Reishi Spore Oil Review, Benefits, Dosages & Side Effects

Reishi spore oil is a concentrated supplement form of reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum).

Reishi mushroom, also known by its Chinese name, lingzhi (Ling Zhi), is a polypore bracket fungus. It grows on rotting wood or tree stumps and is very rare in the wild.

Reishi mushroom has a long history of medicinal use, but because of its natural rarity the mushroom was only consumed by the wealthy and powerful.

In traditional Chinese medicine reishi extract and its spore oil was used to promote vitality and stave off the effects of aging. In fact, it was historically referred to as the “mushroom of immortality” and held an important role in Chinese culture.

During much of its history the mushroom remained unknown in the West. It was only after the mushroom could be cultivated that reishi supplements – such as reishi spore oil – became commonly accessible.

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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Reishi Spore Oil

Unlike toothed or gilled mushrooms, reishi releases its spores through tiny pores on its underside. When the growing season is nearing its end each year, spores are released that coat the reishi and its surrounding microenvironment.

These reishi spores are harvested and must be processed to create essential oils. The spores have an indigestible outer shell that must be cracked and removed to extract the spore’s oils.

The spores are the most bioactive component of the reishi mushroom. This highly concentrated form is considered 100x more potent than dried Reishi mushrooms and up to 70x more potent than powder made from the fruiting bodies.

Reishi spore oil is very high in adenosine, ganoderic acids triterpenes and beta-glucan polysaccharides. Along with hundreds of other phytonutrients, these three reishi constituents are thought to act together to confer a number of the mushroom’s purported therapeutic effects, including:

• Potentially acting as an anticancer and chemopreventive agent;
• Encouraging vasodilation and reducing hypertension;
• Exhibiting antiviral and antibacterial qualities;
• Supporting immune system modulation and exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties;
• Supporting healthy blood sugar levels;
• Protecting the liver;
• Metabolizing lipids;
• Conferring analgesic properties.

Reishi Spore Oil Uses & Benefits

There is insufficient scientific data to attribute any particular therapeutic use to reishi mushrooms or reishi spore oil. No standardized use of reishi mushroom has been provided by Western regulatory agencies, such as the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Nevertheless, the popularity of the supplement has attracted the attention of researchers who are investigating the fungus for its capacity to:

• Act against cancer cells lines in the laboratory;
• Promote cardiovascular health;
• Provide immune-modulating effects;
• Improve efficiency of glucose use.

Anticancer and Chemopreventive Properties

Preliminary research indicates some promise for reishi spore oil in cancer research. Components of G. lucidum have been observed to:

• Stop the flow of blood to tumor cells, inducing apoptosis (cell death);
• Build-up the walls of tumor cells, slowing tumor growth;
• Increase NK (natural killer) T-cells action against tumor cells;
• Decrease the production of metalloproteinase, further disabling the progression of tumors;
• Strengthen the signaling of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK);
• Lower production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

Reishi and Heart Disease

Reishi mushroom supplementation has been observed to support cardiovascular health by reducing some risk factors associated with heart disease.

Heart disease is a blanket term for any condition or disease that affects the heart muscle and blood vessels of the circulatory system.

The most prevalent cause of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which compromises the body’s ability to effectively deliver blood. When the circulatory system is affected by hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, atherosclerosis and/or other conditions, the risks for heart disease elevate sharply.

Reishi mushroom spore oil has been observed to:

• Decrease levels of LDL cholesterol;
• Decrease total cholesterol levels;
• Raise HDL cholesterol levels;
• Decrease levels of triglycerides (stored fats);
• Decrease the amount of oxygen needed by the heart muscle to perform efficiently;
• Induce vasodilation, which may help improve circulation

Side Effects of Reishi Spore Oil

Reishi supplements are generally well tolerated and are not associated with severe side effects. Mild side effects may include rashes, dry mouth and nose, itching and sneezing. These side effects are usually temporary and may be alleviated by using a smaller dosage next time.

Reishi spore oil is typically sold in either a liquid oil format or a softgel capsule format. The capsules typically contain 500 mg of active ingredient, often standardized to a dosage of 150 mg of triterpenes. The liquid oil is usually sold in bottles containing 1 fl. Oz. or 30 mL. Dosages will vary depending on concentration level of the individual product.

Although reishi mushroom has a long history of medicinal use without commonly reported severe side effects, recent, rare cases of liver toxicity have been correlated with reishi powder use.

These same occurrences have not been reported among individuals using concentrated spore oil, however it is possible that high dosages could cause similar problems.

G. lucidum may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Reishi mushroom use is possibly contraindicated with drugs prescribed for clotting and bleeding disorders, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, liver disease, kidney disease and more. Pregnant women should not use reishi mushroom supplements.

Also, those scheduled for upcoming surgeries should discontinue reishi supplementation at least two weeks before their scheduled procedures. In all cases, be sure to speak with your doctor before taking reishi spore oil to help ensure safe and effective use.

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