The reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidummannentake, and lingzhi, is a fungus found in hot and humid Asian countries. It has a tough texture and can be bitter. Reishi mushrooms can be gathered and sold as food.
When taken for their health benefits, reishi mushrooms are dried for tea or taken as an extract powder, liquid, or capsule. They are believed to have various health benefits, including boosting the immune system, anti-cancer properties, improving fatigue, and more.
Scientific evidence supports their effectiveness. Here are 10 benefits associated with reishi mushrooms and the research backing those benefits.
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1. Boost the Immune System
Reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucans, a form of soluble fiber. They can modulate the immune system and are sometimes touted as immune-boosting, although the evidence is not substantial in human studies.
One 2023 study from researchers in Bangladesh found that adding dietary reishi mushroom as a source of beta-glucan could significantly boost the immune responses in Rohu, a species of fish.
2. Prevent Inflammation and Infection
Reishi mushrooms contain potent anti-inflammatory substances and antioxidants, compounds that help protect cellular health and overall wellness. Both can reduce inflammation and neutralize unstable molecules in the body, known as free radicals, which are responsible for oxidative stress (imbalance between helpful antioxidants and harmful free radicals).
Over time, this effect can allow the immune system to function more effectively and focus on defending the body against inflammation, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
What Is Oxidative Stress?
Oxidative stress occurs when there are too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants in the body. Over time, excess free radicals can harm the body’s cells and tissues, leading to chronic and severe health conditions.
Reishi mushrooms have also been found to be effective in reducing the risk of infections—bacterial, viral, and fungal. By strengthening the immune system, they help it fight off pathogens (germs) before they can make you sick. Eating reishi mushrooms daily could mean fewer infections and colds, especially in the winter months.
3. Reduce Fatigue and Increase Energy
For people who have conditions that cause high levels of fatigue, like chronic fatigue syndrome, reishi mushrooms offer a natural energy alternative. They contain polysaccharides (the most abundant carbohydrates in food), which boost energy by improving mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the cellular structures where energy is produced.
4. Improves Mood and Depressive Symptoms
Reishi mushrooms may improve mood, depressive symptoms, and anxiety. They may work to help the body and mind to adapt to stress and stressful situations.
One 2020 Healthcare study examined the effect of reishi mushrooms on people with fibromyalgia. This chronic rheumatic disorder causes generalized and widespread musculoskeletal pain. In this study, researchers found that the mushrooms were helpful in managing fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain and depression.
The goal was to evaluate the mushrooms’ effects on happiness, depression, satisfaction with life, and health-related quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. In this double-blind, randomized placebo pilot trial, one group was given 6 grams a day of micro-milled reishi mushroom carpophores (mushroom stalks) for six weeks, and a second group was given a placebo (an inactive preparation).
The results showed improved levels of satisfaction with life and reduced depressive symptoms at the end of treatment for the carpophores group.
5. Anticancer Properties
The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of reishi mushrooms—antioxidants, beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and amino acids—have all been found to have antitumor properties. According to various studies, some G. bright carries some promising anticancer and immunomodulatory (affecting the immune system) properties. The mushrooms in supplementary form have become a popular alternative treatment for cancer patients.
One 2016 review of five random-controlled trials reviewed the effectiveness of reishi mushrooms for managing cancer. While they did not find enough evidence to justify the mushrooms as a first-line cancer treatment, they did find that they could be used with conventional treatments to enhance tumor response and promote stronger immunity.
G. bright was well-tolerated by most of the study participants, and there were no reports of adverse toxicity (degree of being harmful or poisonous) like liver toxicity. Signs of liver toxicity may include abdominal pain, ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), fatigue, fever, changes to urine, and skin rash.
6. Properties to Reduce Signs of Aging
Reishi mushrooms have been found to reduce the signs of aging. These effects are mainly due to the following abilities of reishi:
Various studies have highlighted the use of compounds derived from mushrooms in skin care products and cosmetics due to their antioxidant and anti-wrinkle properties. These compounds can protect the skin from oxidative damage, reduce wrinkles, and improve overall skin health.
7. Promote Brain Health
Reishi mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that are good for the brain, including triterpenes and polysaccharides.
Triterpenes work to control inflammation and fight free radicals. They are also believed to regulate neurotransmitters, the brain’s chemical messengers responsible for nerve function. As people age, their brains become more vulnerable to damage related to inflammation, free radicals, and oxidative stress. Triterpenes can protect the brain from these effects.
