Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum

The Reishi mushroom has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, where it is known by the name Linghzi. It is also goes by the popular name “The Mushroom Of Immortality”. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed to improve longevity, youth, and overall vital energy.

Modern research has revealed that the Reishi mushroom contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and antioxidants, that may be responsible for its purported health benefits.  It’s immune-boosting properties have been of particular interest to researchers, especially in the context of cancer therapies. Other studies suggest Reishi may reduce inflammation, protect the liver, improve sleep, and lower blood sugar levels.

Beneficial Compounds

Beta-Glucans

(Hung, 2008)

Beta-glucans are atype of polysaccharide that have been studied for their potential to stimulate the immune system and fight cancer cells. Beta-glucans are believed to work by activating various immune cells, leading to the production of cytokines and other signaling molecules that help to coordinate the immune response. While more research is needed, Reishi polysaccharides may offer promising immunomodulatory and antitumor effects.

Triterpenoids

In Reishi mushrooms, triterpenoids are responsible for the mushroom’s bitter taste and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver-protective effects. They may also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Ganoderic acids, a type of triterpenoid found in Reishi, have been specifically investigated for their potential to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.

Ergosterol

Ergosterol is a natural compound found in mushrooms that has various medicinal benefits. It is a type of sterol that is similar to cholesterol in animals and is a precursor to vitamin D2, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.  Ergosterol has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects. It may also help to improve liver health, boost the immune system, and protect against infectious diseases.

Clinical Trials

The clinical trials conduct on Reishi highlight the diverse applications of reishi, ranging from cancer support to metabolic health and immune modulation. They utilized various forms of reishi, including spore powder, extracts, and whole mushroom preparations.

