Reishi Mushroom

Reishi Mushroom has been traditionally used as a food item and for health benefits in East Asia, especially in China and Japan. It grows naturally on the stumps or base of deciduous trees. Reishi Mushrooms are not very common in nature nowadays and they are widely cultivated to meet demands. Its Japanese name is Reishi, whereas, in China, it is called Lingzhi. Chinese traditional medicine has recognised it as a remedy for various ailments for more than 2000 years. Reishi Mushroom has numerous bioactive compounds including but not limited to steroids, terpenoids, phenols, polysaccharides and glycoproteins. Most of the health benefits of Reishi Mushroom are thought to be due to triterpenes and polysaccharides.¹

Health Benefits of Reishi Mushroom

Immune Booster

Reishi Mushroom is particularly used to boost immunity. Therefore, it may help prevent and even treat various ailments. It may help fight infections and alter the course of autoimmune diseases. Reishi Mushroom may have a role in preventing seasonal infections and may also have a role in a fight against various cancers.²
Cancer Prevention and Management

Many herbs or natural supplements are promoted for cancer prevention and treatment. Although these natural remedies do show efficacy in laboratory experiments, the practical implications of such findings are unclear. It is because cancer-related research is quite challenging. Studies show that Reishi Mushroom may improve quality of life or may even improve response to anticancer therapy. Therefore, specialists suggest that Reishi Mushroom can be used in conjunction with traditional drug therapy. Studies show that Reishi Mushroom may help breast cancer survivors to alleviate fatigue and improve their quality of life. There has also been shown to have a beneficial role when used for prostate cancer suppression.³^,⁴
Helps Fight Fatigue and Improve Mood

Reishi Mushroom supplements are promoted as a general tonic or adaptogen, that may help reduce fatigue and improve mood. It may also prevent disease-related anxiety or depression. Studies show that many people continue to feel exhausted, may complain about body aches and depression even after recovery from the chronic or acute ailment. Many individuals continue to feel tired even after overcoming cancer. Studies show that Reishi Mushroom can help in such cases, as it can boost energy levels, mood, and feeling of wellbeing.⁵
Heart Health

Reishi Mushroom is generally regarded good for heart health, as it can help normalise blood pressure and can have a positive effect on the lipid profile. It may also have a mild anti-diabetic effect. Although clinical studies only show mild changes in biomarkers of heart health, it is quite probable that Reishi may help in other ways that are not currently proven or fully understood.⁶
Protects the Liver from Toxins

Studies indicate that Reishi Mushroom has an ability to protect the liver from toxins. In experimental studies, Reishi Mushroom could protect liver cells from α-Amanitin, a kind of toxin found in certain mushrooms. Researchers think that this may be due to the antioxidant capacity of Reishi Mushroom and other phytocompounds it contains.⁷

Side Effects of Reishi Mushroom

Reishi Mushroom is quite popular these days, and its side effects are rarely reported. Therefore, it would be safe to assume that it is relatively safe for regular use in most population groups. The chances are minimal that it might cause any severe side effects. Studies show that its supplementation at high doses, for two months, did not alter kidney or liver function.⁸

Properties

Adaptogen²^,⁷
Antioxidant²
Anti-inflammatory²
Anxiety⁵
Blood Pressure – Reduction⁶^,⁸
Cancer Prevention³^,⁴^,⁵
Depression⁵
Diabetes / Blood Sugar⁷
Energiser⁵
Fatigue⁵
Heart Support / Health⁶^,⁸
High/Good Levels of Phytochemicals / Phytocompounds⁷
Immune Booster²
Insomnia & Sleep Support⁵
Liver Health⁷
Mood Stabalising⁵
Pain Relief⁷
Prostate Support⁴^,⁷

References