Reishi: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
lingzhi, mannentake
Scientific name(s)
Ganoderma lucidum
Family or group:
Mushrooms
Active ingredients:
Beta-glucans
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies conducted in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia presenting with mild to moderate lower urinary tract symptoms such as urinary incontinence or bladder overactivity have shown that taking a reishi mushroom extract at a dose of 6 mg orally once a day for up to 12 weeks moderately improves symptom severity as measured by the IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score), compared with placebo.
Posologie
Orally
6 mg
Men
Ganopoly, dry extract
Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Two randomized controlled trials recruited 134 patients with advanced cancers at different sites and supplemented them with capsules of G. lucidum at a dose of 1800 mg/day for 12 weeks. Cellular immunity in 80% of these patients was significantly improved with increases in plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6 and interferon γ (IFN-γ) and in natural killer (NK) cell activity. In another study, the same protocol was followed with 68 patients with lung cancer, in whom immune parameters, including total T cells, NK cells and the CD4/CD8 ratio, were significantly improved in patients treated with G. lucidum.
Posologie
Orally
1.8 g
dry extract
G. lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment
Clinical Curative Effect Investigation of Lingzhi Tablets on Lung Cancer
Effects of water-soluble Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on the immune functions of patients with advanced lung cancer
Monitoring of immune responses to a herbal immuno-modulator in patients with advanced colorectal cancer
Investigation of ZhengQing Lingzhi liquid as adjuvant treatment on patients with colon cancer
Chemopreventive and Tumoricidal Properties of Ling Zhi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (W. Curt.:Fr.) Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae). Part I. Preclinical and Clinical Studies (Review)
A randomized, placebo‐controlled, multicenter study of Ganoderma lucidum (w.curt.:fr.) Lloyd (aphyllophoromycetideae) polysaccharides (ganopoly) in patients with advanced lung cancer
Clinical analysis of Lingzhi spore in prostate cancer treatment
Effect of Laojunxian Lingzhi Oral Liquid Combined with Chemotherapy on Nonparvicellular Lung Cancer at Stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ
Oxidative stress ✪✪✪✪✪
In an animal study (diabetic rats), levels of non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants increased and levels of lipid peroxidation decreased with treatment with G. lucidum. However, a direct link has not been established between the antioxidant properties of G. lucidum and its immunomodulatory and anticancer effects, and whether Reishi acts as an antioxidant or a pro-oxidant may depend on concentration and environment. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in 42 healthy subjects showed that Ganoderma lucidum increased total antioxidant capacity, total thiol and glutathione content in plasma as well as a significant increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
Posologie
Orally
225 mg
dry extract
Triterpenoids and polysaccharide peptides-enriched Ganoderma lucidum: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its antioxidation and hepatoprotective efficacy in healthy volunteers
Chemotherapy ✪✪✪✪✪
A meta-analysis of 9 clinical trials using various reishi mushroom-based products in combination with chemotherapy found that complete and partial responses increased by 30% with combination therapy compared with chemotherapy alone. However, there was no difference in overall survival. nn
Posologie
Orally
1.4 - 5.4 g
dry extract
Coriolus Versicolor and Ganoderma Lucidum Related Natural Products as an Adjunct Therapy for Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Effect of Laojunxian Lingzhi Oral Liquid Combined with Chemotherapy on Nonparvicellular Lung Cancer at Stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ
Shingles ✪✪✪✪✪
Some small studies in human patients have also reported beneficial effects from consuming lingzhi. A hot water dry extract of G. lucidum taken orally (equivalent to 36 or 72 g of dried mushroom per day) was used as the sole treatment for postherpetic neuralgia (varicella-zoster virus) in 4 elderly patients. It was reported that this treatment greatly reduced pain and promoted healing of the lesions, without any toxicity even at very high doses.nn
Posologie
Orally
1.4 - 5.4 g
dry extract
Herpes ✪✪✪✪✪
In another study, a mixture of G. lucidum with other herbs improved recovery time in patients with genital herpes and labial herpes. nn
Posologie
Oral
1.4 - 5.4 g
Dry extract
Fatigue ✪✪✪✪✪
A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical study conducted on patients with chronic fatigue syndrome or neurasthenia indicates that Ganopoly (an aqueous polysaccharide fraction extracted from G. lucidum) is more effective in reducing physical fatigability and increasing the sense of well-being.nnThe mechanism of action is not elucidated, but these results may be explained by Reishi's effects on immunity and the modulation of activity of the central and/or peripheral nervous systems.nnReishi's antioxidant action could also play a role.nn
Posologie
Oral
1.8 g
8 weeks
Ganopoly, dry extract
Properties
Anticancer
Reishi, a mushroom with anticancer properties, acts through its components, notably polysaccharides and triterpenes. Among the latter, ganoderol B stands out for its specific action on androgen receptors and its inhibition of the enzyme 5α-reductase, playing a key role in the fight against prostate cancer. A specific type of polysaccharide, the polysaccharide fraction F3, has also been identified for its beneficial effects. This fraction stimulates the production of important cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and colony-stimulating factors, thereby strengthening innate and adaptive immunity. In addition to inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, F3 enhances the body's immune response, contributing to increased defense against cancer development.
