Lingzhi Benefits: Top Effects of this Mushroom for Cancer & More

Lingzhi is the Chinese name for the fungus Ganoderma lucidum (also known as reishi mushroom), which has long been associated with a variety of health benefits.

These morphological polypores have been used across Asia to promote good health for more than two thousand years.

The mushroom was primarily used as an anti-aging agent in traditional Chinese medicines and was also claimed to confer calming and centering effects. Lingzhi benefits are also said to support the immune system.

Wild Lingzhi mushroom grows on rotting tree stumps and is extremely rare. The rarity of the fungus meant its use was isolated to the noble and extremely wealthy, which may explain part of its cultural and medicinal importance.

Reishi has only become a common supplement since the mushroom was cultivated in the late twentieth century. Today, lingzhi mushrooms are used for a number of purposes with varying levels of effectiveness.

The growth of the lingzhi industry has attracted scientific attention and the mushroom has been examined in the hopes of identifying its therapeutic effects and health benefits.

Although some results have been promising, there is insufficient evidence to support the use in the treatment of any specific ailment. As a consequence, while Lingzhi remains a popular supplement it is not used in conventional Western medical practice.

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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Lingzhi Benefits: Anticancer Effects

Lingzhi is sometimes used by cancer patients to help stimulate the immune system. Preliminary studies have indicated the mushroom exhibits some anti-cancer effects.

For instance, it has been observed to exhibit antitumor, chemopreventive and immunomodulating properties that are integral for the successful management of cancer symptoms.

More specifically, the benefits of Lingzhi for cancer are said include the following:

• Limit the ability of tumor cells to attach to endothelial tissues;
• Activate NCR (natural cytotoxic receptors) and NKG2D receptors, making it very difficult for tumor cells to propagate;
• Improve mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling efficiency, which supports the proliferation of healthy cells;
• Suppresses vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release, which helps to limit the ability of cancerous ovarian cells to proliferate;
• Enhance immune performance in late-stage cancer patients;
• Inhibit metalloproteinase expression to reduce tumor development;
• Stimulate natural killer (NK) cells to attack various cancer cell lines;
• Exhibit antioxidant effects;
• Block blood and nutrient supply to tumor cells, causing cell death

More Lingzhi Mushroom Benefits

Ganoderma lucidum is sometimes used to support cardiovascular health. However, studies focused on the use of lingzhi in the treatment of hypertension have yielded contradictory results. Advocates of the mushroom claim it possesses characteristics that make it useful for cardiovascular health.

For instance, it has been observed to help lower blood pressure, most likely because of its mild cholinergic properties. It may also reduce LDL cholesterol and other harmful fatty acids in the bloodstream. Lingzhi has been observed to induce vasodilation, which may help improve circulation and the delivery of nutrients throughout the body.

Ganoderic acids contained in the Lingzhi mushroom are believed to boost the power of the immune system. Additionally, the connection with immune health may be rooted in its antioxidant properties. Lingzhi mushroom benefits have been observed to include antioxidant effects, which may help reduce free radical damage in the body and support faster healing and increased energy.

Areas of Further Research:

Lingzhi is being investigated for its purported ability to:

• Help protect against viral infections, such as influenza;
• Protect the lungs and enhance their performance;
• Help treat hypertension by reducing blood pressure;
• Support the kidneys and liver;
• Decrease hepatitis B activity;
• Alleviate symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS);
• Treat insomnia and other sleeping disorders;
• Ameliorate stomach ulcers;
• Help alleviate pain of shingles and herpes simplex outbreaks;

Lingzhi Side Effects

Lingzhi mushrooms seem generally well tolerated. Additionally, the mushroom has not been historically connected with any severe side effects. However, recent, rare cases have associated lingzhi with liver toxicity.

Mild side effects may include headache, dizziness, itchy skin, dry mouth, rashes and/or blood in the stool. When these side effects do occur, they often pass quickly.

Lingzhi mushrooms may interact with some prescription and over-the-counter medications. Supplementation is not recommended for anyone using antidiabetic, anticoagulant, antiplatelet and/or antihypertensive medications.

It may affect glucose use and may lead to excessively low blood-glucose levels in those taking medicines for diabetes mellitus type II. Also, it may cause improper platelet formation when used in combination with antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications. Lingzhi may cause blood pressure to drop too low if used in conjunction with hypertensive drugs.

Supplementation is not recommended for anyone with liver disease, kidney disease, scheduled surgery and/or heart disease. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should not use Ganoderma lucidum. Always consult with a physician before starting to supplement for lingzhi benefits.

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