Effect of a Medicinal Agaricus blazei Murill-Based Mushroom Extract, AndoSan™, on Symptoms, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis in a Randomized Single-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Study

Authors: Stig Palm Therkelsen, Geir Hetland, Torstein Lyberg, Idar Lygren, Egil Johnson

Journal: PLOS ONE

Study Design: Randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Participants: 50 patients with symptomatic ulcerative colitis (UC)

Intervention:

• AndoSan™ extract (Agaricus blazei-based, 82% AbM, 15% Hericium erinaceus, 3% Grifola frondosa): 30 ml twice daily for 21 days
• Placebo: Equivalent volume of a color-matched, inert liquid
• Symptoms, fatigue, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed at days 0, 14, and 21.

Outcome Measures:

• Symptom score improvement (modified Clinical Activity Index for UC)
• Fatigue levels (total, physical, and mental fatigue scores)
• Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (SF-36 questionnaire)
• Fecal calprotectin and general blood parameters

Summary:
This study evaluated the clinical effects of AndoSan™, a medicinal mushroom extract, in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Patients in the AndoSan™ group showed significant symptom improvement, with reduced stool frequency and abdominal pain. Fatigue levels also decreased, particularly in total and mental fatigue scores, while the placebo group showed no such improvements.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) improved significantly in the AndoSan™ group, with reductions in bodily pain and increases in vitality, social functioning, and mental health scores. No significant changes were observed in fecal calprotectin or blood parameters, and no adverse effects were reported. These findings suggest that AndoSan™ may serve as a safe supplement to conventional UC treatment, providing symptom relief and improved well-being.