Asian Mushroom May Combat Obesity

In that obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation and intestinal dysbiosis, scientists have become increasingly interested in ways to modulate the gut microbiota as a potential approach to address weight. Researchers from Chang Gung University (Taiwan) investigated the activity of a mushroom used in traditional Oriental medicine. Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi or reishi) is a medicinal mushroom that appears to exert anti-diabetic effects. Employing a laboratory animal model, the team observed that extract of Ganoderma lucidum reversed gut dysbiosis otherwise induced by a high-fat diet, and increased the ratio of “good” bacteria. Consequently, there was less toxin seepage through the gut wall. The mushroom extract reduced body weight, inflammation and insulin resistance.  The study authors report that: “Our results indicate that [Ganoderma lucidum] and its high molecular weight polysaccharides may be used as prebiotic agents to prevent gut dysbiosis and obesity-related metabolic disorders in obese individuals.”