Effect of an extract of Ganoderma lucidum in men with lower urinary tract symptoms： a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized and dose-ranging study

Aim： To conduct a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized and dose-ranging study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the extract of Ganoderma lucidum （G. lucidum） in men with lower urinary tract symptoms （LUTS）. Methods： We enrolled male volunteers （〉 50 years） with an International Prostate Symptom Score （IPSS; questions 1-7） 〉 5 and a prostate-specific antigen （PSA） value 〈 4 ng/mL. Volunteers were randomized into groups of placebo （n = 12）, G. lucidum of 0.6 mg （n = 12）, 6 mg （n = 12） or 60 mg （n = 14）, administered once daily. Efficacy was measured as a change from baseline in IPSS and the peak urine flow rate （Qmax）. Prostate volume and residual urine were estimated by ultrasonography, and blood tests, including PSA levels, were measured at baseline and at the end of the treatment. Results： The overall administration was well tolerated, with no major adverse effects. Statistical significances in the magnitude of changes between the experimental groups were observed at weeks 4 and 8. No changes were observed with respect to Qmax, residual urine, prostate volume or PSA levels. Conclusion： The extract of G. lucidum was well tolerated and an improvement in IPSS was observed. The recommended dose of the extract of G. lucidum is 6 mg in men with LUTS.

Randomized clinical trial of an ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum in men with lower urinary tract symptoms

Aim： To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an extract of Ganoderma lucidum that shows the strongest 5α-reductase inhibitory activity among the extracts of 19 edible and medicinal mushrooms by a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized and dose-ranging study in men with lower urinary tract symptoms （LUTS）. Methods： In this trial, we randomly assigned 88 men over the age of 49 years who had slight-to-moderate LUTS to 12 weeks of treatment with G. lucidum extract （6 mg once a day） or placebo. The primary outcome measures were changes in the International Prostate Symptom Score （IPSS） and variables of uroflowmetry. Secondary outcome measures included changes in prostate size, residual urinary volume after voiding, laboratory values and the reported adverse effects. Results： G. lucidum was effective and significantly superior to placebo for improving total IPSS with 2.1 points decreasing at the end of treatment （mean difference, -1.18 points; 95% confidence interval, -1.74 to -0.62; P 〈 0.0001）. No changes were observed with respect to quality of life scores, peak urinary flow, mean urinary flow, residual urine, prostate volume, serum prostate-specific antigen or testosterone levels. Overall treatment was well tolerated with no severe adverse effects. Conclusion： The extract of G. lucidum was well tolerated and improved IPSS scores. These results encouraged a further, large-scale evaluation of phytotherapy for a long duration using the extract of G. lucidum on men with LUTS.

Antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effect of 10 medicinal herbs on CCl4-induced liver injury in mice

BACKGROUND Many natural products confer health benefits against diverse diseases through their antioxidant activities.Carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)is often used in animal experiments to study the effects of substances on liver injury and the related mechanisms of action,among which oxidative stress is a major pathogenic factor.AIM To compare antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of ten herbs and identify and quantify phytochemicals for the one with strongest hepatoprotection.METHODS The antioxidant activity of ten medicinal herbs was determined by both ferricreducing antioxidant power and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays.The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method and aluminum chloride colorimetry,respectively.Their effects on CCl4-induced oxidative liver injury were evaluated and compared in a mouse model by administrating each water extract(0.15 g/mL,10 mL/kg)once per day for seven consecutive days and a dose of CCl4 solution in olive oil(8%,v/v,10 mL/kg).The herb with the strongest hepatoprotective performance was analyzed for the detailed bioactive components by using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization source-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry.RESULTS The results revealed that all tested herbs attenuated CCl4-induced oxidative liver injury;each resulted in significant decreases in levels of serum alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase,alkaline phosphatase,and triacylglycerols.In addition,most herbs restored hepatic superoxide dismutase and catalase activities,glutathione levels,and reduced malondialdehyde levels.Sanguisorba officinalis(S.officinalis)L.,Coptis chinensis Franch.,and Pueraria lobata(Willd.)Ohwi root were the three most effective herbs,and S.officinalis L.exhibited the strongest hepatoprotective effect.Nine active components were identified in S.officinalis L.Gallic acid and(+)-catechin were quantified(7.86±0.45 mg/g and 8.19±0.57 mg/g dried weight,respectively).Furthermore,the tested herbs displayed a range of in vitro antioxidant activities proportional to their phenolic content;the strongest activities were also found for S.officinalis L.CONCLUSION This study is of value to assist the selection of more effective natural products for direct consumption and the development of nutraceuticals or therapeutics to manage oxidative stress-related diseases.

在没有输血的血红素 2 g/dL 的成功的肠外科

We were unable to find reports in the published medical literature of any cases of bowel surgery being successfully performed at such a low hemoglobin level,without blood transfusion or blood products pre or post-surgery,with the patient’s uncomplicated recovery.This study is about such a case.A patient presenting with severegastrointestinal bleeding was diagnosed with enteric fever and multiple ileal ulcers.He had an extremely low hemoglobin level(2 g/dL) and mild renal and hepatic impairment.He was immediately admitted for right hemicolectomy under general anesthesia though he refused transfusion of blood or blood products prior to,during,or after surgery on religious grounds(Jehovah’ s Witnesses).After the surgery and having survived these potentially life-threatening circumstances,he left the hospital without major complications.In such circumstances,lives may be saved by prompt clinical decision-making,collaboration and swift surgical intervention coupled with the immediate consultation and input of the patient and family.