Benefits of Ganoderma lucidum for Dyslipidemia
Interest in natural remedies and nutraceuticals for the treatment of metabolic diseases is steadily growing, especially due to their ability to complement or replace traditional pharmacological therapies, which are often associated with side effects.
In this context, the clinical study titled “Clinical Evaluation of Ganoderma lucidum Spore Oil for Triglyceride Reduction: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Study”, provides important scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of Ganoderma lucidum spore oil (GLSO) in the treatment of dyslipidemia.
What is Ganoderma lucidum Spore Oil?
Ganoderma lucidum, also known as Reishi, is a medicinal mushroom used for millennia in traditional Chinese medicine.
Its spores contain bioactive compounds such as triterpenoids, sterols, unsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides. The extraction of oil from the spores allows for a lipophilic concentration of these active substances, making them more bioavailable.
Known biological effects include antitumor, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory activities and, as suggested by preclinical studies, regulatory effects on lipid metabolism.
Study Objective
The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the oil in lowering triglycerides in adult subjects with mild dyslipidemia (triglycerides between 1.70 and 2.25 mmol/L). In parallel, the safety of the treatment was analyzed, with particular attention to liver and kidney function.
Method: Scientific Rigor and Controlled Design
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study lasting 12 weeks.
110 participants were assigned to two groups: one treated with capsules containing 3 g/day of spore oil and one with indistinguishable placebo. The crossover design and stratified randomization ensured balance between the groups in terms of age, sex, and baseline lipid parameters.
The monitored parameters included:
- Triglycerides (TG)
- Total Cholesterol (TC)
- LDL-C (bad cholesterol)
- HDL-C (good cholesterol)
- Liver markers (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, GGT)
- Kidney function (creatinine, urea, electrolytes)
Results: Significant Improvement in Lipid Profile
After 12 weeks, the group taking Ganoderma lucidum spore oil showed significant improvement in all lipid parameters compared to the placebo group:
- Triglycerides: decreased from 1.94 to 1.51 mmol/L (−22.18%)
- LDL-C: decreased from 2.87 to 2.68 mmol/L (−4.1%)
- Total Cholesterol: reduced from 5.02 to 4.87 mmol/L (−1.98%)
- HDL-C: increased from 1.41 to 1.51 mmol/L (+7.44%)
All these changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05). In contrast, the placebo group showed minimal variations or even worsening.
Safety: Hepatoprotective Effects and No Renal Toxicity
From a safety standpoint, the treatment was well tolerated. In treated subjects, an improvement in liver parameters was observed:
- Significant reduction in ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin, and ALP
- Increase in cholinesterase, a positive index of liver function
No significant differences were observed in renal markers, confirming the absence of renal side effects.
Comparison with Traditional Drugs
Currently, fibrates (such as fenofibrate) are commonly prescribed to lower triglycerides. However, these drugs can cause side effects, including hepatotoxicity, in about 20% of patients.
Moreover, their effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular risk requires prolonged treatments.
In contrast, Ganoderma lucidum spore oil showed measurable benefits in just three months of treatment and, according to the study, could represent a valid alternative or complement to pharmacological treatments, especially for subjects with “borderline” triglyceride levels who do not require aggressive pharmacological intervention.
A New Natural Ally in Cardiovascular Prevention?
Ganoderma lucidum spore oil has proven to be a promising natural substance capable of significantly reducing triglycerides, improving good cholesterol (HDL), and protecting liver function, without renal side effects.
These data pave the way for potential clinical applications of GLSO as a functional supplement for individuals with mild dyslipidemia or as an adjuvant to traditional lipid-lowering therapies.
Source: February 2025, “Clinical Evaluation of Ganoderma lucidum Spore Oil for Triglyceride Reduction: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Study”, MDPI
