Ganoderma Lucidum Mycelium Powder Extract Benefits & Safety

Ganoderma lucidum mycelium refers to the network of long filaments called hyphae that form the ‘roots’ of the mushroom or fruiting body.

Ganoderma lucidum is a fungus that naturally grows on decaying wood and tree stumps.

The mycelium is the portion of the fungus that is contained within the decaying wood, where all the nutrients are extracted for reproduction and survival.

The top of the fungus, commonly referred to as the mushroom, is actually a fruiting body that is released by the fungus for the purpose of reproduction. This fruiting body has been used as a medicinal mushroom for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems throughout Asia.

Recently, supplements derived from the Ganoderma mycelium, and not the fruiting body, have become available on the market.

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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Why Use Ganoderma Lucidum Mycelium?

In general, the mycelium is thought to contain the highest concentrations of nutrients in the fungus.

In the case of Ganoderma lucidum, the mycelium of the fungus is thought to contain higher concentrations of chemical constituents associated with the mushroom’s therapeutic effects.

These chemicals include various lanostanoids, steryl esters, steroids, lectins, triterpenes and polysaccharides. Researchers are now investigating the therapeutic effects of these constituents to better understand if they are responsible for the mushroom’s purported therapeutic uses.

Ganoderma lucidum has been used for over 2,000 years in traditional medicine practices throughout Asia.

In traditional Chinese medicine the mushroom is called lingzhi and is often described as an ‘elixir of immortality’. The mushroom is traditionally used as a tonic herb and is thought to promote health and longevity.

Contemporary research has focused on the capacity of the mushroom to increase the activity of the immune system and exhibit anti-cancer characteristics.

In preliminary studies G. lucidum has been observed to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune modulating effects, but further research is necessary to understand how the mushroom works within the human body.

Ganoderma Lucidum and Blood Sugar

G. lucidum has been observed to affect blood sugar levels in individuals with type II diabetes. In one trial, individuals with type II diabetes mellitus were given G. lucidum and another group was administered a placebo.

Both plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were observed to decrease slightly in the supplement group as compared to the placebo group. Several other markers for diabetes mellitus were also improved.

Studies with larger sample sizes and longer durations are needed to determine the full anti-diabetic effects of Ganoderma lucidum mycelium and its constituents.

Ganoderma Lucidum and Chronic Hepatitis B

A specific G. lucidum supplement, Ganopoly, has been studied for its impact on patients with chronic hepatitis B. Markers that are used to evaluate the activity of the hepatitis B virus were observed to decrease during Ganopoly administration.

This study was randomized and controlled with a placebo; however, it was a short study with a small sample size. Also, follow-up measures were quite limited.

Chronic hepatitis B is known to be very difficult to clear from the system and longer studies are needed before any definitive claims can be made about the relationship between G. lucidum and hepatitis B.

Ganoderma Lucidum and Cancer

Ganoderma lucidum mycelium is sometimes used for cancer, but there is insufficient research to establish G. lucidum as useful in treating or preventing any cancers.

In preliminary laboratory study, constituents of the mushroom have been observed to stimulate some cells of the immune system. Additionally, beta-glucans contained in the mushroom have been observed to exhibit anti-cancer effects.

However, there is little research available on the impact of G. lucidum in human populations.

Advocates claim that reishi mushroom mycelium and extract may be able to impede the development and progression of some tumors by:

• Increasing the activity of some immune system cells, which may attack tumor cells;
• Fortifying the walls of tumor cells so they are less able mutate and invade healthy cells;
• Lowering levels of metalloproteinase, which is required for tumor cells to metastasize or spread;
• Increasing levels of plasma SOD (superoxide dismutase) and glutathione, two important antioxidants;
• Inhibiting blood vessel formation in tumor cells;
• Making the ovaries more sensitive to anticancer agents like cisplatin;
• Protecting the liver and kidneys from toxic exposure from chemotherapy and radiation.

More research is needed before the connection between G. lucidum and cancer can be established.

Other Uses for Ganoderma Mycelium Supplements

Ganoderma lucidum mycelium are used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Strengthening the immune system and decreasing oxidative damage in the body;
• Reducing the risk of hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia, which may support cardiovascular health;
• Alleviating symptoms of asthma and various bronchial conditions;
• Ameliorating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

In the majority of cases, the efficacy of G. lucidum has not been established via scientific study. Contemporary uses of the mushroom are often rooted in traditional practice or user testimonials.

Safety Warnings for Ganoderma

Reishi mushroom extracts, teas and tinctures have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems. The herb is not commonly associated with severe side effect, provided it is not taken to excess.

Supplementation is not usually recommended for extended periods of time. Additionally, some recommend keeping the use of powdered reishi supplements to no more than one month at a time.

Reishi mushroom powder has been associated with cases of liver toxicity and two deaths. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking Ganoderma lucidum mycelium to make sure the supplement is right for you.

There is not enough evidence to establish the safety of reishi mushroom for developing and new babies; pregnant and/or nursing women should not take G. lucidum.

Do not combine Ganoderma lucidum mycelium with prescription medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, clotting/bleeding conditions and/or thrombocytopenia.

Speak with your medical practitioner before beginning to supplement with Ganoderma lucidum products.

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