Reishi: a medicinal mushroom with a long tradition
The reishi mushroom, also known as ling zhi or shiny lacquer mushroom, is a natural product with a long history in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian countries such as China, Japan and Korea. It is now becoming increasingly popular in the western world as a so-called medicinal mushroom, a fungus that is said to have positive health effects. In this article, we answer the most important questions about its use and effects.
What is the reishi mushroom and what is it used for in traditional medicine?
Optically, the reishi mushroom, or Ganoderma lucidum, is a mushroom with a striking red or brown cap surface and a characteristic fan-shaped growth. It has been used as a medicinal mushroom for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other Asian healing systems.
Traditionally, Ling Zhi is known as the "mushroom of immortality" and the "mushroom of happiness" and has a reputation for strengthening the Qi (life energy) and helping with various health problems such as liver problems, allergies, inflammation and heart problems. It is therefore said to have a highly versatile spectrum of effects. Find out more about medicinal mushrooms here: https://vita-world24.de/en/blog/What-are-medicinal-mushrooms
Is there scientific evidence for the effectiveness of reishi?
While the scientific research on Ganoderma lucidum is promising, it also shows that not all traditional views on the effect of the mushroom can currently be confirmed. However, there is evidence that the medicinal mushroom reishi does indeed have antioxidant, immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory properties.
The anti-inflammatory properties of various compounds from Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma tsugae were investigated in vitro. Some of these compounds showed significant inhibitory effects on inflammatory processes in cells and could therefore potentially be useful in various medical applications [5]. However, further studies are needed to fully substantiate the effect.
Current evidence from scientific studies supporting the claimed health benefits of reishi in humans is limited. Many of these studies have flaws, including a small number of subjects and poor methodological quality. In addition, the results of some studies are contradictory, making interpretation difficult. It is therefore necessary to conduct further high-quality research to clarify the actual effects of the medicinal mushroom on human health.
What nutrients and compounds make reishi so special?
Ganoderma lucidum is rich in various bio-active and antioxidant compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenes and steroids [3,4]. Bio-active compounds are substances that act directly on biological systems and are able to trigger certain health-promoting or regulating effects in the body. These bio-active compounds contained in G. lucidum are thought to be responsible for its health benefits. The exact composition of the ingredients can vary greatly depending on the mushroom variety, which makes the research more complex.
What health benefits are attributed to the reishi mushroom?
Even today, Ganoderma lucidum is thought to have numerous health benefits for the body, including:
- Immune system support [6]
- Stress reduction [7]
- Anti-inflammatory effect [8]
- Antioxidant effect [6]
- Improvement in sleep quality [9]
- Liver protection [6]
- Heart health [10]
- Anticancer potential [6]
- Improvement of cognitive function [11]
It is considered an adaptogen, a natural product that helps the body to adapt to various stress factors and strengthen the immune system [2]. Its effect on the body is still being researched. Animal experiments and studies on cell cultures have shown that the bio-active compounds in reishi have the potential to prevent kidney and liver damage, kill cancer cells and fight infections [2]. Unfortunately, these promising results from animal-based studies have not yet been definitively confirmed in human studies.
How should you take reishi?
Ganoderma lucidum is available in various forms, including capsules, powder and extracts. The recommended dosage of Ganoderma may vary depending on the product. In general, the recommended amounts for reishi powder vary between 1 to 3 grams per day. The recommended amounts for extracts are lower. The amount to be consumed should also take into account whether the condition is acute or chronic or whether reishi is being taken as a preventative measure. In any case, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions or seek advice from a specialist before taking capsules or powder of the dried shiny lacquer mushroom.
Can the reishi mushroom boost the immune system?
The medicinal mushroom G. lucidum is often regarded as an immunomodulator, as it can help to regulate the balance of the immune system [1]. The polysaccharides and glucans contained in the mushroom could realign the activity of immune cells and thus act on the body's defences and support the immune system. Find out more about the versatile effect of beta-glucan here: https://vita-world24.de/en/blog/The-importance-of-beta-glucan-for-the-body
Can Ling Zhi be used for cancer therapy?
In animal studies, the mushroom showed antitumour effects of both triterpenoids and polysaccharides [1]. Human studies with cancer patients who had either lung cancer or a preliminary stage of bowel cancer also indicate that the medicinal mushroom reishi could be a supplement in cancer treatment due to the polysaccharides it contains [1]. These results have not yet been conclusively reproduced, so further research is needed.
Does reishi mushroom support mental health?
One study focussed on the effect of reishi mushrooms on the mental and physical health of rodents. The results suggest that reishi mushrooms have antidepressant properties and could also help prevent or improve neurological disorders [12].
Did you know that a zinc deficiency can also affect your mental health? Find out more here: https://vita-world24.de/en/blog/Zinc-deficiency-important-facts-for-your-health
Ganoderma also appears to have a positive effect on the quality of sleep and promote stress management. Some compounds in the mushroom, such as triterpenes, could have calming properties and help to reduce stress [4]. Again, further research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms of action and enable the use of reishi mushrooms in medical therapy.
Are there any risks or side effects to taking reishi supplements?
In general, the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum is considered safe. Although G. lucidum is generally considered safe, pregnant women, nursing mothers and people with certain health conditions should exercise caution when using reishi powder. Taking capsules of reishi mushroom extract for up to one year is considered safe, but long-term use of the powdered form could cause liver damage [2].
Possible side effects of reishi are:
- Dry mouth
- Skin rash
- Stomach problems
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Dizziness
Taking reishi mushrooms can lower blood pressure and affect blood clotting, which can lead to problems, especially if you are already taking antihypertensive or blood-thinning medication [2]. Reishi can also influence the effect of chemotherapy and tumour marker tests and interact with diabetes medication [2]. You should therefore speak to a doctor before taking reishi, especially if you are already taking medication or have health problems.
Conclusion
Whether powder or capsule - the shiny lacquered mushroom is a remarkable natural product that is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine. The many potential benefits of the mushroom, from possibly supporting the immune system to its possible influence in cancer treatment, make it an interesting object of research. Nevertheless, it is important to use the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Ling Zhi) with caution and in consultation with a specialist in order to minimise potential risks.
Sources:
[1] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/mushrooms-pdq#_128
[2] https://www.msdmanuals. com/en-en/home/special-topics/nutritional-energy-and-vitamins/reishi
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34444885/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10479768/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17655889/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/
[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28008811/
[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19651243/
[9] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-92913-6
[10] https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,2e8a1fed297cf479,31589270146ffdfd.html
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5233449/
[12] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031938423000835
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