Reishi Mushroom Side Effects, Dangers & Interactions

Serious and/or long-lasting reishi mushroom side effects are usually uncommon.

Reishi has received the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) designation from the Food and Drug Administration in the USA.

Mild side effects may include dry mouth and nose bleeds. Significant side effects are seemingly rare, but powdered reishi mushroom has recently been associated with toxic effects and a fatal case of fuliment hepatitis. [1]

To avoid adverse side effects, it is important to use the appropriate dosage of reishi and to first consult with your doctor to make sure you are not contraindicated for use. There are some possible drug interactions with this supplement that you should be aware of as well.

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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Traditional Use of Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushroom has a long history of medicinal use. For nearly 2000 years, reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum, also known by its Chinese name, lingzhi) has been used in traditional Asian medicinal systems to treat a number of health maladies.

The reishi mushroom has attracted scientific attention and is being investigated in a variety of studies. Research is in the preliminary stages, but reishi mushroom has shown some potential to act as an anticancer agent, a cardiovascular enhancer, an adaptogen and immune system booster.

Reishi mushroom contains many medicinal phytonutrients, including antioxidants, triterpenes and polysaccharides. The majority of reishi constituents have yet to be identified and the therapeutically active component of the mushroom remains unknown.

Ganoderma lucidum research is ongoing. Studies have focused on reishi’s potential to promote neurological function, support cardiovascular health, improve immune system function and regulate hormone levels in the body. However, there is insufficient evidence to definitively attribute any particular therapeutic function to these mushrooms.

How Reishi Affects your Brain

Reishi mushroom is being studied to determine what, if any, therapeutic role it can play in the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. Reishi contains a number of compounds that may prove useful in supporting neurological function.

For instance, in cholinergic neurotransmission studies, Ganoderma lucidum was shown to contain numerous triterpenoids that inhibit the actions of acetylcholinesterase (AChE).

Acetylcholinesterase degrades acetylcholine (ACh), an important neurotransmitters that regulates feelings of euphoria and serves numerous other integral biological and psychological functions.

AChE is used to terminate synaptic transmissions, and if it accumulates in the synaptic clefts, it can impede effective neurotransmission. However, excess dosages of reishi could cause side effects if it results in excessive acetylcholine levels.

Ganoderic acids and other polysaccharides in reishi mushrooms have been observed to support neuron survival in laboratory experiments. For instance, it has been observed to decrease neuron reduction, reduce the degradation of dopamine and induce anti-inflammatory actions on microglia and dopaminergic nerves.

Reishi Mushroom and Cardiovascular Health

Reishi supplementation has been observed to reduce some risk factors associated with the development of heart disease. The triterpene constituents in reishi mushrooms have been observed to induce antiplatelet and fibrinolytic actions, which may improve circulation.

Preclinical studies indicate that supplementation over 12 weeks may reduce LDL cholesterol levels, often by as much as 25 percent compared to baseline.

Further, cholesterol esterase inhibitors increased, leading to more efficient cholesterol absorption. This can cause a number of positive side effects associated with improved circulatory function and better health of blood vessels.

Reishi Mushroom and Immune Function

Reishi mushrooms are often used as to stimulate immune function. Ganoderma lucidum has been observed to increase the synthesis of IL-2 (Interleukin 2) T cells in rodent tests.

IL-2 T cells are cytokine immune signaling molecules that act to regulate the actions of leukocytes (white blood cells), which control immunological effectiveness.

Further, the triterpene constituents in reishi mushrooms are known to increase production of NK (natural killer) cells, which attack tumors. NK cells are considered anti-metastatic agents and are part of a large-scale scientific anticancer study.

In laboratory tests on cell lines, Ganoderma lucidum has been observed to act against a variety of cancerous cells, including: human and mouse leukemia cells; lung carcinoma cells; mouse reticulocyte cells; human cervix tumor cells; bladder cancer cells; human cervix tumor cells; prostate cancer cells; human hepatoma (liver cancer) cells; and colon and rectum cancer cells.

While preliminary studies are promising, it is unknown if similar outcomes will occur in the human body. There are no FDA-approved recommendations for using Ganoderma lucidum supplements as treatments, cures or preventions for cancer or any other medical condition.

Further research is required before reishi mushrooms are incorporated into conventional medical practice.

Reishi Mushroom Side Effects

Reishi mushrooms are generally well tolerated and supplement studies have been conducted up to one year.

However, a 2007 paper published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand reported two deaths related to liver toxicity in individuals supplementing powdered reishi. The authors note that further research is required to understand interactions between powdered reishi, medications and liver toxicity. [1]

Phytonutrient constituents of Ganoderma lucidum may interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications and cause unwanted side effects. Individuals who supplement reishi in conjunction with antihypertensive prescription drugs may experience excessively low blood pressure and dizziness.

One of the many phytonutrients in lingzhi mushrooms is called adenosine. Adenosine may cause improper formation of blood platelets when used in conjunction with antiplatelet medications.

Platelets are imperative for adequate blood clotting. Individuals who are taking prescriptions for blood clotting issues should avoid reishi mushrooms to prevent adverse effects.

Other possible negative side effects of reishi supplementation include acne breakouts, dry mouth/throat, dry nose/nosebleeds, itchy skin, bloody stool and/or stomach upset. In rare cases, a temporary rash may result. Allergic reactions to lingzhi spores have also been noted.

Even though it has a GRAS status from the FDA, this does not mean that the supplement is appropriate for all users. Always speak with a doctor before starting supplementation in order to understand all possible reishi mushroom side effects.

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