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What is Reishi? Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum, also known as Lingzhi) is a type of medicinal mushroom which has been traditionally recognised for its health benefits for over 2000 years in many Asian countries, especially in China and Japan. Reishi contains many nutrients and three main groups of active constituents: polysaccharides, peptidoglycans, and triterpenes. Reishi mushroom has a long history of use to help enhance immune function, reduce the impact of stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue. People also take Reishi mushroom for health conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol Polysaccharides – A Key Component Most mushrooms contain a large amount of polysaccharides, especially beta-glucans. Polysaccharides are formed from long chains of monosaccharides bound together. These indigestible polysaccharides are also called dietary fibre. Since polysaccharides are resistant to digestion, they are fermented by gut microbes. This leads to some of the health benefits, such as slowing gastric emptying, modulating the gut microbe structure, physically improving the bowel function, and protecting the immune system [1]. Health Benefits of Reishi Support Immune Function While some details are yet to be fully understood, polysaccharides in Reishi have shown to promote the function of the immune system [2, 3]. This may occur secondary to the interaction of the polysaccharides (b-glucans) with the gut microbiota. One study in athletes exposed to stressful conditions showed that Reishi improved the function of a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections and cancer. If you are you prone to viral infections such as cold and flu, consuming Reishi may help. Reishi May Help Depression & Fatigue After 8 weeks of supplementation with Reishi, this study reported 132 people with neurasthenia (a condition associated with aches, pains, dizziness, headaches, and irritability) had less fatigue and improvements in overall well-being. Antioxidant Chloroform extract from Reishi mushroom has indicated a significant inhibition in free radical formation [4]. Free radicals damage cells. May have Anti-Tumour Activity Several studies have also suggested a potential antitumor activity {5,6,7]. While one systematic review did not find any data that might explain the benefits of using Reishi mushroom as a first-line cancer treatment, it may still be valuable when used in conjunction with conventional cancer treatment. Reishi has immune stimulatory function and appears to enhance tumour response [5]. Several lab studies (ref, ref) have shown that Reishi can lead to the death of cancer cells. One study found that Reishi, when given alongside chemotherapy, enhanced the anti-cancer effect of the drug. Suggested use Start with 1 tsp daily, then increase to up to 2 tblsp daily. You can mix it with soups or other meals, tea or coffee, or simply hot/cold water. Storage Best to keep in dry, cool place in an airtight container, Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight. Cautions & Interactions Reishi mushroom may increase the risk of bleeding. Before taking reishi mushroom, talk to your health professional if you take any medicines especially anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs such as: Aspirin, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Warfarin, Heparin, Clopidigrel. Reishi mushroom may also interact with high blood pressure medications. References Duttaroy, A. K. Chapter 8 – Polysaccharide on diabetes, obesity, and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. Evidence-Based Nutrition and Clinical Evidence of Bioactive Foods in Human Health and Disease. (2021). p.115-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-822405-2.00015-3 Wang, X., & Lin, Z. (2019). Immunomodulating Effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) and Possible Mechanism. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 1182, 1–37. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9421-9_1 Gao, Y., Zhou, S., Jiang, W., Huang, M., & Dai, X. (2003). Effects of ganopoly (a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract) on the immune functions in advanced-stage cancer patients. Immunological investigations, 32(3), 201–215. https://doi.org/10.1081/imm-120022979 Deepalakshmi, K., & Mirunalini, S. (2011). Therapeutic properties and current medical usage of medicinal mushroom: ganoderma. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.278.6052&rep=rep1&type=pdf Jin, X., Ruiz Beguerie, J., Sze, D. M., & Chan, G. C. (2016). Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 4(4), CD007731. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007731.pub3 Gariboldi, M.B.; Marras, E.; Ferrario, N.; Vivona, V.; Prini, P.; Vignati, F.; Perletti, G. (2023) Anti-Cancer Potential of Edible/Medicinal Mushrooms in Breast Cancer. Int. J. Mol. Sci. , 24, 10120. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241210120
Immune Support
