Background: Coriolus versicolor (CV) is a common mushroom with antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory properties. The existence of these properties has been extensively proven mainly using CV extract; research on the biomass form is scarce.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of the CV biomass form, as it is commonly used as a food supplement.
Design: CV biomass powder was dissolved in distilled water and administered daily (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 g/kg live weight) in single doses by gavage to both female and male Charles River albino rats.
Results: No adverse or lethal effects were observed as a consequence of the daily administration of CV biomass. In addition, compared with the control group, no abnormal findings were observed at necropsy and histopathological examination.
Conclusions: A safe profile of CV biomass for human consumption can be inferred from the absence of any remarkable adverse effects in rats.
Keywords: Coriolus versicolor; biomass; food supplement; mushrooms; safety assessment.