A Phase I/II Study of Ling Zhi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.:Fr.)Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Authors: Yihuai Gao, Jin Lan, Xihu Dai, Jingxian Ye, Shufeng Zhou

Journal: International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms

Study Design:

• Intervention: 1800 mg of Ganopoly (polysaccharide fractions extracted from G. lucidum) or placebo three times daily
• Participants: 71 patients with type II diabetes mellitus
• Duration: 12 weeks (4 weeks of dose adjustment followed by 8 weeks of dose maintenance)
• Outcome Measures:
  • Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
  • Fasting plasma glucose (FPG)
  • Postprandial plasma glucose (PPG)
  • Insulin and C-peptide levels

Summary: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of Ganopoly, a polysaccharide extract from Ganoderma lucidum, in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. The results showed that Ganopoly significantly decreased HbA1c, FPG, and PPG levels compared to the placebo group. Additionally, Ganopoly significantly reduced fasting and postprandial insulin and C-peptide levels. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. These findings suggest that Ganopoly may be an effective and safe treatment for lowering blood glucose levels in patients with type II diabetes.