Effect of an Extract of Ganoderma Lucidum in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized and Dose-Ranging Study

Authors: Masanori Noguchi, Tatsuyuki Kakuma, Katsuro Tomiyasu, Yoshiko Kurita, Hiroko Kukihara, Fumiko Konishi, Shoichiro Kumamoto, Kuniyoshi Shimizu, Ryuichiro Kondo, and Kei Matsuoka

Journal: Asian Journal of Andrology

Study Design:

• Intervention: 0.6 mg, 6 mg, or 60 mg of Ganoderma lucidum extract or placebo once daily
• Participants: 88 men over the age of 50 with mild-to-moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Outcome Measures:
  • International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)
  • Peak urine flow rate (Qmax)
  • Prostate volume
  • Residual urine
  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels
  • Blood tests

Summary: This study investigated the effects of different doses of Ganoderma lucidum extract on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men. The extract was well-tolerated, with no major adverse effects reported. After 4 and 8 weeks, there were statistically significant improvements in IPSS scores (which measure the severity of LUTS) in the groups receiving the extract compared to the placebo group. However, there were no significant changes in peak urine flow rate, prostate volume, residual urine, PSA levels, or other blood test results. The study suggests that Ganoderma lucidum extract, particularly at a dose of 6 mg, may be effective in improving LUTS in men.