The reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia.(1). Within the mushroom, there are several molecules, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides and peptidoglycans, that may be responsible for its health effects.(2) Reishi mushroom can be eaten fresh it is also common to use powdered forms of the mushroom or extracts that contain these specific molecules.
How Reishi Mushroom Work?
Over the last several decades, dozens of studies have been conducts to research to effects and benefits of the reishi mushrooms. (7) Reishi mushroom are capable of offering protection against numerous illnesses and diseases such as, diabetes, inflammation, fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome), frequent infections (urinary tract, bronchitis, respiratory infections, etc.),liver disease, food allergies and asthma, digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome, tumor growth and cancer, skin disorders, autoimmune disorders, viruses, including the flu, HIV/AIDS or hepatitis, heart disease, hypertension, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, sleep disorders and insomnia, anxiety and depression.
Immune System Boost
An important effect of reishi mushroom is the effects on the immune system. Research in cancer patients has shown that some of the molecules found in the mushroom can increase the activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells(3). Natural killer cells fight infections and cancer in the body.(4) Another study found that reishi can increase the number of other white blood cells (lymphocytes) in those with colorectal cancer. (5)
Anti-Cancer Properties
Many people use reishi mushroom to help fight cancer. The triterpenoids found in this type of fungus can reduce the metastasis of cancerous cells and slow the progression of tumor growth. Furthermore, a second study found that the active ingredients of reishi mushroom extract can seek out and neutralize cancerous cells within the body. (6)
Helps with Fatigue and Depression
Reishi has effects on the immune system are well knows, but the benefits it has in improving fatigue, depression and improving overall quality of life has been seen in serval studies. (8) (9)
Improve Liver Function
The liver is a vital organ in the human body, it is responsible for aiding in detoxification and helps the cleaning, process, store and circulate healthy blood and nutrients. Reishi work as an adaptogen to help improve liver function and prevent liver disease. Reishi helps the body with flushing out toxins and bacteria more efficiently and improve immunity against diseases that can develop over time.
Side Effects
Research has shown that there are not any major side effects, some you may experience are upset stomach and/or digestive distress. Stop taking and talk to your doctor is you are having any side effect.
†These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your General Practitioner. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician
Reference:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23557365/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12916709/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25571788/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16428086/
- https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007731.pub3/full
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-905/reishi-mushroom
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15857210/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22203880/