Reishi
Uses
Parts Used & Where Grown
Reishi mushrooms grow wild on decaying logs and tree stumps in the coastal provinces of China. The fruiting body of the mushroom is employed medicinally. Reishi grows in six different colors, but the red variety is most commonly used and commercially cultivated in North America, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea.1
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
2 Stars Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia 6 mg per day for 8 weeks | A double-blind trial found that an extract of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom was significantly more effective than a placebo in improving urinary symptoms in men with BPH. In a double-blind trial, an extract of Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum; 6 mg per day for 8 weeks) was significantly more effective than a placebo in improving urinary symptoms in men with BPH. Reishi extract appears to work by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to its more active form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). |
1 Star Altitude Sickness Refer to label instructions | Reishi has been reported to be a helpful treatment for altitude sickness but this use still needs to be confirmed in well-designed human trials. While human research has been reported that demonstrates some efficacy for the herb in treating altitude sickness and chronic hepatitis B, these uses still need to be confirmed in well-designed human trials. |
1 Star Hepatitis Take zinc L-carnosine supplying 17 mg zinc twice daily | The mushroom reishi appears to be effective in treating chronic hepatitis B, according to preliminary research. Preliminary human research demonstrates some efficacy for the mushroom in treating chronic hepatitis B; however, additional clinical trials are needed. |
1 Star HIV and AIDS Support Refer to label instructions | Reishi is medicinal mushroom with immune-modulating effects that may be beneficial for people with HIV infection. Immune-modulating plants that could theoretically be beneficial for people with HIV infection include Asian ginseng, eleuthero, and the medicinal mushrooms shiitake and . One preliminary study found that steamed then dried Asian ginseng (also known as red ginseng) had beneficial effects in people infected with HIV, and increased the effectiveness of the anti-HIV drug, AZT. This supports the idea that immuno-modulating herbs could benefit people with HIV infection, though more research is needed. |
1 Star Hypertension 165 mg per day of a 25:1 concentrated extract | Reishi mushroom has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but clinical trials have not consistently shown it can lower blood pressure. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom used mainly for its anti-stress and immune-modulating effects. Both the fruiting body and mycelium have been shown to contain biologically-active peptides (short amino acid chains) that may lower blood pressure. In a placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 26 subjects with borderline-high blood pressure and/or cholesterol levels, those given 1.44 grams of reishi per day for 12 weeks had improvements in some metabolic parameters, but no changes in blood pressure were noted. Another placebo controlled trial with 84 participants found 3 grams of reishi per day for 16 weeks had no impact on aspects of metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure. One trial, however, reported that mushrooms significantly lowered blood pressure in humans. The trial used a concentrated extract of reishi (25:1) in the amount of 55 mg three times per day for four weeks. |
1 Star Infection Refer to label instructions | Reishi supports the immune system in the fight against microbes. Herbs that support a person’s immune system in the fight against microbes include the following: American ginseng, andrographis, Asian ginseng, astragalus, coriolus, eleuthero, ligustrum, maitake, picrorhiza, , schisandra, and shiitake. |
1 Star Type 1 Diabetes Refer to label instructions | Reishi may improve immune function and has demonstrated benefits in diabetic animals. Animal studies suggest reishi extract may improve immune function and wound healing in the context of type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, reishi has demonstrated anti-diabetic actions, such as lowering high glucose levels and increasing insulin levels, in animal studies. Clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans. |
1 Star Type 2 Diabetes Refer to label instructions | Reishi may have some beneficial action in people with diabetes. Multiple studies using experimental and animal models of type 2 diabetes have reported anti-diabetes effects of reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) and its constituents. However, in a placebo-controlled trial with 84 participants, 3 grams per day of reishi mushroom for 16 weeks had no effect on glycemic control or any metabolic markers in people with type 2 diabetes. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
Reishi has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for at least 2,000 years.2 The Chinese name ling zhi translates as the “herb of spiritual potency” and was highly prized as an elixir of immortality.3 Its Traditional Chinese Medicine indications include treatment of general fatigue and weakness, asthma, insomnia, and cough.4
How It Works
Reishi contains several major constituents, including sterols, coumarin, mannitol, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids called ganoderic acids. Ganoderic acids may lower blood pressure as well as decrease LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. These specific triterpenoids also help reduce blood platelets from sticking together—an important factor in lowering the risk for coronary artery disease. While human research has been reported that demonstrates some efficacy for the herb in treating altitude sickness and chronic hepatitis B, these uses still need to be confirmed in well-designed human trials.5 Animal studies and some very preliminary trials in humans suggest reishi may have some beneficial action in people with diabetes mellitus and cancer.6 Two controlled clinical trials have investigated the effects of reishi on high blood pressure in humans and both found it could lower blood pressure significantly compared to a placebo or controls.7, 8 The people with hypertension in the second study had previously not responded to medications, though these were continued during the study.
How to Use It
Reishi can be taken either as 1.5–9 grams per day of the crude dried mushroom, 1–1.5 grams per day in powdered form, 1 ml per day of tincture, or as a tea.9
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Certain medicines interact with this supplement.
Replenish Depleted Nutrients
none
Reduce Side Effects
none
Support Medicine
none
Reduces Effectiveness
none
Potential Negative Interaction
- Clopidogrel
As it may increase bleeding time, reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is not recommended for those taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications.
- Dipyridamole
As it may increase bleeding time, reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is not recommended for those taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications.
- Heparin
As it may increase bleeding time, reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is not recommended for those taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications.
- Ticlopidine
As it may increase bleeding time, reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is not recommended for those taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications.
Explanation Required
none
Side Effects
Side effects from reishi can include dizziness, dry mouth and throat, nosebleeds, and abdominal upset. These rare effects may develop with continuous use over three to six months.10Pregnant or breast-feeding women should consult a physician before taking reishi.
1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Foods,Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 255-60.
2. Jones K. Reishi:Ancient Herb for Modern Times. Issaquah, WA: Sylvan Press, 1990, 6.
3. Willard T. Reishi Mushroom: Herb of Spiritual Potency and Wonder. Issaquah, WA: Sylvan Press, 1990, 11.
4. Shu HY. Oriental Materia Medica: A Concise Guide. Palos Verdes, CA: Oriental Healing Arts Press, 1986, 640-1.
5. Hobbs C. Medicinal Mushrooms. Santa Cruz, CA: Botanica Press, 1995, 96-107.
6. Jones K. Reishi mushroom: Ancient medicine in modern times. Alt Compl Ther 1998;4:256-66 [review].
7. Kammatsuse K, Kajiware N, Hayashi K. Studies on Ganoderma lucidum: I. Efficacy against hypertension and side effects. Yakugaku Zasshi 1985;105:531-3.
8. Jin H, Zhang G, Cao X, et al. Treatment of hypertension by ling zhi combined with hypotensor and its effects on arterial, arteriolar and capillary pressure and microcirculation. In: Nimmi H, Xiu RJ, Sawada T, Zheng C (eds). Microcirculatory Approach to Asian Traditional Medicine. New York: Elsevier Science, 1996, 131–8.
9. Hobbs C. Medicinal Mushrooms. Santa Cruz, CA: Botanica Press, 1995, 96-107.
10. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A (eds). American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 55.
Last Review: 05-24-2015
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.
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