Learn more about Reishi
5 benefits of Reishi mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms may benefit your immune and overall health. But they can also cause digestive side effects and could potentially be unsafe for certain people, including those taking certain medications.
The reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia.
It has a variety of potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system. However, its safety has recently come into question.
Below are 6 potential benefits of the reishi mushroom.
1. Boost the immune system
One of the most important effects of the reishi mushroom is that it can boost your immune system.
While some details are still uncertain, test-tube studies have shown that reishi can affect the genes in white blood cells, which are critical parts of your immune system.
What’s more, these older studies have found that some forms of reishi may alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells.
One 2006 study found that reishi could increase the number of other white blood cells in those with colorectal cancer.
In another older study, the fungus improved the function of lymphocytes, which help fight infections and cancer, in athletes exposed to stressful conditions.
However, more research is needed, as some other studies have found no effect of reishi extract on immune function or inflammation.
SUMMARY:
Reishi mushroom may help enhance immune function through its effects on white blood cells. However, more research is needed.
2. Anti-cancer properties
Many people consume reishi due to its potential anticancer properties.
In fact, several test-tube studies have shown that it can lead to the death of cancer cells.
Some research has also investigated if reishi could be beneficial for prostate and colorectal cancer due to its effects on inflammation and certain signaling pathways involved in cancer development.
What’s more, one review indicated that the mushroom could benefit people with cancer when used alongside traditional treatment by increasing the activity of white blood cells and improving quality of life.
Still, more research on the effects of reishi on cancer development in humans is needed.
SUMMARY:
Although reishi mushroom may be beneficial for cancer prevention or treatment, more research is needed.
3. Could reduce fatigue and depression
Though reishi’s effects on the immune system are often most emphasized, it may also reduce depression and fatigue.
One older study examined its effects in 132 people with neurasthenia, a condition associated with aches, pains, dizziness, headaches, and irritability.
The researchers found that fatigue was reduced and well-being was improved after 8 weeks of taking the supplements.
Another 2012 study on people with breast cancer found that taking reishi powder reduced fatigue, anxiety, and depression and improved quality of life after 4 weeks.
While reishi mushroom may hold promise for people with certain conditions, it’s unclear if it would benefit those who are otherwise healthy.
SUMMARY:
Some studies have shown that reishi mushroom could decrease anxiety and depression as well as improve the quality of life in those with certain medical conditions.
4-5. Other potential benefits
In addition to its effects on the immune system and quality of life, reishi mushroom has been studied for its potential to improve other aspects of health.
4. Heart health and blood sugar
A number of studies looking at people with both healthy and unhealthy levels of blood sugar and lipids found that reishi mushroom may help decrease blood sugar, increase HDL (good) cholesterol, and decrease triglycerides.
At least one older study in healthy adults showed a slight trend toward lower lipid levels, but this was not statistically significant.
Additionally, some other studies have found no effect of reishi supplementation on cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Therefore, more research is needed.
Meanwhile, some older animal and human studies also suggest that certain compounds found in the reishi mushroom could decrease blood sugar.
On the other hand, a 2016 study found no effect of reishi supplementation on fasting blood sugar or hemoglobin A1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar control.
Therefore, more research is needed here as well.
5. Antioxidant status
Antioxidants are molecules that can help protect cells against damage.
Many claim that reishi mushroom is effective at improving antioxidant status.
However, several older studies have found no change in the levels of important antioxidant enzymes in the blood after consuming reishi for 4–12 weeks.
SUMMARY:
Some research suggests that reishi mushroom could improve HDL cholesterol and blood sugar. However, other studies indicate that it does not improve cholesterol, blood sugar, or antioxidant levels.
The bottom line
Reishi mushroom is a popular fungus used in Eastern medicine, which could help boost the immune system.
This fungus may also be able to decrease the size and number of tumors in certain types of cancer, as well as improve the quality of life for some people with cancer.
Most human research has shown that it does not improve cholesterol, blood sugar, or antioxidants, but it may be effective at reducing fatigue or depression in some cases.
Medical and Scientific studies:
Coming Soon
Evidence Based SOURCE:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reishi-mushroom-benefits
Medically reviewed by Amy Richter, RD, Nutrition
Written by Grant Tinsley, Ph.D., CSCS,*D, CISSN and Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD
Updated on April 11, 2023