Ganoderma lucidum Effects on Mood and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia.

Francesco Pazzi,José Carmelo Adsuar,Daniel Collado-Mateo,Narcis Gusi,Miguel Angel García-Gordillo,Francisco Javier Domínguez-Muñoz

doi:10.3390/healthcare8040520

Francesco Pazzi, José Carmelo Adsuar + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8040520

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Abstract

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic rheumatic disorder characterized by generalized and widespread musculoskeletal pain. It is associated with several secondary symptoms such as psychological and pain-specific distress, which can directly impact daily functioning and quality of life, like anxiety and depression. The Ganoderma lucidum (GL) mushroom seems to be able to improve fibromyalgia symptoms, including depression and pain. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of GL on happiness, depression, satisfaction with life, and health-related quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. A double-blind, randomized placebo pilot trial was carried out, with one group taking 6 g/day of micro-milled GL carpophores for 6 weeks, during which the second group took a placebo. Our results did not show any statistically significant between-group differences, although a distinct trend of improved levels of happiness and satisfaction with life and reduced depression were evident at the end of treatment compared to the baseline in the GL group. However, due to the limitations of the study protocol, additional studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Highlights

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic rheumatic disorder of which its etiology is not fully understood; it is characterized by generalized and widespread musculoskeletal pain
Previous research has shown that taking Ganoderma lucidum (GL) as nutritional supplementation is cost-effective in Spanish women with FMS [8]. All these findings suggest that GL could have a positive impact on mood and health-related quality of life (HRQoL)
The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of GL on happiness, depression, the Satisfaction with Life Questionnaire (SWL), HRQoL, and the perception of change in women with FMS

Summary

Introduction

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic rheumatic disorder of which its etiology is not fully understood; it is characterized by generalized and widespread musculoskeletal pain It is associated with several secondary symptoms such as fatigue, impaired sleep, and other psychological and pain-specific distress, which can directly impact daily functioning and quality of life, like anxiety and depression [1]. The most widely accepted approach consists of a multidisciplinary approach based on physical exercise, education, and behavioral techniques, combined with several drug treatments, including antidepressives and muscular relaxants [1]. These pharmacological treatments are likely to have a wide list of potential side effects. Complementary and alternative medicine could be helpful to treat patients with FMS [5]

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