Usages associés
Immunomodulator
Reishi influences immunity by reducing the proliferation of immune cells and improving their response. The reishi component LZ-8 reduces the immune response to antigens, while its extracts increase the number of T lymphocytes in humans. Its polysaccharides stimulate the production of important cytokines, thereby strengthening the fight against cancer. Reishi triterpenoids also have beneficial effects on immunity and may help fight tumors.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
It is believed that several constituents are responsible for the antioxidant properties of the reishi mushroom. These include polysaccharides, polysaccharide-peptide complexes, triterpenoids, and polyphenols. The peptides of the reishi mushroom appear to be the most potent antioxidant constituents.
Usages associés
Hepatoprotective
An ether fraction of a reishi mushroom extract appears to inhibit beta-glucuronidase and protect against liver damage caused by carbon tetrachloride. The active constituent may be ganoderic acid A. In a cirrhotic animal model, polysaccharides isolated from the reishi mushroom reduced levels of liver enzymes in the blood, suggesting hepatoprotective effects. However, hepatotoxic effects from reishi mushroom powder have been reported in two case reports.
Anti-aging
Reishi has been recognized as a medicinal mushroom for more than 2,000 years, and its powerful effects have been documented in ancient writings. In the Supplement to the Classic of Materia Medica (502–536 AD) and the Ben Cao Gang Mu by Li Shizhen, which is considered the first pharmacopeia in China (1590 AD; Ming dynasty), the mushroom was attributed therapeutic properties such as tonic effects, improving vital energy, enhancing cardiac function, increasing memory, and having anti-aging effects.
Antiviral
Protease inhibitors and other anti-HIV substances have been found in reishi mushrooms. Indeed, certain triterpenes from G. lucidum have been reported to have an inhibitory effect against the protease activity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1. In another study, a ganoderic acid isolated from G. lucidum showed inhibitory effects on hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. These compounds have not been studied in humans with HIV/AIDS. On the other hand, protein-bound polysaccharides isolated from reishi inhibit herpes simplex viruses in laboratory studies, probably by preventing attachment and entry into cells. Triterpenoids, including lucidenic and ganoderic acids, have also inhibited induction of the Epstein-Barr virus early antigen in vitro.
Usages associés
Hypotensive
Reishi constituents may affect blood pressure. In animal models, an aqueous extract of reishi mushroom appears to decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It is thought to lower blood pressure by inhibiting sympathetic nervous activity. Another possible mechanism is inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme by the terpenoids it contains. However, the hypotensive effect of reishi mushroom in humans is inconsistent.
Hypoglycemic
Animal research indicates that reishi (G. lucidum) can lower blood glucose levels thanks to substances such as ganoderans A and B. These compounds significantly decrease glucose in mice, both diabetic and non-diabetic, and this effect persists for 24 hours. They also increase insulin and adjust glucose metabolism in the liver. In humans, one study found that reishi polysaccharides reduce glycated hemoglobin and glucose levels, thus showing potential benefit for glucose regulation. nnHowever, these conclusions come mainly from animal studies, and more extensive clinical research in humans is needed to confirm these effects.nn
Antibacterial
Recent studies have shown that G. lucidum contains antibacterial constituents capable of inhibiting gram-positive and/or gram-negative bacteria. The aqueous extract of G. lucidum carpophores inhibited 15 types of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Other studies indicate that antimicrobial combinations of G. lucidum extract with four antibiotics (ampicillin, cefazolin, oxytetracycline, and chloramphenicol) produced additive effects in most cases: synergy in two cases when combined with cefazolin against Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella oxytoca, and antagonism in two cases.nn
Safe dosage
Adult: 1.4 g - 5.4 g (dry extract)
The Reishi mushroom is generally used at doses of 1400 to 5400 mg per day, usually in divided doses. Reishi mushroom extracts have also been used at lower doses (for example, 6 mg per day)nn
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: low interaction
Theoretically, high doses of reishi mushroom could increase the risk of bleeding.
Antidiabetic: low interaction
Animal research suggests that reishi mushroom lowers blood sugar.
Antihypertensive: low interaction
Theoretically, the concurrent use of reishi mushrooms with antihypertensive medications could increase the risk of hypotension.
Precautions
Pregnant women: avoid
Avoid use due to lack of reliable and sufficient information. nnnnnn
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Avoid use due to lack of reliable and sufficient information. nnnnnn
Bleeding disorder: use with caution
Theoretically, high doses of reishi mushroom could increase the risk of bleeding in people with certain coagulation disorders. Indeed, a 3 g dose can decrease platelet aggregation. nn
