Pharmacokinetics of ganoderic acids A and F after oral administration of Ling Zhi preparation in healthy male volunteers

Abstract

The objectives of this paper were to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of ganoderic acids A and F after a single oral dose of the water extract of MG2-strain Ling Zhi (MG2FB-WE) and to assess the influence of food on the pharmacokinetics in 12 healthy male volunteers. This study was a single-dose, open-label, randomized, two-phase crossover study with at least 2 wk washout period. Each subject was randomly assigned to receive a single oral dose of 3,000mg of MG2FB-WE in granular formulation dissolved in 200mL of warm water, either under a fasting condition, or immediately after a standard breakfast (fed condition). Blood samples were collected immediately before and at specific time points until 8h after MG2FB-WE administration. Plasma ganoderic acids A and F concentrations were determined by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technique. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetic profile of both ganoderic acids under a fasting condition was characterized by rapid absorption from the gastrointestinal tract (T max at approximately 30min) and a short elimination half-life (<40min). Food significantly decreased C max and delayed T max, but did not affect the extent of ganoderic acid A absorption. However, concomitant food intake markedly impeded both rate and extent of ganoderic acid F absorption. Copyright © 2012 Supanimit Teekachunhatean et al.