The Efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum in Overweight Individuals: A Randomized Placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND: There are growing interests in the use of medicinal mushrooms in controlling overweight and obesity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of Lingzhi on anthropometric indices, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile and blood pressure of overweight individuals METHODS: This randomized double-blind clinical trial was performed on seventy-two overweight individuals (Body Mass Index (BMI) = 25–29.9 kg/m2) received 3 capsule Ganoderma Lucidum (each capsule containing 220 mg of whole powder and 30 mg of pure aqueous extract) daily or matching placebo for 6 weeks. Anthropometric indices, metabolic tests (fasting blood sugar (FBS) and serum lipid profile) and blood pressure were measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: Data analyses indicated that body weight and BMI were decreased after 6-week intervention (P <  0.05). The beneficial effect of supplementation was evident on some anthropometric indices. Changes in LDL-cholesterol were significantly different between two treatment and placebo groups (P <  0.05). FBS, other components of lipid profile and blood pressure did not significantly change by Lingzi treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that Ganoderma Lucidum might have some potential benefits on anthropometric indices and mild effects on lipid profile, but and there is no claim for weight lose function. Hence, further long-term studies are recommended.