies extract on ischemic stroke induced brain injury in rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model, and access the improvement of neurological behavioral deficits. Furthermore, we attempt to assess whether A. camphorata can improve the stroke and cardiovascular diseases through its antithrombotic effects by mice thrombosis model and platelet aggregometer. In addition, we will utilize electronic spin resonance spectrometer to determinate anti-free radical activity of A. camphorata. On the other hand, anti-platelet drugs are widely used in treatment and prevention of ischemic stroke in which aspirin is the most commonly used. However, many studies indicated aspirin has higher risk of hemorrhage. In Taiwan, many patients often take aspirin in combination with dietary supplement to treat or prevent cardiovascular disease. Therefore, to understand their interaction and side effects is an important issue of further study. This program will also evaluate the interaction and side effects of taking aspirin with A. camphorata. The completion of these assessments will provide scientific evidences for A. camphorata in the prevention of stroke and cardiovascular disease, and will improve the clinical application of A. camphorata from WELL SHINE biotech development company. Moreover, it may provide a novel direction for new-drug development in stroke therapy.