Plant Part Used
Fruiting body.
Introduction
Reishi mushroom is called the “mushroom of immortality” in China and has been used as a tonic and strengthening medicine for thousands of years. Uses in traditional healing include increasing intellectual capacity and memory, promoting agility and lengthening the life span.
Interactions and Depletions
Interactions
- Anticoagulant medications
- Antiplatelet medications
- Antihypertensive medications
- Diabetic / Hypoglycemic medications
Dosage Info
Dosage Range
150-300mg (standardized extract), 3-4 times a day, with food.
Most Common Dosage
250mg (standardized extract), 4 times a day, with food.
Standardization
[span class=doc]Standardization represents the complete body of information and controls that serve to enhance the batch to batch consistency of a botanical product, including but not limited to the presence of a marker compound at a defined level or within a defined range.[/span]
The most current available medical and scientific literature indicates that this dietary supplement should be standardized to 4% triterpenes and 10-12.5% polysaccharides per dose.
Reported Uses
Several of the key compounds in reishi mushroom have been studied for their potential to enhance overall health and increase life expectancy. (1) These benefits are thought to arise partly from reishi’s role as an antioxidant. (2) , (3) Also, reishi may boost endurance and oxygenation of cells. (4)
Reishi has also been researched for its possible ability to inhibit cancerous tumor growth, especially when caused by exposure to radiation. (5) , (6) Reishi could have immuno-stimulating effects in patients with advanced-stage cancer. (7) One study in mice reported tumor inhibition rates of 90 percent and tumor regression 75 percent of the time. (8)
Other research has suggested that reishi may help treat diabetes, type 2. (9) Results in diabetic test subjects have been comparable to those produced by conventional insulin therapies. (10)
In addition to supporting overall cardiovascular health, reishi may offer benefits to people with high blood pressure. Studies suggest a lowering of systolic and diastolic blood pressure is possible when reishi is administered. (11) , (12)
Finally, reishi has been used to treat herpes and a number of complications that arise from the infection. (13) , (14) What’s more, some studies point to evidence that reishi may help the body fight HIV infection. (15)
Toxicities & Precautions
Introduction
[span class=alert]Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.[/span]
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.
If you are planning to have any type of surgery or dental work, stop using this dietary supplement for at least 14 days prior to the procedure.
Allergy
Some individuals experience an allergic reaction when taking this dietary supplement. (16) Call your doctor or seek medical attention if you have fast or irregular breathing, skin rash, hives or itching.
Health Conditions
If you have a bleeding disorder talk to your doctor before taking this dietary supplement. (17)
Side Effects
Side effects are possible with any dietary supplement. This dietary supplement may cause dryness of the mouth, throat and nasal areas, stomach upset, and loose stools. (18) Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away.
Pregnancy/ Breast Feeding
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding.
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.
References
- Jong SC, et al. Medicinal Benefits of the Mushroom Ganoderma. Adv Appl Microbiol. 1992;37:101-34.
- View Abstract: Lin JM, et al. Radical Scavenger and Antihepatotoxic Activity of Ganoderma formosanum, Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma neo-japonicum. J Ethnopharmacol. Jun1995;47(1):33-41.
- View Abstract: Wachtel-Galor S, Tomlinson B, Benzie IF. Ganoderma lucidum (“Lingzhi”), a Chinese medicinal mushroom: biomarker responses in a controlled human supplementation study. Br J Nutr. Feb2004;91(2):263-9.
- Jong SC, et al. Medicinal Benefits of the Mushroom Ganoderma. Adv Appl Microbiol. 1992;37:101-34.
- View Abstract: Wang SY. The Anti-tumor Effect of Ganoderma lucidum is Mediated by Cytokines Released From Activated Macrophages and T Lymphocytes. Int J Cancer. May1997;70(6):699-705.
- View Abstract: Yun TK. Trial of a New Medium-term Model Using Benzo(a)pyrene Induced Lung Tumor in Newborn Mice. Anticancer Res. May1995;15(3):839-45.
- View Abstract: Gao Y, Zhou S, Jiang W, Huang M, Dai X. Effects of ganopoly (a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract) on the immune functions in advanced-stage cancer patients. Immunol Invest. Aug2003;32(3):201-15.
- View Abstract: Sone Y, et al. Structures and Antitumor Activities of the Polysaccharides Isolated from Fruiting Body and the Growing Culture of Mycelium of Ganoderma lucidum. Agr Biol Chem. 1985;49:2641-53.
- View Abstract: Hikino H, et al. Mechanisms of Hypoglycemic Activity of Ganoderan B: A Glycan of Ganoderma lucidum Fruit Bodies. Planta Med. Oct1999;55(5):423-28.
- Teow SS. Effective Dosage of Ganoderma Nutriceuticals in the Treatment of Various Ailments. in: 1996 Taipei International Ganoderma Research Conference. Abstracts: Taipei International Convention Center. Taipei, Taiwan. Aug1996.
- View Abstract: Lee SY. Cardiovascular Effects of Mycelium Extract of Ganoderma lucidum: Inhibition of Sympathetic Outflow as a Mechanism of Its Hypotensive Action. Chem Pharm Bull.(Tokyo). May1990;38(5):1359-64.
- Kanmatsuse K, et al. Studies on Ganoderma lucidum. I. Efficacy Against Hypertension and Side Effects. Yakugaku Zasshi. Oct1985;105(10):942-47.
- View Abstract: Eo SK, et al. Antiherpetic Activities of Various Protein Bound Polysaccharides Isolated from Ganoderma lucidum. J Ethnopharmacol. Dec1999;68(1-3):175-81.
- View Abstract: Hijikata Y, et al. Effect of Ganoderma lucidum on Postherpetic Neuralgia. Am J Chin Med. 1998;26(3-4):375-81.
- View Abstract: el-Mekkawy S, et al. Anti-HIV-1 and Anti-HIV-1-protease Substances from Ganoderma lucidum. Phytochemistry. Nov1998;49(6):1651-57.
- View Abstract: Horner WE, et al. Basidiomycete Allergens: Comparison of Three Ganoderma Species. Allergy. Feb1993;48(2):110-16.
- View Abstract: Su C. Potentiation of ganodermic acid S on prostaglandin E(1)-induced cyclic AMP elevation in human platelets. Thromb Res. Jul2000;99(2):135-45.
- McGuffin M ed, et al. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 1997:55.
