Table of Contents
- Hifas da Terra (HdT) shares the results of the first study on Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) associated with the use of Mycotherapy. The study was conducted by Dr. Bugnicourt.
- The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a 2-month accompaniment of an extract of Reishi HdT (Ganoderma lucidum) on the intensity of painful symptoms of RLS.
- Hifas da Terra contributed to the first study to evaluate Mycotherapy in RLS, supplying Ganoderma lucidum to Dr. Bugnicourt, who independently conducted the study.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also referred to as nocturnal restlessness, is a primary driver of https://hifasdaterra.com/en/blog/insomnia-end-sleeplessness-naturally/">sleep disorders. It manifests predominantly in the lower limbs during the evening or before bedtime, causing uncomfortable sensations like tingling, burning, and stinging that temporarily improve with movement. The global prevalence of RLS is estimated to be between 5% and 10% < 1 >.
RLS can occur secondary to underlying conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, renal failure, and iron deficiency, or as a side effect of specific medications. The two main pathophysiological hypotheses point to iron deficiency and dopaminergic dysfunction < 2 >.
Regarding standard treatments, Dr. Bugnicourt notes that those “recommended for RLS include dopamine agonists and alpha 2-delta calcium channel receptor ligands. However, the potential side effects of dopamine agonists limit their use in certain patients, sometimes even exacerbating RLS symptoms” < 3,4 >.
MUSHROOMS: A POTENTIAL SUPPORT FOR RLS?
Emerging research suggests that specific mushroom compounds may offer valuable support for individuals managing Restless Leg Syndrome. “Indeed, certain functional mushrooms have demonstrated efficacy in addressing neurological, psychiatric, and cognitive conditions, including depression and Alzheimer’s disease” < 3, 5,6 >. Chief among these is Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), traditionally known as “Lingzhi” or the “mushroom of immortality.” In traditional Chinese practice, Reishi has been utilized for millennia for its calming properties to treat agitation, palpitations, and sleep disturbances <7>.
Ganoderma lucidum contains roughly 400 bioactive compounds associated with diverse pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-androgenic, and anti-diabetic effects <8>.
Prior to this trial, Ganoderma lucidum had not been clinically evaluated in patients diagnosed with RLS.
The primary aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic effects of Reishi HdT extract (Ganoderma lucidum) on idiopathic RLS.
RLS STUDY PROTOCOL
The study participants were recruited by Doctor Bugnicourt in his neurology practice. They had to have a diagnosis of restless legs syndrome (according to criteria published by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG)) and be over 18 years old. Excluded were people with diabetes, iron deficiency (defined by a serum ferritin level less than 50 mg/l), renal insufficiency, treatment with medications likely to exacerbate RLS, and prior treatment with RLS. Ganoderma lucidum. Ultimately, 18 patients were included in the analysis.
The accompaniment with the medicinal mushrooms consisted of taking 2 capsules of concentrated extract of Reishi HdT (Ganoderma lucidum) per day, before the evening meal, over a period of 2 months.
To measure the effects of taking Reishi on RLS, patients had to complete the restless legs syndrome severity score questionnaire at different times during the study: before taking Reishi, 1 month and 2 months after. the start of taking Reishi, and finally 2 weeks after stopping Reishi supplementation.
RELIEF NOTICED BY THE MAJORITY OF PARTICIPANTS
Following the 2 months of G. lucidum supplementation, “ thirteen (72%) of 18 patients reported relief. Relief was maintained in 11 patients (61%) two weeks after the end of G. lucidum supplementation.
The statistical analyzes carried out from the questionnaires show a significant improvement (p < 0.05 (p = 0.015)) from the first month and even more significant (p < 0.001) from the second month and after stopping mycotherapy.
GANODERMA LUCIDUM: AN INTERESTING POTENTIAL TO BE DEEPENED
The improvements observed in the study patients could be linked to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of G. lucidum, and thus be responsible for the pain relief in these patients.
The results obtained allow us to conclude from this study that taking 2 capsules of Reishi over a period of 2 months provides relief for patients suffering from RLS. Furthermore, this study also appears to be the first to evaluate the effect of G. lucidum on RLS.
It should be noted, however, that the study has certain limitations. Indeed, the study population was limited and there was no placebo group. Furthermore, it would be interesting to determine the time and the optimal dose of G. lucidum to use in people with RLS.