Chinese mushroom used in medicine may reduce weight gain

A mushroom, which has been used in Chinese medicine for a long time can help slow weight gain.

According to the researchers at Chang Gung University in Taiwan, the fungus called Ganoderma lucidum slowed weight gain by altering bacteria in the gut in mice and could be a potential treatment of obesity, the BBC has reported.

The scientists said that the mushroom extract "may be used as pre-biotics to reduce body weight gain, chronic inflammation and insulin resistance [type 2 diabetes] in obese individuals."

The researchers further said that their finding needed to be testing in people for robust proof.

The study is published in Nature Communications.