Red Reishi Mushroom vs. Black Reishi Powder Review

Red Reishi Mushroom is a variety of Ganoderma lucidum.

Reishi mushrooms come in six different colors and the red reishi mushrooms are the most commonly used. They are also the most cultivated reishi variety.

Reishi mushrooms have a long history of medicinal use throughout Asia. They have been classified in Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) as “superior” herbs since approximately 300 BCE. Red reishi continues to be used as a general health elixir.

These mushrooms are particularly used to invigorate the immune system, support cardiovascular health, protect and enhance lung function, cleanse and regulate the liver and kidneys, improve glucose use and regulate endocrine function.

The reishi mushroom has attracted scientific attention and has been studied to understand the scope of its therapeutic capacities.

However, there has been insufficient data generated to assign any specific therapeutic uses to red reishi mushroom. As such, it is not used as a treatment for any condition in conventional Western medicine, but is still a commonly demanded dietary supplement.

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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Red Reishi vs. Black Reishi Mushrooms

There are six colors of Ganoderma lucidum: white, yellow, blue, purple, black and red.

Of these six varieties, black and red reishi mushrooms are thought to possess the highest concentrations of useful phytonutrients, including ganoderic acids, other triterpenoids, polysaccharides (including beta-glucans), lucidenic acid, peptidoglycans, amino acids and antioxidants.

Although some of the constituents of reishi mushrooms are know, the majority of the mushroom’s phytonutrients (plant nutrients) have yet to be identified and tested for their possible therapeutic uses.

Black reishi mushrooms have been used as a medicinal ingredient, but red reishi mushrooms may possess higher concentrations of beneficial nutrients. Most notably, the red mushrooms contain more beta-glucan polysaccharides and ganoderic acid triterpenoids.

These natural plant chemicals are believed to be responsible for the reishi mushrooms observed anti-tumor, immunomodulating and lipid metabolizing effects.

Medicinal Uses of Red Reishi Mushrooms

Red reishi extracts seem to simultaneously impact a number of systems. Reishi has traditionally been used as a normalizing agent, which may help stave off a number of ailments. Reishi is believed to confer system-wide benefits and lead to generalized vigor and longevity.

The reishi mushroom has been used in a number of laboratory and animal studies. Although no specific therapeutic use can be attributed to the fungus, it has been observed to induce a number of therapeutic effects in lab and animal experiments. These include the following:

• Ganoderic acids in red reishi mushrooms have been observed to alleviate allergic reactions by increasing histamine release, improving oxygen use and enhancing liver function.
• Ganoderma lucidum supplements have been observed to act as an adaptogen – a natural product that confers system-wide resilience to stress.
• Reishi mushrooms have been observed to lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Constituents of the reishi mushroom have been observed to exhibit anti-tumor effects in mice.
• Reishi mushrooms may improve the breakdown and assimilation of carbohydrates and fatty acids, which may in turn decrease the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.
• G. lucidum has been observed to help alleviate the symptoms of respiratory conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis.

In laboratory and animal studies, reishi mushrooms have been observed to:

• Reduce the quantity and size of liver tumors (hepatomas) in rodents;
• Inhibit angiogenesis and help improve the efficacy of some chemotherapy agents;
• Proliferate NK (natural killer) cells, leading to a decrease in fibrogenically induced tumors;
• Inhibit blood supply to tumors, causing nutrient depletion and cellular apoptosis;
• Enhance immunomodulatory actions in peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis;
• Lower the prevalence of hepatitis B in the circulatory system;
• Alleviate pain associated with shingles and herpes outbreaks;
• Exhibit antiviral effects, which may help protect against viral infections;
• Lower high blood pressure (hypertension) and induce a non-sedative calming effect;

Red Reishi Mushroom Side Effects

Ganoderma lucidum is generally well tolerated and not commonly associated with severe side effects. Reishi mushrooms were given the GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) designation by the FDA, which is only granted to natural health products and supplements with very low risk of side effects.

Mild side effects may include nose bleeds, dry nose, dry mouth, dry throat, itching skin, rashes and blood in the stool. These possible effects are thought to pass quickly and to be mild in strength.

However, in rare cases (only two reported) powdered reishi has been associated with severe liver toxicity. The authors of the study recommend that reishi mushroom powder administration be monitored, especially if other medications are being used. [1]

Reishi mushrooms may interact with over-the-counter and prescription drugs. For instance, antihypertensive and anticoagulant medications may interact with reishi supplementation.

Also, pregnant women, patients scheduled for surgery, diabetics and those with liver disease should not begin G. lucidum supplementation. Be sure to speak with your doctor about supplementation to make sure that the red reishi mushroom is safe for you.

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