Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Also known as: Mannetake (Japanese name),
or Ling Zhi (Chinese name)
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) mushrooms are one of the many mushrooms that has been ingested medicinally for hundreds of years. Reishi is native to North America, Europe, and Asia, and has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese medicine and depicted in many Chinese works of art. Reishi can be found in varying climate types. They prefer tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates where their home of deciduous hardwood trees are abundant. (3) Reishi mushroom has been used to help enhance the immune system, reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue. Reishi mushrooms also have an exceptionally high level of polysaccharides and triterpenoid compounds. Due to all these health benefits, Reishi has been used for many different health conditions. In China, the mushroom is called lingzhi, which means a combination of spiritual potency and essence of immortality, and is regarded as the “herb of spiritual potency,” symbolizing success, well-being, divine power, and longevity. (1)
Anti-Cancer Properties: Reishi mushrooms show potential to contain cancer fighting properties, and in several different test tube studies it's been shown to kill cancer cells. They have a long history of traditional use in treatment of cancer and are credited with many cases of spontaneous remission. (10)(5) A study done on cancer patients taking Reishi concluded that Reishi can be taken alongside conventional cancer treatments to assist the patients in the process by boosting the body's immunity as well as increasing its response to growth of tumor cells. (6) Clinical studies have concluded that a Reishi polysaccharide extract enhances the immune status of cancer patients as well as reduces the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. (11)
Immunity: The fruiting bodies of Reishi contain polysaccharides, specifically a type called beta-glucans, which have been studied to support immune health and overall wellness, as well as normal, healthy cell growth and turnover. (3) Additionally, test-tube studies have shown that reishi can affect the genes in white blood cells, which play a critical role in protecting the immune system.
Clinical Summary:
Main Cancer, allergy, mental wellness, liver support
Key components: Polysaccharides and triterpenes
Dose: 3-15 g/day in decoctions and 1.5-3 g/day as powder or pills
Side Effects: No major side effects have been reported. However, some patients have reported side effects such as upset stomach, digestive problem, or dizziness. (9)
References:
1. Wachtel-Galor, S. (2011, January 01). Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi). Retrieved December 17,2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/
2. Tinsley, G. (2018). 6 Benefits of Reishi Mushroom (Plus Side Effects and Dosage). Retrieved
December 17, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reishi-mushroom-benefits
3. Sprinkel, A. (2018, January 12). Reishi. Retrieved December 17, 2020, from
https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/herbs/reishi
4. Reishi Mushroom: Uses and Risks. (2019, May 29). Retrieved December 18, 2020, from
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/reishi-mushroom-uses-and-risks
5. Chung WT;Lee SH;Kim JD;Park YS;Hwang B;Lee SY;Lee HY;. (n.d.). Effect of mycelial culture broth
of Ganoderma lucidum on the growth characteristics of human cell lines. Retrieved December 18, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16233144/
6. Jin X;Ruiz Beguerie J;Sze DM;Chan GC;. (2010). Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer
treatment. Retrieved December 18, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27045603/
7. Tang W;Gao Y;Chen G;Gao H;Dai X;Ye J;Chan E;Huang M;Zhou S;. (2010). A randomized, double-blind
and placebo-controlled study of a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract in neurasthenia.
Retrieved December 18, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15857210/
8. Zhao H;Zhang Q;Zhao L;Huang X;Wang J;Kang X;. (2011). Spore Powder of Ganoderma lucidum Improves
Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Pilot Clinical
Trial. Retrieved December 18, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22203880/
9. Reishi Mushroom Uses, Benefits & Dosage - Drugs.com Herbal Database. (2019). Retrieved December
18, 2020, from https://www.drugs.com/npp/reishi-mushroom.html
10. MD;, Y. (n.d.). Anticancer effects of ganoderma lucidum: A review of scientific evidence.
Retrieved February 18, 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16351502/
11. Gao Y;Zhou S;Jiang W;Huang M;Dai X;. (n.d.). Effects of ganopoly (a ganoderma lucidum
polysaccharide extract) on the immune functions in advanced-stage cancer patients. Retrieved February 18, 2021, from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12916709/