Effects of Ganoderma lucidum (“lingzhi”) supplementation on blood lipids – a systematic review of clinical trials

Introduction and aim. Impaired blood lipid profile is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Supplementation of Ganoderma lucidum (“lingzhi”) has been postulated to have a positive impact on blood lipids. This review aims to evaluate the evidence on this topic. Material and methods. A systematic search of Google Scholar, PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov databases was performed to identify randomized clinical trials and cross-over trials which assessed the effects of lingzhi supplementation on blood lipids. The gathered data were reviewed and analyzed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Analysis of the literature. Of the 805 records identified in the initial search, a total of 7 studies met all the inclusion criteria and were qualified for the review. None of them reported a statistically significant change in triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, or low-density lipoprotein during lingzhi supplementation. Only 2 out of 7 trials showed a moderate decrease in total cholesterol level. Conclusion. There is no evidence to support any effect of G. lucidum supplementation on triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein or low-density lipoprotein. Its influence on total cholesterol also remains highly doubtful based on the present systematic review.