Effect of Thirty Days Supplementation of Standardized Lingzhi Extract on Aerobic, Anaerobic and Strength Parameters in Trained Athletes

The mushroom fungus lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used for centuries as a traditional health tonic in the Far East. One of its reputed effects, albeit still unproven, is the ability to improve human physical performance. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential ergogenic effects of thirty days of standardized lingzhi extract supplementation on exercise performance. The study adopted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental design. Nineteen players from the men`s national field-hockey team were randomly divided into the experimental (LIN, n = 10) and control (CON, n = 9) groups. All players completed tests for percentage body fat, maximal oxygen uptake, 30 s anaerobic Wingate cycling, and hand-grip strength, at pre- and post-thirty days of supplementation. Throughout the 30 days, the LIN group consumed 440 mg lingzhi extract (dose equivalent to 1.5 g dry fruiting body) daily while the CON group was given an equivalent placebo. All players underwent a similar centralized training programme during the intervention period. There were no significant differences in the physical and performance parameters between the two groups, either at the pre-and post-supplementation stages. In conclusion, chronic daily supplementation days of 440 mg lingzhi extract for thirty-days did not enhance training related gains in the aerobic, anaerobic and strength parameters in well-trained field-hockey players.