Anti-hypertensive Effect of Fermented Mycelia of Antrodia Cinnamomea Among Mild Hypertensive Subjects in a Double-blinded Randomized Trial

This the first report undertaken to assess the effect of supplementation with oral gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), adenosine and antrosterol-containing AC mycelia on blood pressure among people with mild hypertension. Forty-one subjects with systolic blood pressure (SBP) between 130 and 179 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between 85 and 109 mm Hg were randomized to receive either AC mycelia or starch placebo for 8 weeks, and had follow-up observation for an additional 2 weeks. SBP in the subjects given GABA, adenosine and antrosterol-rich AC mycelia significantly decreased compared to those who received the placebo (p<0.05). DBP also decreased after the intake of AC mycelia. Compared to the placebo, AC mycelia significantly reduced plasma renin activity by a maximum of 25 % and 36 % on week 8. This suppression suggested that AC mycelia is a potent inhibitor of renin, and its bioavailability is sufficient to produce BP reduction after a short term of oral administration. Neither adverse events nor abnormal laboratory findings were noted throughout the study period, suggesting that GABA, adenosine and antrosterol-rich AC mycelia significantly decreased borderline hypertension, which may support its consideration as a safe alternative treatment compared to conventional anti-hypertensive medications.