Effects of Antrodia Camphorata Mycelia Extract Containing Antroquinonol on Lowering Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Randomized Double-Blind Study
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Keywords

 Antrodia camphorate, Antroquinonol, LDL-cholesterol, LDL receptor genes, randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study.

How to Cite

Miles Chih-Ming Chena, Pei-Ni Chena, Howard Hao-Yu Chenga, Wayne Ching-Cheng Weia, Ryuji Takedab, Mitsuko Moric, & Kiichiro Mochidad. (2017). Effects of Antrodia Camphorata Mycelia Extract Containing Antroquinonol on Lowering Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Randomized Double-Blind Study. Journal of Pharmacy and Nutrition Sciences, 7(3), 73–80. https://doi.org/10.6000/1927-5951.2017.07.03.1

Abstract

Objective: Antrodia camphorata is a type of true fungus that grows only on Cinnamomum camphora trees, also known as Cinnamomum kanehirae (“kashi”) in Taiwan. Antroquinonol is a characteristic component of A. camphorata mycelia extract and was previously shown to exhibit antitumor action and lower blood cholesterol (total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol) in cellular and animal models. So, This study examined the ability of A. camphorata mycelia extract to reduce LDL cholesterol in humans.

Methods: We conducted a randomized double-blind trial in 26 subjects with either borderline LDL cholesterol (120–139 mg/dL; n = 11) or mildly elevated LDL cholesterol (140–159 mg/dL; n = 15). Participants ingested tablets containing either 25 mg of A. camphorata mycelia extract (antroquinonol: 0.68 mg; n = 14) or a placebo (n = 12) for 12 weeks.

Results: The test group showed a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol when compared with the placebo group after 12 weeks of tablet ingestion (p < 0.05), demonstrating the effects of A. camphorata mycelia extract on LDL cholesterol. A. camphorata mycelia extract also tended to reduce total cholesterol when compared with the placebo (p < 0.10). The borderline LDL cholesterol and mildly elevated LDL cholesterol subgroups showed a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol in subjects who ingested A. camphorata mycelia extract compared with those who ingested the placebo, again demonstrating the LDL cholesterol-lowering effect of the extract.

Conclusion: A. camphorata mycelia extract lowers LDL cholesterol in individuals with somewhat high LDL cholesterol levels.

This clinical trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN no. # 000019670).

https://doi.org/10.6000/1927-5951.2017.07.03.1
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Copyright (c) 2017 Miles Chih-Ming Chena, Pei-Ni Chena, Howard Hao-Yu Chenga, Wayne Ching-Cheng Weia; Ryuji; Mitsuko Moric , Kiichiro Mochidad