A Placebo-Controlled, Pseudo-Randomized, Crossover Trial of Botanical Agents for Gulf War Illness: Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica), and Epimedium (Epimedium sagittatum)

Authors: Jarred Younger, Emily K. Donovan, Kathleen S. Hodgin, and Timothy J. Ness

Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Study Design:

• Intervention: Reishi mushroom (1600 mg and 3200 mg), Stinging nettle (435 mg and 1305 mg), Epimedium (500 mg and 1000 mg) (lower dose) and icariin (100 mg and 200 mg).
• Participants: 29 men with Gulf War Illness (GWI)
• Duration: Each botanical trial consisted of 30 days of placebo, 30 days of lower-dose botanical, and 30 days of higher-dose botanical.
• Outcome Measures: GWI symptom severity

Summary: This study investigated the effects of reishi mushroom, stinging nettle, and epimedium on symptoms of Gulf War Illness (GWI). The results showed that stinging nettle, especially at a higher dose, significantly reduced GWI symptoms compared to placebo. Reishi mushroom did not show a significant decrease in symptoms at the lower dose and was associated with increased symptom severity at the higher dose. Epimedium did not show any significant changes in GWI symptom severity.