YearSpeciesStudy NameNumber of ParticipantsFungal-Derived TreatmentDosage
1995Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Sensitization to Ganoderma lucidum in Patients with Respiratory Allergy in India172Fruitng Body and Spore Extract
2002Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)A Phase I/II Study of a Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. Extract (Ganopofy) in Patients with Advanced Cancer143Ganopoly (β-glucan extract)5400 mg/day
2002Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)A Phase I/II Study of a Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. (Ling Zhi, Reishi Mushroom) Extract in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B90Ganopoly (β-glucan extract)
2003Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Effects of Ganopoly1 (A Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Extract) on the Immune Functions in Advanced-Stage Cancer Patients34Ganopoly (β-glucan extract)5400 mg/day
2003Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study of Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.:Fr.) Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Polysaccharides (Ganopoly®) in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer68Ganopoly (β-glucan extract)1800 mg/day
2004Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)A Phase I/II Study of Ling Zhi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.:Fr.)Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus71Ganopoly (β-glucan extract)5400 mg/day
2004Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)A Phase I/II Study of Ling Zhi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.:Fr.) Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease168Ganopoly (β-glucan extract)
2005Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Phase I Study of a Methanol Extract of Ganoderma lucidum, Edible and Medicinal Mushroom, in Men with Mild Symptoms of Bladder Outlet Obstruction50Methanol Extract0.6, 6, or 60 mg/day
2005Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Immune Responses to Water-Soluble Ling Zhi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.:Fr.) P. Karst. Polysaccharides in Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer47Ganopoly (β-glucan extract)5400 mg/day
2005Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Effects of Water-Soluble Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides on the Immune Functions of Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer36Ganopoly (β-glucan extract)5400 mg/day
2005Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)A Randomized, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Study of a Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Extract in Neurasthenia132Ganopoly (β-glucan extract)5400 mg/day
2005Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Platelet and Global Hemostatic Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum (Ling-Zhi) in Healthy Volunteers40Ganopoly (β-glucan extract)1500 mg/day
2007Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Safety and Tolerability of Ganoderma lucidum in Healthy Subjects: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial16Fruiting Body and Spore Extract4000 mg/day (1.89% terpenoids and 15.8% polysaccharides)
2007Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Safety and Efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) and San Miao San Supplementation in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial65Unspecified Extract4000 mg/day
2007Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Potential Benefits of Ling Zhi or Reishi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (W. Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) to Breast Cancer Patients1Triterpene-enriched polysaccharide extract
2007Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Effect of an Extract of Ganoderma lucidum in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized and Dose-Ranging Study88Unspecified Extract0.6, 6, or 60 mg/day
2008Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Randomized Clinical Trial of an Ethanol Extract of Ganoderma Lucidum in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms88Fruiting Body Alcohol Extract 6 mg/day
2011Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Study of Potential Cardioprotective Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum (Lingzhi): Results of a Controlled Human Intervention Trial26Unspecified Extract1440 mg/day
2011Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Spore Powder of Ganoderma Lucidum Improves Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Pilot Clinical Trial48Spore Powder3000 mg/day
2013Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Preliminary Study of the Applications of Ganoderma Lucidum in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome50Unspecified Extract2000 mg/day
2014Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Control of Oral Human Papillomavirus (HPV) by Medicinal Mushrooms, Trametes versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum: A Preliminary Clinical Trial61Fruiting Body200 mg/day
2015Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Useful Treatment of Severe Atopic Dermatitis with Ganoderma Lucidum: A Multiple-Case Study4Fruiting Body 2700 mg/day
2015Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)A Randomized Double Blinded Study of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) in Salvage Setting of Recurrent Gynecologic Cancer60Fruiting Body + Spores Water Extract6000 mg/day
2016Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Ganoderma lucidum for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome84 10:1 Fruiting Body Extract (75%) + Spores (25%)3000 mg/day
2017Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Triterpenoids and Polysaccharide Peptides-Enriched Ganoderma Lucidum: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study of Its Antioxidation and Hepatoprotective Efficacy in Healthy Volunteers42Extract (7% ganoderic acids and 6% β-Glucan)225 mg/day
2017Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)The Role of Ganoderma Lucidum Uptake on Some Hematological and Immunological Response in Patients with Coronavirus (COVID-19)150Unspecified Extract
2017Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Cost-Utility Analysis of a Six-Weeks Ganoderma Lucidum-Based Treatment for Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Double-Blind, Active Placebo-Controlled Trial26Micromilled Ganoderma lucidum6000 mg/day
2018Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Spore Powder of Ganoderma Lucidum for the Treatment of Alzheimer Disease: A Pilot Study42Spore Powder
2018Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Randomized Clinical Trial for the Evaluation of Immune Modulation by Yogurt Enriched with β-Glucans from Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes), in Children from Medellín, Colombia124β-glucans extract
2018Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Immunostimulatory and Anti-inflammatory Effect of Ganoderma Lucidum on Breast Cancer Patients40Ganoderma Lucidum capsules2000 mg/day
2019Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)β-1,3/1,6-d-glucan Of Indonesian Ganoderma Lucidum β-glucan Reduces Systolic Blood Pressure & Inflammation In Hypertensive Patients50β-glucan extract540 mg/day
2020Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Transarterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Clinical Efficacy Study of Ganoderma Lucidum Extract Polysaccharide Peptide β-Glucan63β-glucan extract
2020Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Peptide Reduce Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Patient with Atrial Fibrillation38PPGL (β-glucan extract)750 mg/day
2020Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Ganoderma Lucidum Effects on Mood and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia64Fruiting Body6000 mg/day
2020Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Effects of a Combination of Elderberry and Reishi Extracts on the Duration and Severity of Respiratory Tract Infections in Elderly Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial60Fruiting Body (standardized to 35% polysaccharides)500 mg/day
2020Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Dynamic biomarkers indicate the immunological benefits provided by Ganoderma spore powder in post-operative breast and lung cancer patients120Spore Powder4000 mg/day
2021Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)A Placebo-Controlled, Pseudo-Randomized, Crossover Trial of Botanical Agents for Gulf War Illness: Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica), and Epimedium (Epimedium sagittatum)29Fruiting Body + Extract
2022Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Evaluation of Immune Modulation by β-1,3; 1,6 D-Glucan Derived from Ganoderma lucidum in Healthy Adult Volunteers, A Randomized Controlled Trial135β-glucan extract200 mg/day
2022Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)The Efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum in Overweight Individuals: A Randomized Placebo-controlled trial72Fruiting Body + Extract780 mg/day
2022Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)The Potential Activity of Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes), to Alleviate Liver Injury in Adults with Acute Mushroom Poisoning: A Retrospective Study61
2023Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Combination Treatment in Ulcerative Colitis Using 5-Aminosalysilic Acid (5-ASA) and Polysaccharide Peptide of Indonesian Ganoderma lucidum β-glucan124PPGL (β-glucan extract)540 mg/day
2023Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma Lucidum, Improves Painful Symptoms in Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome20Unspecified Extract920 mg/day
2024Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)Survival Benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum in Early-stage Triple-negative Breast Cancer: A Real World Study142Spore Powder

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