Hepatoprotective Effects of Reishi Mushroom- (Ganoderma Lucidum) Among Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease Patients

This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of (Ganoderma lucidum), combined with a probiotic-rich diet, to impose immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects in adults (35-65 years old) diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). A 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted, enrolling participants into three arms: a control group (starch capsules) and two intervention groups receiving either 250 mg or 500 mg of standardized Reishi extract daily. Primary outcomes include improvements in liver function markers (ALT, AST, ALP), lipid metabolism (LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides), and inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, IL-6). Secondary outcomes will assess gut microbiota composition (via 16S rRNA sequencing) and oxidative stress markers). Preliminary evidence suggests the Reishi-probiotic combination may significantly reduce hepatic fat accumulation (p<0.05) and serum LPS levels while increasing beneficial gut bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium spp.). We anticipate dose-dependent improvements in HOMA-IR scores and NF-κB suppression, correlating with triterpenoid bioavailability. If validated, this intervention could reduce reliance on pharmacotherapies by 30-40% in early-stage MAFLD, with synergistic effects observed between Beta-glucans and probiotic strains.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 35-65 years
• BMI between 18.5 and 30 kg/m².
• Complete Blood Count test ranges, WBC < 4,000-11,000 cells/µL, RBC Men < 4.5-6.0 / Women 4.0-5.5 million/µL, Hemoglobin: Men < 13.5-17.5 / Women 12.0-15.5 g/dL, Platelets < 150,000-450,000 cells/µL.
• Lipid profile test markers (elevated LDL, total cholesterol, or triglycerides less than 150mg/dL high 200-499mg/dL and 500 mg/dL are above high.
• Liver function test markers, ALT > 56 U/L, AST>40 U/L, ALP>147 UL.
• Inflammatory markers: CRP >3 mg/L, - IL-6 ≥3 pg/mL, TNF-α ≥8 pg/mL.
• Elevated blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, refer to a typically above 126 mg/dL, fasting or 200 mg/dL post-meal.

Exclusion criteria

• ● Diagnosed with severe cardiovascular disease, liver failure, or renal impairment.

• Pregnant or lactating women.
• Individuals currently on statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, or any other lipid-lowering therapy.
• Allergic to mushrooms.
• Diagnosed with celiac disease or other chronic gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).
• History of malignancy.
• Participation in another clinical trial within the last 3 months.