A Randomized, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Study of a Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Extract in Neurasthenia

Authors: Wenbo Tang, Yihuai Gao, Guoliang Chen, He Gao, Xihu Dai, Jinxian Ye, Eli Chan, Min Huang, and Shufeng Zhou

Journal: Journal of Medicinal Food

Study Design:

• Intervention: 1800 mg of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract (Ganopoly) or placebo three times a day
• Participants: 132 patients with neurasthenia
• Duration: 8 weeks
• Outcome Measures:
  • Clinical Global Impression (CGI) improvement of severity scale
  • Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) for fatigue and well-being

Summary: This study investigated the effects of Ganopoly, a polysaccharide extract of Ganoderma lucidum, on neurasthenia, a condition characterized by fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. After 8 weeks, the Ganopoly group showed significant improvements in CGI severity score and fatigue levels compared to the placebo group. The Ganopoly group also reported a greater sense of well-being. Ganopoly was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects. These findings suggest that Ganopoly may be an effective and safe treatment for neurasthenia.