A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract in neurasthenia
Tang W, Gao Y, Chen G, Gao H, Dai X, Ye J, Chan E, Huang M, Zhou S
Published in Journal of Medicinal Food
Abstract
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 132 patients with neurasthenia (chronic fatigue-like syndrome). Reishi polysaccharide extract significantly improved fatigue, well-being, and various physical and psychological symptoms after 8 weeks. Immune markers (IL-2, IL-6) improved. Excellent tolerability. Demonstrates adaptogenic effects on stress and fatigue.
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with neurasthenia; Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract 1,440 mg/day (equivalent to 5.4 g fruiting body) versus placebo for 8 weeks; outcomes were Clinical Global Impression severity, a fatigue rating scale and well-being scores.
Key Findings
After 8 weeks, the reishi group showed significantly greater reductions in Clinical Global Impression severity scores and fatigue ratings, and greater improvement in sense of well-being, than placebo. The extract was well tolerated with no serious adverse events.
Conclusions
An 8-week course of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract reduced fatigue and improved well-being in patients with neurasthenia, supporting a modest anti-fatigue effect in this specific population.
Limitations
Single trial in one country using a subjective, culturally specific diagnosis (neurasthenia) with self-reported endpoints; no objective biomarkers of fatigue; short duration; findings have not been independently replicated, and results do not generalise to healthy people or to cancer-related fatigue.
Supplements Studied
After 8 weeks, the reishi group showed significantly greater reductions in Clinical Global Impression severity scores and fatigue ratings, and greater improvement in sense of well-being, than placebo. The extract was well tolerated with no serious adverse events.
Outcomes Measured
Reishi polysaccharide extract significantly improved fatigue, well-being, and physical/psychological symptoms in neurasthenia patients after 8 weeks. Immune markers improved. Demonstrates adaptogenic effects.
Study Details
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