Hepatoprotective Effect of Antrodia cinnamomea Mycelium in Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Authors: Ya-Ling Chiou, Charng-Cherng Chyau, Tsung-Ju Li, Chia-Feng Kuo, Yu-Yling Kang, Chin-Chu Chen & Wang-Sheng Ko

Journal: Journal of the American College of Nutrition

Study Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Participants: 28 patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

Trial Length: 6 months

Intervention:

• Treatment group: Three capsules per day containing 420 mg of Antrodia cinnamomea mycelium (ACM)  
• Placebo group: Three capsules per day containing 420 mg of starch  
• Both groups received standardized life modification (diet and exercise)  

Outcome Measures:

• Steatosis (fatty liver)  
• Inflammatory markers (TNF-α)  
• FibroMax test (liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatic fat accumulation, and hepatic inflammations)  

Summary:

The study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of ACM in patients with NASH. The results showed that the ACM group had significant improvement in steatosis and decreased levels of the inflammatory marker TNF-α after 3 and 6 months. The ACM group also showed a significant decrease in SteatoTest and ActiTest values, indicating improvement in hepatic fat accumulation and liver inflammation. No adverse effects were reported in either group. The study concluded that ACM is a safe and effective alternative treatment for NASH.   Sources and related content