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Ganoderma lucidum powder and capsules are used to help support vitality, immunity and well-being.
Ganoderma lucidum is a fungus commonly referred to as either reishi or lingzhi in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Reishi mushrooms have played an important role in traditional medicine practices throughout Asia for more than 2,000 years. Within TCM, Ganoderma lucidum is revered for its capacity to promote calmness, centeredness and ward off the effects of aging. It is often referred to as the ‘elixir of immortality’ in TCM.
Consumers can buy Ganoderma lucidum in bulk powder format, tablets or as whole mushrooms. Research has identified several possible medicinal properties of lingzhi mushrooms; however, there is still insufficient evidence to attribute it with specific therapeutic outcomes.
Ganoderma lucidum supplements are used for a variety of indications, which include improving vitality and supporting overall good health. Preliminary research indicates that these mushrooms may help support the immune system.
Immune Booster
Heart Health
Longevity- Traditional Chinese immune modulator
- Promotes healthy blood pressure & cholesterol
- Anti-oxidant used for anti-aging benefits
Top Reishi Products* ❯Ganoderma Lucidum and Cancer Research
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According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the beta-glucans contained in G. lucidum mushrooms may help slow or stop the progression of some cancer cells.
Further research is required to understand what effect this may have on human health. Beta glucans are complex sugars that have been observed to exhibit anti-cancer effects.
Ganoderma powder may impact the formation and progression of some cancers in a number of ways, including by:
- Suppressing cellular migration and adhesion, especially in highly invasive prostate and breast cancer cell lines;
- Modulating immune system components, such as T-lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, antigen-presenting cells, B-lymphocytes and others;
- Impeding blood flow to tumor cells, which will eventually cause cell death;
- Enhancing the structural stability of tumor cells, making it more difficult for them to mutate and progress to healthy neighboring cells;
- Increasing antioxidant concentrations in plasma;
- Warding off damage caused by radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
Existing evidence regarding the antitumor and chemopreventive effects of this mushroom extract seems quite promising. However, few of these characteristics have been tested in humans and it is not clear if similar effects will be observed.
Significantly more research is required before G. lucidum is deemed effective as a primary or adjunct cancer treatment or preventative agent.
Ganoderma Lucidum Powder for General Health
Ganoderma lucidum powder supplements are often used to support general wellness and cardiovascular health.
Although this mushroom has been observed to lower blood pressure in animals, there have not been sufficient research studies conducted in humans for this use.
Ganoderma Lucidum powder does contain a number of constituents that may have therapeutic effects, including ganodermic acids, beta-glucan polysaccharides, lucidenic acid, peptidoglycans and triterpenoids. These constituents are often referred to when people claim the mushroom can support cardiovascular health, but further research is necessary.
Some claim this mushroom may help support cardiovascular health by:
- Decreasing the amount of LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol;
- Decreasing total cholesterol amounts;
- Decreasing the amount of triglyceride fats in the blood stream;
- Increasing the amount HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol;
- Increasing fatty acid metabolism, thus improving overall blood-lipid levels;
- Stimulating vasodilation, which may support improved circulation by widening the blood vessels;
- Decreasing the amount of oxygen required by the heart to maintain healthy performance levels;
- Slowing the heart rate, which may decrease overall cardiac workloads;
- Impeding or inhibiting the onset and development of conditions like atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia.
According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, there is no evidence that G. lucidum affects cholesterol levels in humans. The therapeutic effects of reishi mushroom supplementation require further study before any definitive claims can be made.
Ganoderma Lucidum Safety Warnings
Reishi mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicine practice and are not commonly associated with severe side effects. These mushrooms are also commonly consumed as food ingredients.
In healthy adults, G. lucidum is generally well tolerated. However, in some cases, itching, bloody stool, nosebleeds, dry mouth/throat, upset stomach and nausea have been reported. Most of the symptoms quickly pass.
When buying Ganoderma lucidum powder supplements, it is important to follow the label instructions. In general, powder supplements should not be consumed for more than one month at a time.
Cases of liver toxicity and two deaths have been associated with high doses of reishi mushroom powder use. It is unclear whether this is the result of contaminants within these specific bulk powder products or related to the mushroom itself. No instances of liver toxicity have been linked to the use of Ganoderma capsules.
Reishi mushrooms may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Speak with your doctor before you purchase Ganoderma lucidum supplements to make sure the supplement is right for you.
- Natural Medicines. Reishi Mushroom: Professional Monograph. Reviewed February 2015.
- Xu Z, Chen X, Zhong Z, Chen L, Wang Y. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides: immunomodulation and potential anti-tumor activities. Am J Chin Med. 2011;39(1):15-27.
- Lin ZB, Zhang HN. Anti-tumor and immunoregulatory activities of Ganoderma lucidum and its possible mechanisms. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2004 Nov;25(11):1387-95.
- Silva D. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) in cancer treatment. Integr Cancer Ther. 2003 Dec;2(4):358-64.
- Ren, Ang et al. "Profiling and Quantifying Differential Gene Transcription Provide Insights into Ganoderic Acid Biosynthesis in Ganoderma Lucidum in Response to Methyl Jasmonate." Ed. Sung-Hwan Yun. PLoS ONE 8.6 (2013): e65027. PMC. Web. 3 July 2015.
- Huang, Yen-Hua et al. "Generation and Analysis of the Expressed Sequence Tags from the Mycelium of Ganoderma Lucidum." Ed. Ahmed Moustafa. PLoS ONE 8.5 (2013): e61127. PMC. Web. 3 July 2015.
- Liang, Zengenni et al. "Chemical Characterization and Antitumor Activities of Polysaccharide Extracted from Ganoderma Lucidum." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 15.5 (2014): 9103–9116. PMC. Web. 3 July 2015.
- Liu, Dongbo et al. "The Genome of Ganoderma Lucidum Provide Insights into Triterpense Biosynthesis and Wood Degradation." Ed. John Parkinson. PLoS ONE 7.5 (2012): e36146. PMC. Web. 3 July 2015.
- Wu, Qing-Ping et al. "Ergosterol Peroxide Isolated from Ganoderma Lucidum Abolishes MicroRNA miR-378-Mediated Tumor Cells on Chemoresistance." Ed. Ganjam V. Kalpana. PLoS ONE 7.8 (2012): e44579. PMC. Web. 3 July 2015.
- Yu, Guo-Jun et al. "Deep Insight into the Ganoderma Lucidum by Comprehensive Analysis of Its Transcriptome." Ed. Alfredo Herrera-Estrella.PLoS ONE 7.8 (2012): e44031. PMC. Web. 3 July 2015.
Article last updated on: March 31st, 2018 by Nootriment