Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

The reishi mushroom, or Lingzhi, is a native fungus of East Asia that grows at the base and stumps of deciduous trees. Known scientifically as Ganoderma lucidum, they're technically different from the East Asian species (Ganoderma lingzhi), although they are part of the same family. Forming as a reddish brown "bracket fungus," they're highly prized in Eastern medicine, earning the name "king of herbs" and "10,000-year-old mushroom."

Research indicates several health properties, including:

1. Immunomodulating
2. Stress Reduction and mood enhancement
3. Anticancer
4. Heart boosting
5. Antioxidant

Immunomodulating

You don't earn a title like "king of herbs" without an impressive resume. Nothing is more astounding than Reishi's immune-boosting properties¹. Several studies have reported the same findings, both in and out of the test tube².

Reishi appears to modulate (aka control) all major aspects of the immune system, including immune cells like B and T lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells. Furthermore, it promotes immune organ growth, cytokine release, and triggers various signaling pathways¹.

In a 2006 study, reishi increased the number of white blood cells in those with colorectal cancer (potentially helping those on heavy chemotherapy)³. In comparison, another study on football players noted that the fungus bolsters lymphocyte function after exposure to stressful conditions⁴.

In addition to these miraculous benefits, reishi mushrooms may also soothe inflammation⁵. These anti-inflammatory properties have a solid anecdotal basis in people suffering from arthritis or gout, although further research is needed.

Stress Reduction and Mood Enhancement

Stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression are the fearsome foursome of physical and mental health. Even ignoring the immune effects of reishi mushrooms, the benefits of these mushrooms on stress and fatigue are worth considering.

In just 8 weeks, a study in 132 people with neurasthenia (associated with aches, pains, dizziness, headaches, and irritability) found an improvement in fatigue and well-being after taking the supplement⁶. Another 2012 study confirmed the findings in breast cancer patients, noting a decrease in fatigue, anxiety, depression, and uptick quality of life after 4 weeks⁷.

Stress and mental illness are closely associated with poor or insufficient sleep. An analysis in mice identified a potential pathway for sleep improvement via gut microbiota and serotonin⁸. So, it won't just boost your mood but also soothe your sleep.

Anticancer

In vitro (i.e., in a test tube) studies demonstrated reishi extract kills cancer cells^9,10. In the body, the fungus could be beneficial for reducing inflammation in prostate and colorectal cancer, as well as limiting cancer development^11,12. Some evidence also exists for a better quality of life after cancer treatment¹³.

It should be noted, however, that a 2016 Cochrane review found insufficient evidence for reishi as a first-line cancer treatment¹³.

Heart boosting

Strong evidence points to reishi's effects on blood sugar and lipids: it decreases blood sugar, increases HDL cholesterol, and decreases triglycerides – all beneficial for the heart¹⁴. However, other studies question these findings, seeing no overall effect^15,16,17.

More research is needed to confirm these benefits.