Efficacy and Safety of Tremella fuciformis in Individuals with Subjective Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

J Med Food. 2018 Apr;21(4):400-407. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2017.4063. Epub 2018 Jan 10.

Abstract

The efficacy and safety of Tremella fuciformis (TF) as a nutritional supplement were assessed in individuals with subjective cognitive impairment (SCI). Seventy-five individuals with SCI were enrolled in an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of TF (600 mg/day, n = 30 or 1200 mg/day, n = 30) or placebo (n = 15). The primary outcome measure was changes in total scores of the subjective memory complaint questionnaire. The secondary outcome measures were changes in performance on short-term memory and executive functions, which were assessed using standardized cognitive tests. In addition, voxel-based morphometry was performed to examine the effects of TF on changes in gray matter volume. The individuals in the TF group showed greater improvements in the total scores on the subjective memory complaint questionnaire compared with those in the placebo group. There were also significantly greater improvements in short-term memory and executive functions in the TF group relative to the placebo group. Exploratory analysis demonstrated that there were significant group-by-visit interactions on the left precuneus, right supramarginal gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, and right postcentral gyrus at corrected P < .05. Overall frequency of adverse events did not differ among high-dose TF (40.4%), low-dose TF (35.1%), and placebo groups (41.4%). The current findings suggest that TF could be safely administered to relieve subjective memory complaints and enhance cognition in individuals with SCI.

Keywords: Tremella fuciformis; cognitive impairment; executive function; short-term memory; subjective; subjective memory complaint.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Biological Products / adverse effects
  • Biological Products / pharmacology
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Cognition / drug effects*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / drug therapy*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Executive Function / drug effects
  • Female
  • Fungi*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory / drug effects*
  • Memory Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Memory, Short-Term / drug effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biological Products