Liver health: the rare Antrodia mushroom stands out from conventional approaches

What problems affect the liver?

Located in the upper right-hand side of the abdomen, the liver is one of the most important organs in the human body.

A true centre of metabolic regulation, it governs more than 300 vital functions.

In particular, it transforms the nutrients we ingest, neutralises toxic substances (pollutants, drugs, etc.), synthesises the body's cholesterol (needed to produce bile and sex hormones) and regulates blood sugar levels (1).

Despite its many roles, the liver remains a fragile structure.

A diet too rich in sugars, regular alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle and chronic oxidative stress are all factors likely to impair its proper functioning in the long term.

There has also been a steady and worrying rise in fatty liver disease (the excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells) in industrialised countries. It is estimated that it currently affects between 20% and 30% of the world's population (2).

In response to these problems, food supplement manufacturers have long relied on antioxidants and plant extracts (milk thistle, artichoke, etc.) (3–4).

These products now dominate the market. While these natural solutions still have their place, an innovative alternative seems to be emerging. What is it called? Antrodia camphorata.

Antrodia camphorata: what are its supposed benefits for the liver?

Antrodia camphorata is a rare mushroom that grows exclusively on the trunk of the Taiwanese camphor tree (Cinnamomum kanehirae), which grows in the island's primeval forests – hence its other name, camphorated mushroom.

It is irregular in appearance, with an orange to reddish-brown hue and a woody texture.

Long used in medicine, it was taken by indigenous peoples to relieve fatigue and treat hangovers.

Traditional Chinese medicine describes it as a purifier and liver regenerator.

It is only since the 1990s that scientific publications on the subject have multiplied, particularly regarding its potential hepatoprotective effect.

Biochemically speaking, the mycelium ofAntrodia camphorata concentrates many nutrients of interest, including more than 200 types of triterpenoid, polysaccharides, nucleic acids and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (5).

However, it is its antroquinonol content, a highly bioactive metabolite unique to it, that is most likely responsible for the wide range of its pharmacological effects (6).

In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that this mushroom acts jointly on multiple levels, including reducing hepatic oxidative stress by stimulating antioxidant enzymes, inhibiting certain pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6...), regulating hepatic lipid metabolism and activating hepatocyte cell repair pathways (7-8).

Clinical studies attest to the effects of ProAntro®, an Antrodia extract, on liver health

ProAntro® is a fermented extract made from the mycelium of Antrodia camphorata and standardised to contain over 0.3% antroquinonol.

It has been the subject of two rigorous clinical studies (randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled), confirming its ability to provide effective overall support for the liver.

At the end of the first study, the 40 subjects supplemented for 12 weeks with 300 mg of ProAntro® per day showed a significant reduction in ASAT (-20.7%) and ALAT (-26.2%) levels, two characteristic markers of liver inflammation.

This suggests a probable healing of liver damage and an improvement in liver function.

Their serum triglyceride levels also fell by 16.8%, indicating better management of hepatic fatty acids (which would help prevent excessive liver congestion) (9).

The second study showed a reduction in levels of acetaldehyde (-18.64%), a toxic metabolite produced by the breakdown of ethanol, which is particularly damaging to liver tissue.

This result suggests that Antrodia Camphorata may, to some extent, reduce the toxicity of alcohol to the liver (10).

In addition to these two studies, a 90-day clinical trial on humans demonstrated that it is completely harmless and safe to use.

This is why some forward-thinking supplements have taken the plunge and included the ProAntro® compound at the heart of their formula (as in the case of Antrodia Liver Health, whose dosage of 300 mg/day is exactly in line with that used in the clinical studies).