Reishi mushroom

Related Terms

Acid protease, Chi zhi, coumarin, Enhanvol?, ergosterol, fungal lysozyme, fungus, fu zhen herb, ganoderans, ganoderic acids, ganoderals, ganoderols, Ganoderma tsugae extract, ganodermic acids, Ganodermataceae (family), Ganopoly?, he ling zhi, holy mushroom, hong ling zhi, ling chi, ling chih, ling zhi (Chinese), ling zhi-8, linzhi extract, mannentake, mannitol, mushroom, mushroom of immortality, mushroom of spiritual potency, polysaccharides peptide, rei-shi, shiitake, spirit plant, sterols, Sunrecome?, triterpenoids, triterpene, varnished polypore, young ji, zi zhi.
Combination product examples: PC-SPES (baikal skullcap, chrysanthemum, ganoderma, isatis, licorice, Panax ginseng, Isodon rubescens and saw palmetto); Echinacea/Astragalus/Reishi formula.

Background

Reishi mushroom, also known as ling zhi in China, grows wild on decaying logs and tree stumps. Reishi occurs in six different colors, but the red variety is most commonly used and commercially cultivated in East Asia and North America.
Reishi mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,000 years to treat liver disorders, high blood pressure, arthritis, and other ailments. In modern times, the available data from human trials together with evidence from animal studies suggest that reishi mushroom may have some positive benefits for cancer and liver disease patients. However, the number and quality of trials is very limited. Other promising uses for which there is still inconclusive evidence include diabetes, heart disease, pain, Russula subnigricans (a type of mushroom) poisoning, and protein in the urine. Reishi is also believed to reduce cholesterol levels and have a blood-thinning effect, which may make it useful in heart disease prevention.
Some experts believe that reishi promotes longevity and maintains vitality of the human body. In the 16th Century pharmacopeia Ben Cao Gang Mu, reishi was described as being able to affect the life energy, or qi, of the heart, repair the chest area, increase intellectual capacity, and banish forgetfulness.
Reishi is currently regulated in the United States as a dietary supplement. It is also included in the 2,000 Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China as an agent approved for the treatment of dizziness, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, cough, and asthma. At this time, there is a lack of strong research supporting the use of reishi.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


A combination of reishi mushroom and San Miao San (a mixture of several Chinese herbs) may help reduce the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. These herbs lacked an effect on swelling. More research with reishi mushroom alone is needed.

 C


A combination of reishi mushroom and San Miao San (a mixture of several Chinese herbs) may help reduce the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. These herbs lacked an effect on swelling. More research with reishi mushroom alone is needed.

 C


Reishi has been shown to have anti-cancer and immune enhancing effects in nonhuman research. In human research, Ganopoly?, a reishi extract, resulted in improved quality of life and enhanced immune responses in people receiving treatment for advanced cancer. It is important to note that these data were published by authors affiliated with the manufacturer of Ganopoly?. Further research is needed to reach conclusions.

 C


Reishi has been shown to have anti-cancer and immune enhancing effects in nonhuman research. In human research, Ganopoly?, a reishi extract, resulted in improved quality of life and enhanced immune responses in people receiving treatment for advanced cancer. It is important to note that these data were published by authors affiliated with the manufacturer of Ganopoly?. Further research is needed to reach conclusions.

 C


Early evidence showed that Ganopoly? treatment decreased the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the blood. This virus is hard to clear from the body and recurrence after treatment is common. The affiliation of authors to the manufacturer of the drug is noteworthy. Further well-designed research is needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

C


Early evidence showed that Ganopoly? treatment decreased the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the blood. This virus is hard to clear from the body and recurrence after treatment is common. The affiliation of authors to the manufacturer of the drug is noteworthy. Further well-designed research is needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

C


Non-human research showed that reishi lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels. In limited human research, Ganopoly? slightly improved diabetes markers. The authors are closely related to the manufacturer of Ganopoly?. Further research is needed.

C


Non-human research showed that reishi lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels. In limited human research, Ganopoly? slightly improved diabetes markers. The authors are closely related to the manufacturer of Ganopoly?. Further research is needed.

C


In limited human research, Ganopoly? improved symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain, increase heart rate, and shortness of breath. Blood pressure and cholesterol were also decreased. The authors are closely related to the manufacturer of Ganopoly?. Further research is needed to draw conclusions.

C


In limited human research, Ganopoly? improved symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain, increase heart rate, and shortness of breath. Blood pressure and cholesterol were also decreased. The authors are closely related to the manufacturer of Ganopoly?. Further research is needed to draw conclusions.

C


In early human research, reishi lacked an effect on blood pressure and cholesterol levels (which increase heart disease risk). Further research is needed.

C


In early human research, reishi lacked an effect on blood pressure and cholesterol levels (which increase heart disease risk). Further research is needed.

