Anti-androgenic activities of Ganoderma lucidum

The inhibitory effects of methanol extracts of 19 edible and medicinal mushrooms on 5α-reductase activity were examined. The extract of Ganoderma lucidum Fr. Krast (Ganodermataceae) showed the strongest 5α-reductase inhibitory activity. The treatment of the fruit body of Ganoderma lucidum or the extract prepared from it significantly inhibited the testosterone-induced growth of the ventral prostate in castrated rats. These results showed that Ganoderma lucidum might be a useful ingredient for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).