<![CDATA[The immune system protects the body through the activation of immune cells, which can be supported by polysaccharides from wood ear mushrooms as potential immunomodulators. This study aimed to determine the effect of wood ear mushroom extract on leukocyte count and lymphocyte percentage in male Wistar rats. A true experimental post-test-only control group design was used with 25 male Wistar rats divided into five groups: extract doses of 300, 400, and 500 mg/kg body weight, a positive control group received an immune booster supplement, and a negative control group. The treatments were administered orally for 10 days. Leukocyte counts and lymphocyte percentages were measured using a hematology analyzer. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, one-way ANOVA, and DMRT as a post hoc test. Leukocyte counts showed no significant differences among groups (p > 0.05), whereas lymphocyte percentages differed significantly (p = 0.0005). Bonferroni post hoc analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Based on the DMRT results, 400 mg/kg body weight was considered the optimal dose because it belonged to the same subset as the positive control. Wood ear mushroom extract has potential as a natural immunomodulator that may enhance adaptive immune responses. Further studies are recommended to assess immune parameters before and after treatment and to identify bioactive compounds involved in its immunomodulatory effects.]]>
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