Beneficial Effects of Enoki Mushroom Extract on Male Menopausal Symptoms in Japanese Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

With the increase in average life expectancy, age-related male menopause has become a cause of decreased quality of life in men. The present study investigated the efficacy and safety of powdered enoki mushroom extract containing adenosine (test food) for menopausal symptoms in middle-aged and elderly men based on an evaluation of Heinemann's Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scores. The test food and placebo were administered to healthy men with AMS scores of 27-49 for 12 weeks. AMS score (primary endpoint) and testosterone level (secondary endpoint) were evaluated before and 12 weeks after the intake of the test food and placebo. The intake of the test food for 12 weeks significantly improved the sexual subscale of the AMS. In the cumulative χ2 test, the number of subjects showing high improvement was significantly higher in the test food group than in the placebo food group. In a stratified analysis of subjects divided into two groups based on a change in total testosterone levels of <0.5 ng/mL and ≥0.5 ng/mL after the intake of the test food, the number of subjects with increased total testosterone levels of ≥0.5 ng/mL was significantly higher in the test food group than in the placebo group. These results suggest the beneficial effects of enoki mushroom extract on symptoms of male menopause.