Ganoderma lucidum Effects on Mood and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic rheumatic disorder characterized by generalized and widespread musculoskeletal pain. It is associated with several secondary symptoms such as psychological and pain-specific distress, which can directly impact daily functioning and quality of life, like anxiety and depression. The Ganoderma lucidum (GL) mushroom seems to be able to improve fibromyalgia symptoms, including depression and pain. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of GL on happiness, depression, satisfaction with life, and health-related quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. A double-blind, randomized placebo pilot trial was carried out, with one group taking 6 g/day of micro-milled GL carpophores for 6 weeks, during which the second group took a placebo. Our results did not show any statistically significant between-group differences, although a distinct trend of improved levels of happiness and satisfaction with life and reduced depression were evident at the end of treatment compared to the baseline in the GL group. However, due to the limitations of the study protocol, additional studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Neuroprotective, neurogenic, and anticholinergic evidence of Ganoderma lucidum cognitive effects: Crucial knowledge is still lacking

“…The ethnopharmacological study still attributes this mushroom's ability to treat allergy, arthritis, bronchitis, gastric ulcer, hypertension, chronic hepatitis, hepatopathy, insomnia, nephritis, neurasthenia, inflammation, and cancer, among others 12 . Due to all these reports, pharmacological screening was employed to validate such properties and found antioxidant, antifatigue, antidecrepitude (prolonging life), anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, sedative‐hypnotic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, cognitive, and neuroprotective activities 10,13–19 …”

“…12 Due to all these reports, pharmacological screening was employed to validate such properties and found antioxidant, antifatigue, antidecrepitude (prolonging life), anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, sedative-hypnotic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, cognitive, and neuroprotective activities. 10,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19] In the cognitive domain, previous administration of the G. lucidum spore extract prevented oxidative damage induced by intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin, minimizing deficiencies in spatial learning and memory by reducing neuronal damage in the hippocampus. 20 The authors claim that the possible neuroprotection mechanism occurs by suppression of microglial activation, inhibition of proinflammatory factors, and cytotoxic factors, such as nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β).…”

A Review of the Potential Benefits of Herbal Medicines, Small Molecules of Natural Sources, and Supplements for Health Promotion in Lupus Conditions

“…The authors of the present study could not find a clinical trial on the efficacy of the G. lucidum on SLE, but there are several trials investigating the efficacy of this mushroom on some other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis [276], fibromyalgia [111,277], neurasthenia [278], cancers [279], cardiovascular risk factors of metabolic syndrome [280], lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) [281], etc. Moreover, in a clinical trial, β-glucans of G. lucidum were reported as safe and well-tolerated immunomodulator supplements for children [282].…”

Complementary and Alternative Medicine to Treat Fibromyalgia Symptoms. A Systematic Review

“…Oral ingestion therapies are also addressed by the TCM, such as the use of Ganoderma Lucidum mushroom (also called Reishi). Pazzi et al 29 investigated its effects on depression, happiness, life satisfaction, and quality of life among patients with fibromyalgia. Although observing a trend towards long-term improvement in happiness, life satisfaction, and depression levels in patients treated with the fungus once a day for 6 weeks, this supplement did not report significant differences between the two groups.…”