Effects of Ganoderma lucidum on Chemical-Induced and Bacterial-Infected Corneal Ulceration of Rabbits’ Eyes

Abstract Background Corneal ulcerations are risks to blindness, and their treatment presents huge challenges, in part due to increased resistance to anti-bacterial drugs, accessibility and costs issues, particularly in developing countries. In this study, we investigated the pharmacological effect of Ganoderma Lucidum (G. lucidum), on chemical-induced and bacterial-infected corneal ulceration of rabbits’ eyes. Methods This was a randomized-controlled experiment of 16 healthy New Zealand rabbits, which were randomly assigned into four groups (A – D). The right eye corneas were injured using a drop of 1 molar sodium hydroxide and followed by infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa after 12 hours, in all groups except group A. Treatment with extracts of G. lucidum for groups A and B, the standard treatment protocol for group C, and atropine alone for group D commenced after 24 hours and continued every four hours for seven days. All data collected, pre- and post- tests, were analyzed at α = 0.05 using Wilcoxon signed-rank test for correlated variables and Mann-Whitney U test for independent variables. Results G. lucidum has significant clinical effects (47%) on corneal injury and ulcers (92%). The healing effects observed at the 168th hour were significantly better than those observed at the 24th hour (p < 0.05). Although the differences between the healing effects of the standard treatment and the extracts were not significant (p > 0.05), the mean effects size was clinically significant (31%). Conclusion This study demonstrates the potential antimicrobial potential of G. lucidum. G. lucidum may provide an alternative treatment option for chemical-induced and bacterial-infected corneal ulcers, particularly in resource-constrained countries.