Open AccessEffect of an extract of Ganoderma lucidum in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized and dose‐ranging study
Author(s) -
Noguchi Masanori,
Kakuma Tatsuyuki,
Tomiyasu Katsuro,
Kurita Yoshiko,
Kukihara Hiroko,
Konishi Fumiko,
Kumamoto Shoichiro,
Shimizu Kuniyoshi,
Kondo Ryuichiro,
Matsuoka Kei
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
asian journal of andrology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1745-7262
pISSN - 1008-682X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00336.x
Subject(s) - medicine , placebo , international prostate symptom score , lower urinary tract symptoms , urology , urine , urinary system , adverse effect , randomized controlled trial , transrectal ultrasonography , prostate , urinalysis , prostate specific antigen , pathology , alternative medicine , cancer
Aim: To conduct a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized and dose‐ranging study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the extract of Ganoderma lucidum ( G. lucidum ) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Methods: We enrolled male volunteers (≥ 50 years) with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS; questions 1–7) ≥ 5 and a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) value < 4 ng/mL. Volunteers were randomized into groups of placebo ( n = 12), G. lucidum of 0.6 mg ( n = 12), 6 mg ( n = 12) or 60 mg ( n = 14), administered once daily. Efficacy was measured as a change from baseline in IPSS and the peak urine flow rate (Q max ). Prostate volume and residual urine were estimated by ultrasonography, and blood tests, including PSA levels, were measured at baseline and at the end of the treatment. Results: The overall administration was well tolerated, with no major adverse effects. Statistical significances in the magnitude of changes between the experimental groups were observed at weeks 4 and 8. No changes were observed with respect to Q max , residual urine, prostate volume or PSA levels. Conclusion: The extract of G. lucidum was well tolerated and an improvement in IPSS was observed. The recommended dose of the extract of G. lucidum is 6 mg in men with LUTS.