Reishi
Reishi
Botanical name: Ganoderma lucidum
Reishi has been widely used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for at least two thousand years. Long revered in the East as the “mushroom of immortality”, it has been used throughout the centuries, not only to improve health and longevity ,but also to balance spiritual and negative energy, and to calm the mind.
Scientific research conducted globally gives us a growing body of evidence that supports reishi’s remarkable bioactive effects. As with other functional and medicinal mushrooms, the knowledge base on reishi is rapidly expanding, resulting in new clinical evidence for medical applications. In China and Japan, reishi is already routinely used in the adjunctive treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, nervous system and immune system disorders.
Over 600 distinct molecular compounds have been identified from reishi. Among the most medically important compounds identified are the beta-glucans and other polysaccharides, and the triterpenes, particularly the ganoderic acid class. These components exhibit robust antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-aging, and immunomodulatory effects in many animal studies and in a growing number of clinical studies in humans.
Cör Andrejč D, Knez Ž, Knez Marevci M. Antioxidant, antibacterial, antitumor, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and nevro-protective activity of Ganoderma lucidum: An overview. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Jul 22;13:934982. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.934982. PMID: 35935849; PMCID: PMC9353308.
Seweryn E, Ziała A, Gamian A. Health-Promoting of Polysaccharides Extracted from Ganoderma lucidum. Nutrients. 2021 Aug 7;13(8):2725. doi: 10.3390/nu13082725. PMID: 34444885; PMCID: PMC8400705
Resilience, Stress Tolerance, Healthy Aging
Reishi is renowned for its potential to support healthy aging and vitality as well as emotional balance. It achieves this in three ways:
1) through its abundant antioxidants, such as the triterpenes ganoderic acid A and B, and the amino acid ergothioneine. Both have been shown to reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, thereby reducing tissue damage associated with aging.
2) through the neuroprotective effect of ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP). In animal studies, GLP alleviates neuroinflammation by modulating the immune response in the nervous system, thereby protecting cognitive function.
3) through its compounds that are considered adaptogens. Adaptogens help the body better adapt to stress by maintaining mental endurance, physical resilience and calmness in the face of physical or psychological stress. This makes it a natural choice for those seeking stress relief and mental tranquility.
Through the combined effects of immune modulation, antioxidant activity, and adaptogenic support, reishi contributes to an overall sense of well-being and vitality.
Liu X, Yang L, Li G, Jiang Y, Zhang G, Ling J. A novel promising neuroprotective agent: Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide. Int J Biol Macromol. 2023 Feb 28;229:168-180. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.276. Epub 2022 Dec 29. PMID: 36587634.
Sun XZ, Liao Y, Li W, Guo LM. Neuroprotective effects of ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides against oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis. Neural Regen Res. 2017 Jun;12(6):953-958. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.208590. PMID: 28761429; PMCID: PMC5514871.
Chen XJ, Deng Z, Zhang LL, Pan Y, Fu J, Zou L, Bai Z, Xiao X, Sheng F. Therapeutic potential of the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum against Alzheimer's disease. Biomed Pharmacother. 2024 Mar;172:116222. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116222. Epub 2024
Feb 3. PMID: 38310653.
Immune Modulator, Immune System Support:
Reishi has been shown to have powerful immunomodulatory effects, strengthening, balancing, supporting and regulating the immune system, and optimizing the immune response. The beta glucans found in reishi enhance immune response by promoting the activity of white blood cells such as macrophages and T-cells, which play a crucial role in fighting diseases and infections.
Chen, et al. Evaluation of Immune Modulation by -1,3; 1,6 D-Glucan Derived from Ganoderma lucidum in Healthy Adult Volunteers, A Randomized Controlled Trial. Foods 2023, 12, 659. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12030659
Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Reishi’s beta-glucans also can reduce excessive inflammation, which may be beneficial in helping to manage chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
Reishi supplies high levels of terpenoids, such as the triterpenes, including ganoderic acid. Terpenes exert primarily anti-inflammatory effects. By reducing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules called cytokines from white blood cells, they can reduce the strength of the inflammatory process.
