Abidin M.H.Z. et al. Effect of Ganoderma lucidum and Lentinula edodes on lipid profile and fasting glucose in hypercholesterolemic adults. Phytomedicine. 2018.
Rationale
Reishi (triterpenes) and shiitake (eritadenine, β-glucans) carry complementary lipid claims; a combined extract was tested in early hypercholesterolemia — the population actually likely to buy such a product.
Methods
A placebo-controlled study: 68 adults with early hypercholesterolemia took the combined reishi+shiitake extract or placebo for 8 weeks, tracking LDL, triglycerides, fasting glucose and safety.
Results
The active arm showed significant reductions in serum LDL and triglycerides and a trend toward lower fasting glucose; tolerability was good with no serious adverse effects.
Conclusions
The combined extract improved the lipid profile over 8 weeks — a positive signal in the right target population.
Worth noting
A combination product answers "does this blend work" but not "which mushroom did it" — fine for a commercial formulation, weak for species attribution. n=68, 8 weeks: real but preliminary; compare the null oyster β-glucan LDL trial for the reminder that lipid effects in this field are inconsistent.