Evaluation of Immune Modulation by \u03b2-1,3; 1,6 D-Glucan Derived from Ganoderma lucidum in Healthy Adult Volunteers, A Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors: Shiu-Nan Chen, Fan-Hua Nan, Ming-Wei Liu, Min-Feng Yang, Ya-Chih Chang, and Sherwin Chen

Journal: Foods

Study Design:

• Intervention: 200 mg of Reishi \u03b2-glucan daily
• Participants: 157 randomized (70 in the intervention group and 65 in the placebo group completed the study)
• Duration: 84 days
• Outcome Measures:
  • T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, etc.)
  • Natural killer (NK) cell counts
  • CD4/CD8 ratio and NK cell cytotoxicity

Summary: This study examined the effects of the Ganoderma lucidum derived \u03b2-1,3; 1,6 D-glucan, on the immune system in healthy adults. The results showed that taking this compound for 84 days increased the number and activity of several types of immune cells, including T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated.