Reishi Mushroom Overview
Appearance: Reishi mushrooms typically have a kidney-shaped cap with a shiny, varnished surface that ranges in color from reddish-brown to a deep mahogany. The underside has small pores instead of gills, and the stem is often off-center.
Habitat
Where it Grows: Reishi mushrooms are found primarily in hot and humid locations. They grow on decaying hardwood trees, particularly oaks, and are native to East Asia. However, they can also be found in North and South America, Europe, and other regions with suitable environmental conditions.
Primary Compounds
Reishi mushrooms contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including:
Polysaccharides: Notably beta-glucans, which are believed to enhance immune function.
Triterpenoids: Including ganoderic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Sterols: Plant compounds that contribute to overall health.
Peptides: Which may have antioxidant properties.
Peptidoglycans: Compounds that contribute to the immune-modulating effects.
Phenols: With antioxidant properties.
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Reishi mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems around the world, particularly in:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Known as Lingzhi, reishi is used to enhance longevity, boost the immune system, and improve overall health.
Japanese Medicine: Called Mannentake, it is used similarly to TCM for its reputed health benefits.
Korean Medicine: Reishi, or Yeongji, is employed to treat fatigue, asthma, insomnia, and cough.
Western Herbal Medicine: Increasingly recognized for its adaptogenic properties, reishi is used to help the body resist stressors.
Health Benefits
Research has suggested several health benefits of reishi mushrooms:
1. Immune System Support: Reishi can enhance immune function by modulating various immune cells, including T-cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells.
2. Anti-Cancer Properties: Compounds in reishi have been shown to have anti-tumor effects, partly by enhancing immune responses and inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Reishi's triterpenoids have potent anti-inflammatory effects, which may help in managing conditions like arthritis.
4. Antioxidant Properties: Reishi mushrooms help protect cells from oxidative stress, potentially slowing the aging process and preventing chronic diseases.
5. Cardiovascular Health: Reishi may help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides, contributing to heart health.
6. Liver Health: Reishi supports liver function and may help protect against liver disease.
7. Mental Health: Some studies suggest reishi can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and boost overall mood.
Human Clinical Research
Several studies have investigated the health benefits of reishi mushrooms in humans:
Let's discuss a few of these in more detail.
Liver benefits and increased longevity
A 2017 clinical study published in the journal Pharmaceutical Biology has proven out Reishi’s ability to improve liver health. Researchers from Taiwan’s Chung Shan Medical University and Taichung Hospital tested 42 healthy people for over a year.
For six months, half the group was given 450 milligrams of Reishi mushroom powder in capsules each day. The other half received a placebo. Then after a month off, the people in the group given the placebo during the first six months were given the Lingzhi capsules and the other group was given the placebo.
The researchers gave the subjects a panel of blood tests and liver tests before, after and during the supplementation periods.
The researchers found that the Reishi mushroom significantly reduced liver enzymes – showing improved liver health. They also found the mushroom supplementation significantly boosted antioxidant capacity. The mushroom boosted glutathione levels and total thiol levels – all markers for increased antioxidant status.
These elements are related to longevity. Why? Because aging is specifically related to oxidation levels. When the body has higher antioxidant status, this means the body can neutralize oxidation before it damages organs and tissues.
The researchers confirmed the mushroom increased longevity and boosted liver health:
“The outcome of the present intervention demonstrated the antioxidation, anti-aging and hepatoprotective [liver protective] nature of GL by effectively curbing oxidative stress.”
We’ve discussed how Reishi and other mushrooms boost liver health.
Liver benefits confirmed
Other studies have confirmed Reishi’s ability to boost liver health. In a 2016 study from the Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, researchers found that the triterpenoids from Reishi – called Ganoderma triterpenoids – reduced ALT (alanine aminotransferase ) enzymes by up to 51 percent.
They also found that AST (aspartate aminotransferase) enzymes were reduced by as much as 33 percent. They also found the Ganoderma triterpenoids reduced oxidative damage to liver cells. The researchers concluded:
“Our results showed that Ganoderma triterpenoids had potent cytoprotective effect against oxidative damage induced by t-BHP in HepG2 cells, thus suggesting their potential use as liver protectant.”
Lingzhi inhibits various cancers
A number of studies over the past few decades have shown that Reishi can inhibit different types of cancers. This research has become more focused over the past few years.
A 2017 study from Italy’s National Cancer Institute tested Lingzhi mushroom against melanoma cancer cells and triple-negative breast cancer cells. They found that G. lucidum inhibited release of products these cells utilize to stay alive. The researchers also showed that Reishi helped prevent cancer cells from migrating.
The researchers concluded:
“Taken together, these results indicate the possible use of Ganoderma lucidum extract for the therapeutic management of melanoma and human triple-negative breast cancer.”
A number of other studies have confirmed that Lingzhi inhibits a number of types of cancers. A 2010 review from Taiwan’s Tainan University of Technology analyzed the research and found that Reishi inhibited cancer growth by affecting the following elements within cancer cells and tumor tissues:
• Activator protein-1(AP-1)
• Beta1-integrin (ITGB1)
• Interleukin (IL)
• Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)
• Nitric oxide (NO)
• Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB)
• Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
• Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1
• Urokinase plaminogen activator (uPA)
• uPA receptor (uPAR)
Reishi Boosts endurance and fitness
Multiple studies have also shown that Lingzhi mushroom boosts endurance and physical fitness. For example, a 2015 study from Spain’s University of Extremadura studied 64 women with fibromyalgia. The women took 6 grams of Reishi per day or a placebo (carob tree bean powder) for six weeks.
The researchers tested the women’s fitness levels, along with endurance testing. The study found those who took the Lingzhi mushroom had significantly improved physical condition. They had more endurance and better workout capacity.
The researchers concluded:
“These results may indicate that Ganoderma lucidum might be a useful dietary supplement to enhance physical performance of the patients suffering from fibromyalgia.”
We’ve discussed that Reishi and Cordyceps boost testosterone and fitness capacity.
Reishi – the mortality mushroom
These studies and many others have confirmed what the ancient Asian healers knew about Lingzhi mushroom: It healed a number of disorders, helped prevent a number of diseases, boosts physical fitness and immunity, and lengthens lifespan.
Should we say more?
REFERENCES:
Wu JG, Kan YJ, Wu YB, Yi J, Chen TQ, Wu JZ. Hepatoprotective effect of ganoderma triterpenoids against oxidative damage induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide in human hepatic HepG2 cells. Pharm Biol. 2016;54(5):919-29. doi: 10.3109/13880209.2015.1091481.
Barbieri A, Quagliariello V, Del Vecchio V, Falco M, Luciano A, Amruthraj NJ, Nasti G, Ottaiano A, Berretta M, Iaffaioli RV, Arra C. Anticancer and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Ganoderma lucidum Extract Effects on Melanoma and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment. Nutrients. 2017 Feb 28;9(3). pii: E210. doi: 10.3390/nu9030210.
Bishop KS, Kao CH, Xu Y, Glucina MP, Paterson RR, Ferguson LR. Ganoderma lucidum recent developments in nutraceuticals. Phytochemistry. 2015 Jun;114:56-65. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.02.015.
Yue GG, Fung KP, Tse GM, Leung PC, Lau CB. Comparative studies of various ganoderma species and their different parts with regard to their antitumor and immunomodulating activities in vitro. J Altern Complement Med. 2006 Oct;12(8):777-89.
Sliva D. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) in cancer treatment. Integr Cancer Ther. 2003 Dec;2(4):358-64.
Collado Mateo D, Pazzi F, Domínguez Muñoz FJ, Martín Martínez JP, Olivares PR, Gusi N, Adsuar JC. Ganoderma Lucidum improves physical fitness in women with fibromyalgia. Nutr Hosp. 2015 Nov 1;32(5):2126-35. doi: 10.3305/nh.2015.32.5.9601.
Chiu HF, Fu HY, Lu YY, Han YC, Shen YC, Venkatakrishnan K, Golovinskaia O, Wang CK. Triterpenoids and polysaccharide peptides-enriched Ganoderma lucidum: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its antioxidation and hepatoprotective efficacy in healthy volunteers. Pharm Biol. 2017 Dec;55(1):1041-1046. doi: 10.1080/13880209.2017.1288750.
Weng CJ, Yen GC. The in vitro and in vivo experimental evidences disclose the chemopreventive effects of Ganoderma lucidum on cancer invasion and metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis. 2010 May;27(5):361-9. doi: 10.1007/s10585-010-9334-z.