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

2018-04
Journal of medicinal food 21(4)
- Soonhyun Ban
- Suji L Lee
- Hyeonseok S Jeong
- Soo Mee Lim
- Shinwon Park
- Young Sun Hong
- Jieun E Kim

PubMed: 29319408
DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2017.4063

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 30
Population: 75 individuals with subjective cognitive impairment (SCI)
Methods: 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; TF (600 mg/day or 1200 mg/day) or placebo
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: 8 weeks

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.

Research Insights

Tremella→Improved Cognitive Function
There were also significantly greater improvements in short-term memory and executive functions in the TF group relative to the placebo group.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
1200 mg/day
Tremella→Improved Memory Complaint
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.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
1200 mg/day
Tremella→Improved Short-term Memory
There were also significantly greater improvements in short-term memory and executive functions in the TF group relative to the placebo group.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
1200 mg/day
Tremella→Increased Gray Matter Volume
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.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
1200 mg/day

Adverse Events Reported

Tremella→Overall tolerability
Overall frequency of adverse events did not differ among high-dose TF (40.4%), low-dose TF (35.1%), and placebo groups (41.4%).
Finding
No significant difference
Magnitude
high-dose TF (40.4%), low-dose TF (35.1%), and placebo (41.4%)
Significant
No
Tremella→Overall tolerability
Overall frequency of adverse events did not differ among high-dose TF (40.4%), low-dose TF (35.1%), and placebo groups (41.4%).
Finding
Reported