Reishi

 

Reishi

Botanical name: Ganoderma lucidum

           

Reishi, , has been widely used for at least two thousand years in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. Long revered in the East as the “mushroom of immortality, elixir of life”, it has been used throughout the centuries by emperors, monks and sages, not only to improve health and longevity ,but also to balance spiritual and negative energy and calm the mind. Reishi is also called "Lingzhi" within the Chinese medicine tradition, meaning; " spiritual; miraculous; sacred; divine” and zhi "plant of longevity”.
Scientific research conducted globally over the past thirty years has provided a growing body of evidence that supports and helps us understand reishi’s bioactive effects. As with other functional and medicinal mushrooms, the research is increasingly translational, meaning that knowledge is emerging out of the lab and increasingly being studied for medical applications in people.  In China and Japan reishi is 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 studies in humans.

 

 

Bishop, et al. From 2000 years of Ganoderma lucidum to recent developments

in nutraceuticals. Phytochemistry 114 (2015) 56–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.02.015

 

Seweryn, et al. Health -Promoting of Polysaccharides Extracted from Ganoderma lucidum.

Nutrients 2021, 13, 2725. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082725

 

Wu et al. Ganoderma lucidum: a comprehensive review of phytochemistry, efficacy, safety and clinical study. Food Science and Human Wellness 13 (2024) 568-5961

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stress Tolerance and Resilience (Adaptogen)

Reishi contains compounds that are considered adaptogens. Adaptogens help the body better adapt to stress and ,and maintain mental endurance, physical resilience, calmness and balance.  This makes it a natural choice for those seeking stress relief and mental tranquility.

 

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, thereby helping people relax and fall asleep naturally.

 

Yao, et a.  Ganoderma lucidum promotes sleep through a gut microbiota‑dependent

and serotonin‑involved pathway in mice. Nature Scientific Reports (2021) 11:13660. | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-92913-6

 

Vitality, Healthy Aging, Cognition Support - ergothioneine, ganodernic acid.

Reishi is known for its potential to support healthy aging and vitality, in two ways: 1) through its antioxidants such as the triterpenes Ganoderic acid A and B that fight free radicals, and reducing oxidative stress which is linked to aging, and 2) through the neuroprotective effect of its family of polysaccharides, collectively called GLP. The combined effects of immune support, antioxidant activity, and various other potential benefits contribute to an overall sense of well-being and vitality.

 

Liu, et al.  A novel promising neuroprotective agent: Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 229 (2023) p168–180.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.276

 

Chen, et al. Therapeutic potential of the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum against Alzheimer’s disease. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 172 (2024) 116222

 

Immune Modulator ; Immune System Support: Reishi has been shown to have powerful immunomodulatory effects, strengthening, balancing, supporting and regulating the immune system, and optimising the immune response. Research suggests that 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-Cancer Properties: Some studies have shown that reishi may have anti-cancer properties enhancing tumor response and stimulating host immunity. In the lab, compounds in reishi inhibit the growth of some cancer cells and improve the efficacy of chemotherapy. Clinical trials have shown that, when used alongside conventional cancer treatment, reishi can reduce some of the toxic effects of that treatment, particularly chemotherapy and radiation. While these effects are promising, they should not be seen as a replacement for conventional cancer treatments.

 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.

 

Cadar et al ( 2023) Natural Bio-Compounds from Ganoderma lucidum and Their Beneficial Biological Actions for Anticancer Application: A Review. Antioxidants 2023, 12, p1907. https://doi.org/10.339/antiox12111907

 

Cancemi et al (2024) Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Ganoderma lucidum in Cancer.      J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13, 1153. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13041153

 

Gonzalez, et al (2020). Use of Ganoderma lucidum as Radioprotector Anti-inflammatory. Nutrients 2020, 12, 1143; doi:10.3390/nu12041143

 

Xu, et al (2022). Current Advancements in Antitumor Properties and Mechanisms of Medicinal Components in Edible Mushrooms. Nutrients 2022, Jun 24; 14(13), 2622.

 

Guo, et al ( 2021) Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide modulates gut microbiota and immune cell function to inhibit inflammation and tumorigenesis in colon. Carbohydrate Polymers 267 (2021) 118231

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Reishi contains bioactive compounds such as beta glucans that reduce inflammation, which could be beneficial in helping to manage chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Reishi also supplies high levels of terpenoids, such as the triterpenes. Terpenes exert primarily anti-inflammatory effects.  By reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules called cytokines from white blood cells, they can reduce the strength of the inflammatory process.

 

Wen et al. Structure of water-soluble polysaccharides in spore of Ganoderma lucidum and their anti-inflammatory activity. Food Chemistry 373 (2022) 131374

 

 

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.  Reishi may offer protective effects for the liver, aiding in detoxification, which is one of the liver’s most important functions.

Chan,, et al. The beneficial effects of Ganoderma lucidum on cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk. Pharmaceutical Biology ( 2021), V 59, No 1 1159-1169.https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2021.1969413

 

 

 

Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies have indicated 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.

 

Winska, et al (2019) Mushrooms of the Genus Ganoderma Used to Treat Diabetes and Insulin Resistance. Molecules 2019, 24, 4075

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.