A Randomized Controlled Trial on Pleurotus eryngii Mushrooms with Antioxidant Compounds and Vitamin D2 in Managing Metabolic Disorders

Authors:
Stamatia-Angeliki Kleftaki, Charalampia Amerikanou, Aristea Gioxari, Dimitra Z. Lantzouraki, George Sotiroudis, Konstantinos Tsiantas, Thalia Tsiaka, Dimitra Tagkouli, Chara Tzavara, Lefteris Lachouvaris, Georgios I. Zervakis, Nick Kalogeropoulos, Panagiotis Zoumpoulakis, Andriana C. Kaliora

Journal:
Antioxidants (MDPI), 2022
DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112113

Study Design

Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Participants

100 adults (35 men, 65 women) diagnosed with metabolic disorders, including obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. All participants received dietary counseling during the 3-month trial period.

Intervention

Participants consumed a 6 g daily snack made from Pleurotus eryngii mushrooms. The mushrooms were oven-baked and UV-B irradiated to enhance vitamin D2 content (~20 µg per serving) and contained approximately 2.5 g of glucans. The intervention lasted three months and was administered alongside dietary guidance.

Outcome Measures

• Fasting glucose and insulin levels
• Serum 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 levels
• Blood lipids: LDL, HDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol
• Liver enzymes: SGOT/AST, SGPT/ALT
• Inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers: IL-6, ox-LDL, CRP, 8-isoprostane
• Anthropometric data: body weight, BMI, fat percentage, waist and hip circumference
• Quality of life scores: PCS-12, MCS-12, insomnia, depression, physical activity

Summary

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of a vitamin D2-enhanced Pleurotus eryngii mushroom snack on adults with metabolic disorders. After three months, participants in the intervention group experienced significant reductions in fasting glucose, body weight, BMI, fat mass, and hip circumference. Serum 25(OH)D2 levels increased significantly, confirming effective absorption from the mushroom-based snack. Inflammatory markers IL-6 and ox-LDL were also notably reduced. Additionally, physical quality of life (PCS-12) scores improved, and no adverse effects were reported. These results suggest that Pleurotus eryngii mushrooms, when consumed as a functional food, may support glucose regulation, reduce inflammation, and aid in metabolic health management.