Mikei Red Reishi Mushroom Review, Benefits & Side Effects

Mikei Red Reishi is a Ganoderma lucidum supplement produced by the Japanese company Mikei. Mikei uses the fruiting bodies of red reishi mushrooms to produce an extract that is contained in vegetable capsules. The recommended dose is one capsule per day.

Reishi mushroom extract (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used in traditional medicine practices for millennia.

In Chinese herbal medicine reishi mushroom is considered a superior herb, meaning it is said to help normalize body function without side effects.

The manufacturers recommend Mikei Red Reishi for its antioxidant properties and note that it is used in herbal medicine as a liver tonic, immune system booster and adaptogen (a natural product that is said to help the body better cope with stress).

This supplement is also purported to have benefits for increasing energy levels, calming the nervous system, supporting a positive move and stabilizing blood sugar.

Traditionally, reishi was believed to promote a longer lifespan and was referred to as the “elixir of immortality”. The red reishi mushroom purportedly demonstrates the most potent health-boosting benefits out of the six varieties used for medicinal purposes (red, black, blue, white, yellow, and purple reishi).

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 Mikei Red Reishi?

Mikei Red Reishi Mushroom Essence is promoted as the the highest quality brand of Ganoderma extract on the market, organically grown and 100% free of pesticides and pollutants.

According to the manufacturer, “Red reishi contains unique compounds such as polysaccharides (beta-glucans), triterpenes (ganoderic acids), and amino acids.”

This product is also purported to contain high levels of ganoderic acid A, which is one of the primary active compounds found in the fruiting body of the mushroom. The manufacturer states that their product contained the highest amounts of this active compound out of other comparable products based on independent lab tests.

People use red reishi mushrooms for a number of other indications, including insomnia, cancer, high blood pressure, high blood lipid levels, cardiovascular disorders, influenza and bronchial conditions.

Reishi mushrooms have exhibited a number of potentially therapeutic properties in animal and laboratory experiments (such as anti-tumor, immune-modulating and hepatoprotective properties).

However, few human studies are available to understand what therapeutic effect reishi has on the human body. More research is needed to establish uses for Mikei Red Reishi mushroom based on scientific evidence.

Cultivating Red Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms grow on hardwood trees, stumps and decaying logs. There are at least six different colors of reishi mushroom with the red reishi being one of the most prized varieties.

These mushrooms are not easily harvested in their natural environment. In traditional Chinese medicine, the rarity of the reishi mushroom meant it was only used by the royal and wealthy. It was not until the mushroom was commercially cultivated that it became an accessible dietary supplement.

Ganoderma lucidum requires very specific parameters of humidity, temperature, nutrients and hydration in order to grow and thrive. Specific climate requirements make the mushrooms rare in the natural environment and difficult to cultivate indoors.

Mikei Red Reishi Review

In 1976 a researcher named Fumimaru Mayuzumi was part of a team that developed the indoor cultivation techniques that are the basis of Mikei Red Reishi.

The Japanese were the first to commercially cultivate red reishi and the Mikei Company still employs the natural-wood log cultivation strategy developed in the 1970s.

In natural-wood log cultivation, red reishi is grafted on to pieces of aged wood, which are then placed in a climate-controlled greenhouse and covered with nutrient-rich soil. The mushrooms can take up to a year to reach maturity and are harvested once the fruiting body releases spores.

Mikei Red Reishi is known to be of excellent quality because of the strict adherence to good cultivating, harvesting and processing practices. The mushrooms are grown without the use of herbicides or pesticides.

Mikei only uses the fruiting body of the mushroom to make its supplements. Other supplement brands sometimes use the mycelium or spores to produce their products. According to the Mikei website, the fruiting body contains the highest concentration of bioactive ingredients, particularly ganoderic acids (discussed below).

The fruiting body of reishi mushroom contains an indigestible layer called chitin that protects the mushroom. The fruiting body is boiled in water to produce the red reishi extract that is the basis of Mikei Red Reishi.

Therapeutic Uses of Red Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum has been used medicinally throughout Asia (particularly in China and Japan) for thousands of years.

Traditionally, reishi mushroom is used to promote general wellness, longevity and support immune function. In traditional Chinese medicine it is thought to help achieve centeredness and inner strength.

Mikei Red Reishi is marketed as an adaptogen, a natural substance thought to help the body adapt to stressful conditions. These characteristics are sometimes thought to help improve energy and resistance to stress. Reishi is also used in herbal medicine to support the immune system and act as a liver tonic.

Contemporary Research and Uses

Mikei Red Reishi extract is used for a variety of purposes, including fatigue, liver disorders, cancer, stress, viral infections, high blood pressure and high blood lipid levels. Available scientific evidence to support each use varies.

While reishi has received considerable research attention, most studies have taken place in the laboratory or on animals. Few human trials have been conducted. As a result, more research is needed to establish the therapeutic effect of Ganoderma lucidum based on scientific evidence.

There is preliminary evidence to support some of reishi’s traditional uses. For example, the mushroom produces natural polysaccharides called beta-glucans that have been observed to increase the activity of some immune cells in animal studies.

In addition, these polysaccharides have exhibited anti-cancer activities by preventing the growth and spread of tumor cells.

Mikei Red Reishi Essense also contains ganoderic acid, which has displayed some anti-tumor effects in preliminary laboratory experiments.

Mikei Red Reishi Side Effects

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates reishi mushroom as “Possibly Safe” for oral, short term use. However, powdered reishi mushroom is rated “Possibly Unsafe” because it has been connected with a case of liver toxicity that resulted in death.

Anecdotally, reishi has a long history of safe use and is not commonly associated with side effects. There are rare cases of nosebleeds, dry mouth/throat, rashes, sneezing, itching and/or bloody stool.

Red reishi mushrooms may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. For instance, reishi may affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure and may interact with anti-diabetic and blood pressure medications.

In general, medicines used to treat diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure or blood clotting disorders should not be used along with Mikei Red Reishi mushroom supplements.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use reishi supplements. Also, anyone with an upcoming surgery should stop using reishi at least two weeks prior to their procedure.

Always talk with your doctor before taking Mikei Red Reishi or any other reishi supplement.

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