Reishi | Health Notes at WWSM | Health Information at WWSM

Reishi

Common names: Ling chih, Ling zhi

Botanical name: Ganoderma lucidum

Parts used and where grown

Reishi mushrooms grow wild on decaying logs and tree stumps in the coastal provinces of China. The fruiting body of the mushroom is employed medicinally. Reishi grows in six different colours, but the red variety is most commonly used and commercially cultivated in North America, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea.¹

Reishi has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings	Health Concerns
	Altitude sickness Hepatitis HIV support Hypertension Infection Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Science Ratings

Health Concerns

Altitude sickness

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star

For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Reishi has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for at least 2,000 years.² The Chinese name ling zhi translates as the “herb of spiritual potency” and was highly prized as an elixir of immortality.³ Its Traditional Chinese Medicine indications include treatment of general fatigue and weakness, asthma, insomnia, and cough.⁴

Active constituents

Reishi contains a few major constituents, including sterols, coumarin, mannitol, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids called ganoderic acids. Ganoderic acids may lower blood pressure as well as decrease LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. These specific triterpenoids also help reduce blood platelets from sticking together—an important factor in lowering the risk for coronary artery disease. While human research has been reported that demonstrates some efficacy for the herb in treating altitude sickness and chronic hepatitis B, these uses still need to be confirmed in well-designed human trials.⁵ Animal studies and some very preliminary trials in humans suggest reishi may have some beneficial action in people with diabetes mellitus and cancer.⁶ Two controlled clinical trials have investigated the effects of reishi on high blood pressure in humans and both found it could lower blood pressure significantly compared to a placebo or controls.⁷ ⁸ The people with hypertension in the second study had previously not responded to medications, though these were continued during the study.

How much is usually taken?

Reishi can be taken either as 1.5–9 grams per day of the crude dried mushroom, 1–1.5 grams per day in powdered form, 1 ml per day of tincture, or as a tea.⁹

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Side effects from reishi can include dizziness, dry mouth and throat, nosebleeds, and abdominal upset. These rare effects may develop with continuous use over three to six months.¹⁰ Pregnant or breast-feeding women should consult a physician before taking reishi.

Are there any drug interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with reishi. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

References
(To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)

Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.

Learn more about the authors of Healthnotes.

The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.