C


Ancient Chinese monks utilized the reishi mushroom to calm their minds for meditation. Early research suggests that reishi may lower blood pressure. Future research is needed to make conclusions.

C


Ancient Chinese monks utilized the reishi mushroom to calm their minds for meditation. Early research suggests that reishi may lower blood pressure. Future research is needed to make conclusions.

C


Early research showed reishi extract to be effective in decreasing postherpetic pain (pain after herpes lesions heal). Further research is needed to confirm these results.

 C


Early research showed reishi extract to be effective in decreasing postherpetic pain (pain after herpes lesions heal). Further research is needed to confirm these results.

 C


In early research, reishi has shown a beneficial effect in treating poisoning with Russula subnigricans. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

 C


In early research, reishi has shown a beneficial effect in treating poisoning with Russula subnigricans. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

 C


Early research showed reishi to be effective in decreasing protein in the urine in people with kidney disease. Further research is needed to draw conclusions.

C


Early research showed reishi to be effective in decreasing protein in the urine in people with kidney disease. Further research is needed to draw conclusions.

C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)
2-6 grams per day of reishi as raw fungus or an equivalent dosage of concentrated extract has been taken by mouth with meals. In China, reishi has been injected in unspecified dosing and for unspecified indications.
In research studying cancer, chronic hepatitis B, heart disease, or diabetes, doses of 600-1,800 milligrams have been taken by mouth three times daily for 12 weeks.
For heart disease risk, two 360 milligram reishi capsules were taken by mouth twice daily for 12 weeks.
For high blood pressure, 55 milligrams of Linzhi extract (reishi) has been taken by mouth daily for four weeks.
For pain management in herpes zoster, 12-24 grams of dry weight reishi was taken by mouth three times daily for up to 10 days.
For poisoning by Russula subnigricans, 100 grams of reishi was boiled in 600 milliliters water per dose.
For proteinuria (protein in the urine) 500-1,125 milligrams of reishi were taken daily by mouth for up to 26 months.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Reishi may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Reishi may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Reishi may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Reishi may also interact with adenosine, agents that affect the immune and nervous systems, agents that lower cholesterol, anesthetics, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antiretroviral agents, antiviral agents, heart agents, hormonal agents, liver-damaging agents, lung agents, musculoskeletal agents, pain relievers, skin agents, stomach and intestine agents, thyroid hormones.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Cheuk W, Chan JK, Nuovo G, et al. Regression of gastric large B-Cell lymphoma accompanied by a florid lymphoma-like T-cell reaction: immunomodulatory effect of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi)? Int J Surg Pathol 2007 Apr;15(2):180-6.
Chu TT, Benzie IF, Lam CW, et al. Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. Br.J.Nutr. 2012;107(7):1017-1027.
Gordan JD, Chay WY, Kelley RK, et al. "And what other medications are you taking?". J.Clin.Oncol. 4-10-2011;29(11):e288-e291.
Haniadka R, Popouri S, Palatty PL, et al. Medicinal plants as antiemetics in the treatment of cancer: a review. Integr.Cancer Ther. 2012;11(1):18-28.
Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2012;6:CD007731.
Li EK, Tam LS, Wong CK et al. Safety and efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi) and San Miao San supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial. Arthritis Rheum 2007 Oct 15;57(7):1143-50.
Lindequist U, Rausch R, Fussel A, et al. [Higher fungi in traditional and modern medicine]. Med.Monatsschr.Pharm. 2010;33(2):40-48.
Liu J, Shiono J, Shimizu K, et al. Ganoderic acid DM: anti-androgenic osteoclastogenesis inhibitor. Bioorg.Med.Chem.Lett. 4-15-2009;19(8):2154-2157.
Mahajna J, Dotan N, Zaidman BZ, et al. Pharmacological values of medicinal mushrooms for prostate cancer therapy: the case of Ganoderma lucidum. Nutr.Cancer 2009;61(1):16-26.
Olaku O and White JD. Herbal therapy use by cancer patients: a literature review on case reports. Eur.J.Cancer 2011;47(4):508-514.
Sliva D, Loganathan J, Jiang J, et al. Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum prevents colitis-associated carcinogenesis in mice. PLoS.One. 2012;7(10):e47873.
Wanmuang H, Leopairut J, Kositchaiwat C, et al. Fatal fulminant hepatitis associated with Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) mushroom powder. J Med Assoc Thai 2007 Jan;90(1):179-81.
Wicks SM, Tong R, Wang CZ, et al. Safety and tolerability of Ganoderma lucidum in healthy subjects: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Am J Chin Med 2007;35(3):407-14.
Xu Z, Chen X, Zhong Z, et al. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides: immunomodulation and potential anti-tumor activities. Am.J.Chin Med. 2011;39(1):15-27.
Zhuang SR, Chen SL, Tsai JH, et al. Effect of citronellol and the Chinese medical herb complex on cellular immunity of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Phytother.Res. 2009;23(6):785-790.