What is Reishi?

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) have been utilized in Chinese folk medicine to promote health and longevity.¹ They are so revered in traditional Chinese medicine for their health benefits that they have been referred to as the “mushroom of immortality.”1  More recently, modern research has validated that reishi contains key health-promoting components that boost immune function, reduce inflammation, and stop the growth of cancer cells.¹ And animal research has shown its potential to increase lifespan.^2,3

Immune-Boosting Properties

A strong immune system is a key factor necessary for a longer, healthier life. Unfortunately, immune systems decline with age.⁴  Preclinical^5-7 and clinical^8-11 research has validated reishi’s ability to modulate immune function. Animal research has shown that reishi promotes the maturation and activation of immune cells that are part of both the innate and adaptive immune systems.¹² The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defense against harmful invaders like viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells.¹³   Adaptive immunity targets the specific pathogens causing a problem.¹³  In preclinical studies the bioactive compounds from reishi have shown an ability to activate immune cells including T cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages.^5,14 

Activating natural killer cells is crucial for protection against viruses, which is especially critical for older adults who often suffer from diminished natural killer cell activity. This is one crucial reason why, with increasing age, people are susceptible to high rates of infection with viruses ranging from influenza to various herpes viruses.^15,16

Lab studies show that reishi also helps combat inflammation by increasing protective IL-10 levels and lowering pro-inflammatory IL-6 levels.^17,18 In a clinical trial, 30 older women received either 2000 mg daily reishi extract or placebo. After eight weeks, reishi extract consumption was shown to regulate T-lymphocyte function and IL expression, leading to significant anti-inflammatory action as compared to a placebo group.⁸

Infection-Fighting Power

With its ability to boost components of both innate and adaptive immunity, reishi could protect the aging body from infections.

Lab studies demonstrate activity against many common viruses, including:

• Herpes simplex viruses(the causes of oral and genital herpes),¹⁹
• Influenza viruses(cause of the flu),^19,20 
• Epstein-Barr virus(causes mononucleosis and can contribute to the formation of cancer),¹⁹
• Hepatitis B virus (a common cause of liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure),^21,22
• Human immunodeficiency virus(the virus that causes HIV/AIDS).^22,23

Anti-Cancer Properties

Reishi’s ability to boost the function of immune cells gives it potential anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.²⁴ In preclinical studies, reishi was shown to target tumor cells by activating anti-tumor activity of natural killer (NK) cells and by cytokine release from T-lymphocytes and macrophages.⁵

Reishi may also directly combat tumors through many mechanisms, including the following:¹⁹

• Stopping tumor cells from growing,
• Preventing tumor blood vessels from developing,
• Starving abnormal cells, and
• Directly killing cancer cells.^25,26

A meta-analysis of five clinical trials of cancer patients found that patients who were given reishi in combination with their standard chemotherapy/radiation therapy had greater tumor regression with treatment than those treated with standard therapy alone. Treatment groups were also found to have improved quality of life.²⁷ However, further analyses and trials on survival benefits are needed.

Blood Sugar Support

Reishi contains compounds like polysaccharides, proteoglycans, and triterpenoids that have all been shown in preclinical settings to help lower blood sugar levels.²⁸  Animal studies have demonstrated reishi’s potential to decrease blood sugar and improve lipids.^29,30

In a clinical trial to assess the cardiometabolic benefits of reishi in people with mild hypertension or high lipids, participants received 1.44 grams of reishi extract or placebo for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks the treatment group showed improvements in plasma insulin and insulin resistance along with a reduction in triglycerides and elevation of HDL cholesterol. Overall results indicate its potential to support health in diabetics and improve dyslipidemia. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm this benefit in humans.³¹

Lifespan Extension

A mouse study has provided an exciting glimpse into reishi’s potential to expand lifespan.³² This study showed that the mice supplemented with reishi lived as much as 148 days longer than the un-supplemented control group. This represents a dramatic increase in longevity given that the lifespan of a mouse is typically less than two years.

