Ganoderma Lucidum: Top Uses, Effects and Risk of Side Effects

Ganoderma lucidum is the botanical name for reishi mushrooms. These mushrooms, also known by their Chinese name, lingzhi, have been used for millennia in traditional medical practices throughout Asia.

They were historically used to treat a variety of conditions, including: fatigue, liver ailments, respiratory conditions (asthma, cough) and to promote longevity.

Today, it is commonly touted as one of the best anti-aging supplements on the market and is now being promoted for its use in skin creams by the likes of Kim Kardashian.

As a polypore, G. lucidum releases its spores from small pores on its underside, unlike gilled mushrooms and “toothed” mushrooms (hydnoid fungi). The conks and mycelium of Ganoderma lucidum have been used to create medicines to confer therapeutic benefit.

Contemporary research has focused on the constituents of the reishi mushroom to better understand its possible therapeutic uses and mechanisms of action. Extracts of the mushroom have been investigated for a number of possible therapeutic actions, including anti-cancer and immunomodulating effects.

Research is preliminary and there is insufficient evidence to attribute any therapeutic roles to reishi mushrooms based only on scientific study.

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 Lucidum Top Uses

Ganoderma lucidum is now used for a wide variety of indications. Scientific study has not been able to verify any particular therapeutic use of reishi mushrooms, but many of the contemporary uses are rooted in traditional practice.

People use reishi mushrooms to:

• Support cardiovascular health;
• Moderate and enhance glucose use to alleviate symptoms of diabetes;
• Detoxify the kidneys and liver;
• Protect the lungs and improve their function;
• Alleviate pain associated with shingles and herpes outbreaks;
• Strengthen the immune system;

Health Benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum

The therapeutic uses attributed to reishi mushroom are often rooted in traditional practice. However, research is ongoing to examine the impact of reishi mushroom on human health.

It is important to note that most evidence pertaining to the therapeutic role of reishi mushrooms is from preclinical studies, meaning most characteristics have not been systematically tested on a human population.

Anticancer and Chemopreventive Properties

Reishi mushroom supplementation has been observed to exhibit anticancer effects on several cell lines. Ganoderma lucidum continues to demonstrate anticancer and chemopreventive actions including:

• Shutting down blood flow to tumor cells, eventually causing necrosis;
• Acting to decrease metalloproteinase expression, which helps limit invasive tumor progression;
• Inhibiting the attachment of tumor cells to endothelial walls;
• Stimulating natural killer cells to induce cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines;
• Stimulating MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase) neurotransmitter signaling, which supports the proliferation of healthy cells;
• Activating NCR and NKG2D cytotoxic receptors;
• Increasing production of certain immune cells, which may strengthen immunity;

Cardiovascular Improvement

Ganoderma reishi has been observed to exhibit several effects that may support general cardiovascular health.

For instance, reishi mushrooms have been observed to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol levels and decrease triglyceride levels.

Having too much LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and other harmful fatty acids in the body can lead to the development of disease, including hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease and hypertriglyceridemia.

Preliminary research suggests constituents of the Ganoderma lucidum mushroom may also increase HDL cholesterol (so-called ‘good’ cholesterol). The mushrooms have also been observed induce vasodilation – an expansion of blood vessels – which may help support circulation. Improved circulation means more blood and nutrients are delivered throughout the body, which can help promote healing.

Immune System Boosting

Reishi mushrooms are excellent sources of antioxidant phytonutrients. Antioxidants are substances that counteract free radicals. Superoxide, a common free radical in the human body, is believed to cause extensive cellular damage if left unchecked.

Extensive free radical damage can lead to premature aging and disease development. Reishi mushrooms contain antioxidants, which are imperative for neutralizing superoxide molecules and mitigating the extent of oxidative damage.

Ganoderma lucidum has been observed to exhibit a number of other therapeutic properties that may help address an array of health conditions, including:

• Reducing blood pressure;
• Acting as an anti-viral agent;
• Helping to alleviate insomnia and stabilize sleep patterns;
• Alleviating symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS);

Side Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum Supplements

Reishi mushroom supplementation has a long history of use in traditional medical practice. In this capacity, it is not commonly associated with severe side effects and seems generally well tolerated by humans. However, reishi mushrooms should be used with caution.

Emerging evidence has indicated that the fungus may exhibit some toxic effects in a very small number of cases, particularly when taken as a powder. Other adverse reactions are generally mild and may include stomach and intestinal upset, dizziness and skin irritation.

Ganoderma lucidum may interact with prescription and over-the-counter drugs. It is not recommended for pregnant women or mothers who are breastfeeding their children. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking Ganoderma lucidum to make sure this supplement is right for you.

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