Reishi Mushroom Extract: A Review of the “Immortal Mushroom”

Reishi mushroom extract is thought to confer a number of health benefits, including supporting the immune system and promoting healthy cardiovascular function, brain performance and skin appearance.

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are commonly referred to by their Chinese name, lingzhi. Contemporary research on the fungus has indicated it may be useful as an adjunct treatment for some forms of cancer.

It has also been observed to enhance lipid metabolism and assimilation, improve lung function, lower blood pressure and provide general improvement in immune system function.

Research is ongoing and no definitive therapeutic claims can be attributed to Reishi mushroom extract as of yet. Although the fungus is being actively investigated by scientists, it has a long history of use in traditional medicine.

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 Reishi Mushroom Extract?

The Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and Koreans have used reishi (lingzhi) medicinally for over 2000 years. The fungus is sometimes referred to as the immortal mushroom.

A primary reason for taking this herbal extract is to promote overall wellness and slow the aging process. It was believed to prolong the lifespan of those who took it in Ancient China.

It has long been revered for its medicinal and cultural significance and is still believed to provide health benefits to users. Wild lingzhi was quite rare and its use was historically isolated to the wealthy and powerful.

It was not until lingzhi was cultivated in the late 20th century that the ‘immortal mushroom’ became more readily available in supplement form.

Reishi mushrooms are bracket fungi that have been revered throughout Asia for their medicinal value for millennia. Reishi mushroom extracts contain triterpenoids (such as ganodermic acid), alcohols, polysaccharides (beta-glucans), peptidoglycans, lucidenic acid and various other phytonutrients that have yet to be isolated, identified and tested for therapeutic value.

Possible Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms

Today, there are a number of popular claims attributed to the mushroom, though there is insufficient scientific data backing up many of these claims. Current widespread clinical experimentation is ongoing, assessing the potential of reishi mushrooms to:

• Lower total and LDL cholesterol levels;
• Elevate HDL cholesterol levels;
• Lower triglyceride counts;
• Improve overall cardiovascular performance;
• Efficiently metabolize fatty acids, reducing the risks of hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia;
• Support the health of the liver, kidneys and eyes;
• Protect and enhance lung function, alleviating symptoms of bronchitis and asthma;
• Provide antiviral properties to combat viral infections, such as influenza and bird flu;
• Improve responses to stressful stimuli, thus reducing general stress levels;
• Decrease intensity and frequency of pain, particularly in cases of herpes or shingles;
• Enhance the use of glucose in the blood;
• Regulate leukocyte activity and proliferation, supporting immune system function

Reishi Extract Mechanisms of Action

Reishi mushroom, like chaga and other traditional medical mushrooms, has attracted significant scientific attention to determine which compounds are most active within the mushroom extract.

These studies seek to isolate the active constituents of the mushroom to determine specific mechanisms of action that can be attributed in a medicinal content. In preliminary studies, reishi mushrooms and extracts of the mushroom have been observed to:

• Inhibit 95-98 percent of induced sarcomas in mice (this was observed after injections of particular polysaccharides and glycoproteins found in reishi mushrooms);
• Inhibit S180 mammary tumors in mice given dietary supplements of reishi mushrooms;
• Decrease testosterone-based tumor growth with injection of ganodermic acid;
• Reduce tumor quantity and size in rats;
• Protect lung cells from becoming cancerous;
• Reduce frequency and size of hepatomas (liver tumors) in mice;
• Inhibit angiogenesis, enhancing the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy agents;
• Cut off blood supply to tumors, causing nutrient depletion and subsequent apoptosis (cellular death);
• Increase the proliferation of NK (natural killer) cells, thereby preventing fibrogenic-induced tumor protection;
• Elevate number and potency of peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis

Is Reishi Mushroom Extract Safe?

Reishi mushrooms are Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) by the FRA and historical use is not associated with severe side effects. However, mild side effects may include dry mouth, dry throat, bloody nose, skin rashes and/or allergic reactions. Side effects that occur are generally mild and pass quickly.

Reishi mushrooms may interact with some prescription and over-the-counter medications. More specifically, it should not be taken with antihypertensive and anticoagulant drugs.

The mushrooms have been observed to lower blood pressure and this may compound the effects of antihypertensive medications, which could lead to dangerously low blood pressure. Also, reishi may work to disrupt the healthy synthesis of blood platelets if combined with anticoagulant drugs. Easy bruising and bleeding instances may increase as a result.

Additionally, reishi mushroom extract supplements are not recommended for individuals with diabetes, as the glucose-moderating effects  may interact with diabetic medications.

Further, those scheduled for an upcoming surgery should not take reishi supplements as constituents of the mushroom may cause vasodilation and increase the risk of bleeding.

Pregnant and nursing women should not take reishi supplements. Finally, reishi supplementation is not recommended for those with liver or kidney disease. In rare cases, reishi mushroom powder has been associated with severe toxicity.

Researchers recommend close monitoring when using reishi mushroom powder, especially when taking other medications. [1]

This list of contraindications and side effects is not exhaustive. It is important to speak with your doctor before you start to take reishi mushroom extract or any other reishi supplement to reduce the risk of drug interactions and side effects.

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