Summary

1. Reishi mushrooms have earned the nickname “mushroom of immortality” because of their potent health benefits.  Preclinical and clinical research has shown reishi mushroom’s potential to improve immune function, reduce inflammation, help regulate blood sugar, and fight against cancer.   Reishi is a low-cost plant extract that helps support health for aging individuals. •
2. If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.
3. References
4. El Sheikha AF. Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits of Ganoderma lucidum “Lingzhi, Reishi, or Mannentake” as Functional Foods: Current Scenario and Future Perspectives. Foods. 2022;11(7):1030.
5. Peng HH, Wu CY, Hsiao YC, et al. Ganoderma lucidum stimulates autophagy-dependent longevity pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans and human cells. Aging (Albany NY). 2021 May 20;13(10):13474-95.
6. Shevchuk Y, Kuypers K, Janssens GE. Fungi as a source of bioactive molecules for the development of longevity medicines. Ageing Res Rev. 2023 Jun;87:101929.
7. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/immune-resilience-key-long-and-healthy-life. Accessed October 27, 2024.
8. Chang CJ, Chen YY, Lu CC, et al. Ganoderma lucidum stimulates NK cell cytotoxicity by inducing NKG2D/NCR activation and secretion of perforin and granulysin. Innate Immun. 2014 Apr;20(3):301-11.
9. Wu S, Zhang S, Peng B, et al. Ganoderma lucidum: a comprehensive review of phytochemistry, efficacy, safety and clinical study. Food Science and Human Wellness. 2024 2024/03/01/;13(2):568-96.
10. Wang PY, Zhu XL, Lin ZB. Antitumor and Immunomodulatory Effects of Polysaccharides from Broken-Spore of Ganoderma lucidum. Front Pharmacol. 2012;3:135.
11. Iser-Bem PN, Lobato TB, Alecrim-Zeza AL, et al. Ganoderma lucidum dry extract supplementation modulates T lymphocyte function in older women. Br J Nutr. 2024 Jul 28;132(2):130-40.
12. Chen SN, Nan FH, Liu MW, et al. Evaluation of Immune Modulation by beta-1,3; 1,6 D-Glucan Derived from Ganoderma lucidum in Healthy Adult Volunteers, A Randomized Controlled Trial. Foods. 2023 Feb 3;12(3).
13. Zhang Y, Lin Z, Hu Y, et al. Effect of Ganoderma lucidum capsules on T lymphocyte subsets in football players on “living high-training low”. Br J Sports Med. 2008 Oct;42(10):819-22.
14. Venturella G, Ferraro V, Cirlincione F, et al. Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jan 10;22(2):634.
15. Ahmad MF, A AA, Ahmad FA, et al. Ganoderma lucidum: Insight into antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with development of secondary metabolites. Heliyon. 2024 Feb 15;10(3):e25607.
16. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/the-immune-system. Accessed October 28, 2024.
17. Ayeka PA. Potential of Mushroom Compounds as Immunomodulators in Cancer Immunotherapy: A Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018;2018(1):7271509.
18. Fuentes E, Fuentes M, Alarcon M, et al. Immune System Dysfunction in the Elderly. An Acad Bras Cienc. 2017 Jan-Mar;89(1):285-99.
19. Letafati A, Ardekani OS, Naderisemiromi M, et al. Unraveling the dynamic mechanisms of natural killer cells in viral infections: insights and implications. Virol J. 2024 Jan 12;21(1):18.
20. Rowaiye A, Wilfred OI, Onuh OA, et al. Modulatory Effects of Mushrooms on the Inflammatory Signaling Pathways and Pro-inflammatory Mediators. Clinical Complementary Medicine and Pharmacology. 2022 2022/12/01/;2(4):100037.
21. Ma Y, Han J, Wang K, et al. Research progress of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide in prevention and treatment of Atherosclerosis. Heliyon. 2024 Jun 30;10(12):e33307.
22. Cor Andrejc D, Knez Z, Knez Marevci M. Antioxidant, antibacterial, antitumor, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and nevro-protective activity of Ganoderma lucidum: An overview. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:934982.
23. Avtonomova AV, Krasnopolskaya LM. [Antiviral properties of basidiomycetes metabolites]. Antibiot Khimioter. 2014;59(7-8):41-8.
24. Li YQ, Wang SF. Anti-hepatitis B activities of ganoderic acid from Ganoderma lucidum. Biotechnol Lett. 2006 Jun;28(11):837-41.
25. Ahmad MF, Ahmad FA, Khan MI, et al. Ganoderma lucidum: A potential source to surmount viral infections through beta-glucans immunomodulatory and triterpenoids antiviral properties. Int J Biol Macromol. 2021 Sep 30;187:769-79.
26. Akbar R, Yam WK. Interaction of ganoderic acid on HIV related target: molecular docking studies. Bioinformation. 2011;7(8): 413-7.
27. Saha TK, Mariom, Rahman T, et al. Immuno-physiological effects of dietary reishi mushroom powder as a source of beta-glucan on Rohu, Labeo rohita challenged with Aeromonas veronii. Sci Rep. 2023 Sep 5;13(1):14652.
28. Ruan W, Wei Y, Popovich DG. Distinct Responses of Cytotoxic Ganoderma lucidum Triterpenoids in Human Carcinoma Cells. Phytother Res. 2015 Nov;29(11):1744-52.
29. Xu Z, Chen X, Zhong Z, et al. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides: immunomodulation and potential anti-tumor activities. Am J Chin Med.2011;39(1):15-27.
30. Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Apr 5;4(4):CD007731.
31. Liu Q, Tie L. Preventive and Therapeutic Effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) on Diabetes. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2019;1182:201-15.
32. Pan R, Lou J, Wei L. Significant effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide on lipid metabolism in diabetes may be associated with the activation of the FAM3C-HSF1-CAM signaling pathway.Exp Ther Med. 2021 Aug;22(2):820.
33. Wang W, Zhang Y, Wang Z, et al. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides improve lipid metabolism against high-fat diet-induced dyslipidemia.J Ethnopharmacol. 2023 Jun 12;309:116321.
34. Chu TT, Benzie IF, Lam CW, et al. Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial.Br J Nutr. 2012 Apr;107(7):1017-27.
35. Wu Z ZY, Tan N, et al. ReishiMax extends the lifespan of mice: A preliminary report. The FASEB Journal. 2011;25:601.2.