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ANESTHETIC PHARMACOLOGY

A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Platelet and Global Hemostatic Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum (Ling-Zhi) in Healthy Volunteers

Yung Kwok, FHKCA^*, Kwok F. J. Ng, FANZCA, Carina C. F. Li, FANZCA^*, Clarence C. K. Lam, MRCPath, and Ricky Y. K. Man, PhD

*Department of Anaesthesiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Division of Haematology, Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Address correspondence and reprint requests to K. F. J. Ng, FANZCA, Associate Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Room 424, Block K, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China. Address e-mail to jkfng{at}hkucc.hku.hk.

Ganoderma lucidum is a Chinese herbal medicine popular with cancer patients. Previous in vitro studies suggested that Ganoderma lucidum might impair hemostasis. In this prospective, randomized double-blind study, healthy volunteers received orally Ganoderma lucidum capsules 1.5 g (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) daily for 4 wk. We monitored subjects before drug administration and at 4 and 8 wk thereafter by routine coagulation screen, fibrinogen concentration, von Willebrand ristocetin cofactor activity, platelet function analyzer PFA-100®, and thrombelastography. There were no significant between-group differences and all measurements remained within the normal range. Ganoderma lucidum ingestion over 4 wk was not associated with impairment of hemostasis.