Chen SN, Nan FH, Liu MW, Yang MF, Chang YC, Chen S. Evaluation of Immune Modulation by β-1,3; 1,6 D-Glucan Derived from Ganoderma lucidum in Healthy Adult Volunteers, A Randomized Controlled Trial. Foods. 2023 Feb 3;12(3):659. doi: 10.3390/foods12030659. PMID: 36766186; PMCID: PMC9914031
Anti-Cancer Properties:
Lab studies show that reishi stimulates the immune system’s ability to respond to tumor cells and inhibits the growth of certain kinds of cancer cells.
Bryant JM, Bouchard M, Haque A. Anticancer Activity of Ganoderic Acid DM: Current Status and Future Perspective. J Clin Cell Immunol. 2017;8(6):535. doi: 10.4172/2155-9899.1000535. Epub 2017 Dec 12. PMID: 29399381; PMCID: PMC5795599
In animal studies, ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP) modulates the gut microbiome to reduce chronic inflammation in the colon, thus inhibiting, and possibly preventing, tumor formation.
Guo C, Guo D, Fang L, Sang T, Wu J, Guo C, Wang Y, Wang Y, Chen C, Chen J, Chen R, Wang X. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide modulates gut microbiota and immune cell function to inhibit inflammation and tumorigenesis in colon. Carbohydr Polym. 2021 Sep 1;267:118231. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118231. Epub 2021 May 20. PMID: 34119183
Clinical trials show that, when used alongside conventional cancer treatment, reishi can reduce some of the toxic effects of that treatment, particularly chemotherapy and radiation.
Reishi-derived treatments are added to conventional cancer treatments, and should not be seen as a replacement for them.
PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board. Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ®): Patient Version. 2024 Jul 11. In: PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute (US); 2002–. PMID: 28267306.
Jin et al (2015). Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. The Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews. 4(4): CD007731. doi:10.1002/1465/1858. CD007731.pub3.PMC 6353236. PMID 2704603.
Cancemi G, Caserta S, Gangemi S, Pioggia G, Allegra A. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Ganoderma lucidum in Cancer. J Clin Med. 2024 Feb 18;13(4):1153. doi: 10.3390/jcm13041153. PMID: 38398467; PMCID: PMC10889924.
Sleep Support:
Recent studies suggest that reishi can improve sleep quality. By promoting relaxation and a calm mind, it helps people get a good night’s sleep, which is crucial for overall health. Reishi does not make people feel sedated or drugged. Rather, it is calming, helping people relax and fall asleep naturally.
Yao C, Wang Z, Jiang H, Yan R, Huang Q, Wang Y, Xie H, Zou Y, Yu Y, Lv L. Ganoderma lucidum promotes sleep through a gut microbiota-dependent and serotonin-involved pathway in mice. Sci Rep. 2021 Jul 1;11(1):13660. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-92913-6. PMID: 34211003; PMCID: PMC8249598.
Cardiovascular and Liver Protection:
Evidence suggests that reishi supports cardiovascular health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to overall cardiovascular health. Studies also show that reishi offers protection to the liver, helping with detoxification, which is one of the liver’s most important functions.
Chan SW, Tomlinson B, Chan P, Lam CWK. The beneficial effects of Ganoderma lucidum on cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk. Pharm Biol. 2021 Dec;59(1):1161-1171. doi: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1969413. PMID: 34465259; PMCID: PMC8409941.
Blood Sugar Regulation:
Studies indicate that reishi may help regulate blood sugar levels. This could be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes. It does not take the place of insulin in treating diabetes.
Wińska K, Mączka W, Gabryelska K, Grabarczyk M. Mushrooms of the Genus Ganoderma Used to Treat Diabetes and Insulin Resistance. Molecules. 2019 Nov 11;24(22):4075. doi: 10.3390/molecules24224075. PMID: 31717970; PMCID: PMC6891282.
While these benefits are supported by scientific evidence, it is important to use reishi as part of a broader health strategy, rather than relying solely on it for medical treatment of a disease. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting reishi supplements. Reishi can interact with certain blood thinners such as warfarin, so if you are taking them, please discuss with your health care provider before starting reishi supplements.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.