Ganoderma Extract Review, Health Benefits and Safety

Ganoderma extract refers to tinctures made from the Ganoderma lucidum fungus.

Ganoderma lucidum is a polypore fungus that is sometimes called reishi mushroom. It is also commonly known by its Chinese name, lingzhi or Ling Zhi.

Ganoderma extract has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for well over two thousand years. Within traditional Chinese medicine, the fungus is sometimes referred to as the ‘elixir of immortality.’

It is traditionally known for its normalizing, adaptogenic properties and is used to promote health and vitality. Lingzhi use spread throughout Asia and is traditionally used in China, Japan, Korea and India.

Contemporary researchers are investigating the properties of reishi or lingzhi that may be responsible for the mushroom’s purported therapeutic effects. Research is in the early stages, but constituents of the mushroom have been observed to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating and anti-cancer effects.

Ganoderma Lucidum extract is still routinely taken as a dietary supplement around the world.

According to Natural Medicines, it is used for: viral infections, enhancing the immune system, coping with stress, cardiovascular disease, asthma and bronchial disorders, among many others. The majority of these uses remain scientifically unsubstantiated.

Reishi Mushroom

Mushroom Supplement

Immune Booster

Heart Health

Longevity

How It Works:

• Traditional Chinese immune modulator
• Promotes healthy blood pressure & cholesterol
• Anti-oxidant used for anti-aging benefits

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Ganoderma Extract and Cancer Research

Constituents of Ganoderma lucidum, specifically a polysaccharide called beta-glucans, have been observed to slow and prevent the progression of some cancer cells in the laboratory.

Additionally, constituents of the mushroom have been observed to stimulate some cells of the immune system.

These observations have been made in laboratory settings and it remains unclear if they will occur in the human body. More research is necessary before any therapeutic use can be assigned to G. lucidum.

In laboratory experiments, components of reishi mushroom have been observed to:

• Increase the number and selective targeting capacities of NK (natural killer) cells, which act against tumor cells by inducing cytotoxicity;
• Strengthen the cell walls of tumor cells, making it more difficult for them to mutate;
• Decrease metalloproteinase synthesis, which limits a tumor cell’s capacity to invade neighboring cells;
• Improve the signaling efficiency of MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase);
• Inhibit the actions of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor);
• Increase the amount of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione in the blood;
• Increase sensitivity to cisplatin and other cytotoxic cancer therapy drugs;
• Reduce kidney damage caused by anticancer pharmaceuticals, such as cisplatin, and therapies, such as radiation.

Ganoderma extract show some promise as an anticancer agent, but clinical trials are required before any definitive effects can be attributed to this mushroom or its components. Speak with your oncologist before taking G. lucidum.

Ganoderma Lucidum for Cardiovascular Health

Heart disease is the most common cause of death in the United States. The leading cause of heart disease is coronary artery disease. The leading cause of coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is caused by the build-up of arterial plaque, which is caused by a surplus of bad cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood.

Many take G. lucidum extract to support cardiovascular health, but there is little evidence available to verify this use. Nevertheless, individuals use this mushroom extract for:

• Lowering the amount of LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol) and increasing the amount of HDL-C (high density lipoprotein cholesterol) in the blood;
• Lowering overall cholesterol levels in the blood;
• Lowering triglyceride levels in the blood;
• Reducing infectious agents in the bloodstream, heart and lungs due to purported antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal characteristics;
• Reducing the amount of oxygen required by the heart for proper function;
• Increasing the production of hemoglobin and inhibiting the aggregation of platelets.

In one study, a specific G. lucidum supplement called Ganopoly was observed to reduce the severity and frequency of various symptoms in patients diagnosed with heart disease.

More Benefits of Ganoderma Extract

G. lucidum supplements are used for: modulating glucose production and absorption; alleviating insomnia and other sleeping disorders; decreasing hepatitis B activity; and alleviating pain associated with herpes and shingles flare-ups. This is only a portion of the contemporary uses of G. lucidum.

Ganoderma Extract Side Effects

G. lucidum is not commonly associated with severe side effects. Anecdotally, reishi mushroom supplements are used by millions with few reported ill effects. Mild side effects, including rashes, dry mouth, nose bleeding, sneezing and/or blood in the stool, have been reported.

However, reishi powder supplementation has recently been associated with cases of liver toxicity and two cases of death, causing some researchers to call for a more in-depth assessment of the effects of reishi.

Reishi mushroom may interact with some prescription and over-the-counter medications, particularly antihypertensive, antiplatelet, anticoagulant and/or antidiabetic prescription medications. Speak with a doctor before supplementing with this product to make sure the supplement is right for you.

Also, speak with your OB/GYN or pediatrician if you are pregnant or nursing and want to supplement with reishi mushroom. Finally, discontinue use of any Ganoderma extract supplements at least three weeks prior to scheduled surgeries.

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