Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as reishi, is a medicinal mushroom that has been traditionally used in East Asian medicine for a variety of health conditions. In recent years, there has been growing scientific interest in its potential effects on Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH). The proposed mechanism involves lingzhi’s triterpenoids, which are thought to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a key factor in prostate enlargement. A notable randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Urology (2008) investigated the effects of Ganoderma lucidum extract in men with BPH. The study found that a low dose of the extract significantly improved International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) compared to placebo, suggesting a potential benefit for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH. However, the sample size was small, and the duration was limited (12 weeks). Additional in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that lingzhi extracts can inhibit 5-alpha-reductase activity and reduce prostate weight in BPH models. Despite these promising findings, large-scale, long-term clinical trials are lacking, and the overall quality of evidence remains moderate to low. In summary, while there is some scientific evidence supporting the use of lingzhi for BPH, particularly based on mechanistic studies and early clinical trials, further robust research is needed. Thus, its use is scientifically justified but only weakly supported at present.

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