Polysaccharides nourish and protect neurons. Some research suggests they may stimulate the growth of new brain cells. Polysaccharides might also help improve memory (both short- and long-term), focus, and concentration.
8. Manage Gut Health
Reishi mushrooms offer several benefits to gut health. They may aid digestion, support the gut microbiome (the community of beneficial microbes in the gut), and alleviate digestive tract inflammation. This is due to compounds like polysaccharides contributing to a healthier gut environment.
What Is the Gut Microbiome?
The term “gut microbiome” refers to the bacteria, yeast, and fungi that live in the digestive tract. The microbiome varies by person and is vital for digestive and overall health.
9. Lower Blood Pressure and Improve Heart Health
Triterpenes found in reishi mushrooms may have blood pressure–lowering properties. They also offer additional benefits, such as with blood clotting and lowering cholesterol. This is likely because triterpenes may help reduce inflammation in blood vessels and arteries and improve overall blood circulation.
In some cases, high blood pressure and high cholesterol might be caused by hormonal imbalances caused by stress or thyroid disease. The compounds in reishi mushrooms may help restore hormone levels and reduce cardiovascular problems.
10. Improve Blood Sugar
High blood sugar levels can be detrimental to health. Some research suggests that reishi mushrooms may have antidiabetic properties and can reduce blood glucose levels, which rise with diabetes when the body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone insulin or use it properly.
One 2015 Phytochemistry review found that reishi mushrooms could reduce both blood sugar and insulin (which regulates blood sugar) in mice. Researchers also found that certain compounds in the mushrooms could modify enzymes related to blood sugar control and improve the way in which the body uses insulin to move sugar into the bloodstream and tissues to be converted into energy.
Side Effects
Reishi mushrooms have been used for thousands of years to manage various conditions, and very few side effects have been reported. Mild digestive upset and skin rashes may occur, but these typically go away over time or may only affect people with impaired immune systems.
Additional side effects may include:
Some people should not consume reishi mushrooms, including:
- Anyone with a bleeding or clotting disorder or who has recently undergone surgery
- People on certain medications, including blood pressure medicines, chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants
- Pregnant and lactating people since not enough research is available to determine safety or long-term effects in these groups
Reasons to Skip Supplements
Reishi mushrooms are safe, effective, and well-tolerated. When taken in the correct doses, they are generally safe for up to a year. However, the powdered and supplement forms may be more potent or even contaminated.
In rare cases, incorrect dosing can increase the risk of toxicity, so it is essential to use caution and purchase supplements and powders from reputable companies to get the best product possible.
To avoid potential health risks, always follow the recommended doses on supplement labels. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about dosing.
To get the most out of reishi mushrooms and avoid safety risks, consider using dried or fresh versions. You can use them to make tea or add them to a favorite soup or sauce.
Reishi Extract Forms
Reishi mushrooms are large mushrooms with a woody texture. They are available over the counter (OTC) as herbal supplements in tablet, capsule, extract, and powder form.
Reishi mushrooms are also available as teas. The supplements and teas are made from cultivated mushrooms.
Lion’s Mane vs. Reishi Mushrooms
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a white fungus with long, shaggy spines that can be consumed fresh, dried, or as a supplement. It has various brain health benefits, including promoting mental agility, focus, and overall cognitive performance. It has also been found to calm the mind and body so that they can respond to stress healthily.
Like the reishi mushroom, lion’s mane can be a helpful option for managing brain and nervous system health. However, reishi mushrooms have effects beyond the brain and nervous system. Deciding which mushroom type to use will depend on your own needs and goals.
Where to Source Whole, Dried Mushrooms
You can buy reishi mushrooms from different retailers. These include:
- Farmers markets: You might be able to find fresh and dried reishi mushrooms at local farmers markets.
- Health food stores: Health food stores carry reishi mushrooms in different forms, including dried, powdered, and supplement forms. These stores will specialize in organic and natural products so they can be a reliable source of reishi mushrooms.
- Online retailers: You can find dried reishi mushrooms, teas, and supplements from various online retailers.
Summary
Reishi mushrooms are powerful medicinal mushrooms with a long list of potential health benefits. Benefits include boosting immune system function, improving heart health, managing fatigue, promoting brain health, keeping blood sugar levels managed, and more.
While reishi mushrooms are edible, they are mainly found as supplements in capsule, powder, and extract forms. They can also be dried and used to make tea.
Reishi mushrooms are generally safe to use but come with side effects. They may not be safe for some people, including those who are pregnant or lactating and those taking blood thinners. You should always follow the dosage recommendations on the product’s labeling and only purchase supplements from reputable companies.
