A placebo-controlled pilot trial in which reishi did not significantly beat placebo on mood or quality of life in women with fibromyalgia
Six grams per day of micro-milled Ganoderma lucidum carpophores for 6 weeks produced no statistically significant between-group differences versus placebo on happiness, depression, satisfaction with life, or health-related quality of life. A trend toward improved happiness and satisfaction with life and reduced depression was visible within the reishi group when comparing end of treatment to baseline, but within-group trends are not evidence of a treatment effect. The authors describe the work as a pilot and state that protocol limitations mean further studies are needed. This is the most directly relevant standalone human trial of reishi against a mood endpoint, and its primary comparison was null.
Pazzi, Francesco; Adsuar, Jose Carmelo; Dominguez-Munoz, Francisco Javier; Garcia-Gordillo, Miguel Angel; Gusi, Narcis; Collado-Mateo, Daniel · Double Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Pilot Trial