Randomized Clinical Trial of an Ethanol Extract of Ganoderma Lucidum in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Authors: Masanori Noguchi, Tatsuyuki Kakuma, Katsuyuki Tomiyasu, et al.

Journal: Asian Journal of Andrology

Study Design:

• Intervention: 6 mg of Ganoderma lucidum extract or placebo once daily
• Participants: 88 men over the age of 49 with mild-to-moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Outcome Measures:
  • International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)
  • Quality of life (QoL)
  • Uroflowmetry (peak and mean urinary flow rates)
  • Prostate size
  • Residual urine volume
  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
  • Testosterone levels

Summary: This study investigated the effects of Ganoderma lucidum extract on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men. After 12 weeks, the extract group showed a significant improvement in IPSS scores compared to the placebo group, indicating a reduction in LUTS. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in quality of life, urinary flow rates, prostate size, residual urine volume, PSA levels, or testosterone levels. The extract was well-tolerated, with no severe adverse effects reported. These findings suggest that Ganoderma lucidum extract may be a safe and effective option for improving LUTS in men.