A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Platelet and Global Hemostatic Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum (Ling-Zhi) in Healthy Volunteers

Authors: Yung Kwok, Kwok F. J. Ng, Carina C. F. Li, Clarence C. K. Lam, and Ricky Y. K. Man

Journal: Anesthesia & Analgesia

Study Design:

• Intervention: 1.5 g Ganoderma lucidum capsules or placebo daily
• Participants: 40 healthy volunteers
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Outcome Measures:
  • Routine hematology tests (complete blood count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time)
  • von Willebrand ristocetin cofactor (vWF:Rco) activity and fibrinogen concentration
  • Thrombelastography (TEG)
  • Platelet function analyzer (PFA-100)

Summary: This study investigated the effects of Ganoderma lucidum on blood clotting and platelet function in healthy volunteers. After 4 weeks of taking Ganoderma lucidum or a placebo, there were no significant differences between the two groups in any of the blood tests or measures of platelet function. This suggests that Ganoderma lucidum, at the dose used in this study, does not impair blood clotting or platelet function in healthy individuals.