Ganoderma Mushroom Health Benefits & Negative Side Effects

The Ganoderma mushroom is an oriental fungus that is touted in Asia for its purported longevity promoting effects.

Extracts from this mushroom are commonly used to treat fatigue, respiratory disorders (such as cough and asthma) and liver ailments. It is viewed as a general health tonic and was traditionally used as an anti-aging supplement.

Ganoderma lucidum is the proper botanical name for the reishi mushroom, which is also commonly referred to by its Chinese name, lingzhi.

Reishi has been used for millennia in traditional medical practices throughout Asia. Today, Ganoderma mushrooms are being investigated for their potential therapeutic effects.

Preliminary evidence suggests that this fungus exhibits anticancer actions and may play a role in enhancing immune function, supporting cardiovascular health and regulating blood glucose use.

These studies have mostly been conducted in laboratory settings and on animal subjects, meaning that it is still unclear whether or not these characteristics of the lingzhi mushroom will be observed in the human population. Nevertheless, contemporary research is providing further evidence to illuminate the traditional therapeutic roles of these medicinal mushrooms.

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 Mushroom

The constituent of the lingzhi mushroom that confers the fungus’ purported medicinal benefits remains unknown.

However, reishi mushrooms contain a number of polysaccharides (such as beta-glucans), sterols and a group of triterpenes known as ganoderic acids that may play a role in some of the mushroom’s medicinal uses.

Free radical damage and oxidative stress is becoming increasingly associated with the development of adverse health conditions and preventable disease. Oxidative stress is especially correlated with atherosclerosis, cancer and aging.

Ganoderma mushroom contain compounds that deliver potent antioxidant properties. These constituents include phenols, beta-glucan polysaccharides and polysaccharide-peptide complexes, which collectively act against superoxide free radicals.

Anti-Oxidant Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum

G. lucidum peptide (GLP) is the primary reishi constituent responsible for the mushroom’s antioxidant effect. GLP is thought to be effective at inhibiting the peroxidation of lipids, limiting metallic chelation and neutralizing free radical scavenger attacks throughout the body.

The antioxidant effects of Ganoderma lucidum may be part of the reason extracts of the mushroom have been observed to exhibit anticancer action on various cell lines. It has been observed to:

• Stop the flow of blood and nutrients from reaching tumor cells, eventually leading to apoptosis (cell death);
• Enhance the signaling capacities of MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase);
• Inhibit tumor attachment to endothelial cells;
• Inhibit the expression of metalloproteinase, limiting the progression of tumors;
• Activate cytotoxic receptors NKG2D and NCR;
• Stimulate natural killer cell (NK) destruction in certain cancer cell lines;
• Promote immune system function in individuals with advanced stage cancer

Ganoderma Mushrooms Enhance Circulation

Reishi mushroom extract has been observed to decrease some risk factors associated with heart disease and cardiovascular degeneration.

Ganoderic acid triterpene phytonutrients in reishi mushrooms are known to enhance the body’s ability to remove potentially harmful fatty substances from the circulatory system by helping to break down fats and transport them from the body.

Ganoderma mushrooms also induce vasodilation, which helps relax blood vessels. As we age, circulation generally declines which can result in a number of direct health problems.

For example, Vascular Dementia is associated with a decline in circulation to the brain. Taking a supplement like Ganoderma Lucidum may help to moderately increase circulatory function, which could promote overall health in a number of ways.

The circulatory system is then able to function more efficiently and better deliver nutrients throughout the body as well as remove waste products more effectively. This can help to confer a number of health advantages. This increased circulatory power has been observed to occur without an increase in blood pressure.

This may lead to a number of generalized cardiovascular improvements, including:

• Decreased LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol;
• Decreased total cholesterol;
• Increased HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol;
• Decreased triglycerides;
• Reduced lipid peroxidation rates;
• Decreased oxygen use by the heart muscle;

Ganoderma Mushroom is Generally Safe

Reishi mushrooms have a long history of traditional use throughout Asia and received GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) status by the FDA. The mushroom is not commonly associated with severe adverse side effects. Mild side effects may include dizziness, skin irritation as well as stomach and intestinal upset.

Although traditional use of reishi mushrooms is not commonly associated with severe side effects, a small number of scientific case reports have correlated reishi powder with toxic effects.

Ganoderma mushrooms may interact with a number of prescription and over the counter medications. These supplements should not be taken with anticoagulant, antiplatelet, antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs.

Additionally, reishi mushrooms should not be taken by pregnant women, or mothers who are breastfeeding. Further, anyone scheduled for surgery should discontinue reishi supplementation well advance of the procedure.

Ganoderma mushrooms may affect glucose metabolism and are not recommended for anyone who has diabetes mellitus type II.

It is important to speak with a doctor about using Ganoderma mushroom supplements to make sure they are safe for you.

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