7 Reishi Mushroom Benefits, Dosage, & Risks

The benefits of Ganoderma mushrooms will convince you to add this ingredient to your diet. They are loaded with essential nutrients and beneficial bioactive compounds and help boost immunity and reduce cancer risk, contributing to a longer life (1).

Several other potential benefits of this superfood have been discovered in recent studies. This article discusses the benefits of Ganoderma mushrooms, their nutritional profile, and their risks. Keep reading.

What Are Ganoderma Mushrooms?

Ganoderma mushrooms are also called reishi mushrooms and are considered natural medicine for many ailments. They are fungi growing in the humid and hot regions in parts of Asia. The mushrooms have been recognized for their medicinal benefits over 2000 years ago, which have even been documented in ancient scriptures (1).

These mushrooms are large and black, with a glossy exterior and a woody texture. It is also the best and the most commonly used adaptogen mushroom that promotes wellness and longevity.

The major bioactive compounds in the mushrooms are terpenoids, steroids, phenols, nucleotides, and polysaccharides. They also contain proteins with all the essential amino acids.

They have a low fat content and a higher concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (1).

These constituents of the mushrooms contribute to most of their health benefits.

What Are The Health Benefits of Ganoderma Mushrooms?

We are all aware of the various ways mushroom benefits our health. However, some mushroom species are considered more potent and beneficial than the rest. Ganoderma mushrooms, also called reishi mushrooms, are one of them. They play a significant role in cancer prevention, may help treat depression, and boost the immune system. Some studies also suggest that they may have a beneficial effect on heart health.

1. May Aid Cancer Prevention

In ancient China, the dried powder of the ganoderma mushroom was used as a cancer chemotherapy agent. In recent studies, the mushroom was also found to suppress the migration of breast and prostate cancer cells (2).

Another study focused on the mushroom’s ability to enhance tumor response to treatment and even stimulate host immunity (3). The study, however, warranted the need for more evidence before considering ganoderma mushroom as a first-line treatment for cancer.

The polysaccharides in the mushrooms also play key roles in cancer treatment. They have been found to show potential preventive effects against cancers of the lungs, liver, skin, blood, and colon (4).

2. May Help Fight Depression

Rat studies shed light on the anti-depressant potential of the ganoderma mushrooms (5).

The mushroom was found to have anti-depressant properties similar to that of fluoxetine, a drug used in depression treatment (6).

In another study, the extracts of ganoderma mushrooms had a therapeutic effect on patients dealing with neurasthenia (a medical condition associated with emotion disturbance). Groups given the mushroom extract were found to show better responses to treatment (7).

3. May Enhance Immunity

Ganoderma mushrooms possess potent immunostimulating properties and are often considered the primary choice of treatment for any immune deficiency disease. In mice studies, these could boost the immune response in the organisms, which was reduced due to heavy-load exercise (8).

The polysaccharides in the mushrooms achieved this by elevating the concentrations of peripheral white blood cells and boosting the function of cell macrophages (8).

Some types of ganoderma mushrooms were also found to modulate inflammation pathways in white blood cells (9).

4. May Promote Heart Health

Ganoderma mushrooms were used in ancient China to strengthen cardiac function (1).

Another study shows that the mushrooms may help assist with cholesterol reduction in individuals with diabetes. The mushrooms were also found to elevate good cholesterol levels (10).

But another study did not find any significant link between ganoderma mushrooms and cardioprotection (11).

The cardioprotective properties of ganoderma mushrooms are yet to be investigated. Hence, consult your doctor before consuming them to ensure that cardiovascular health is unaffected.

5. May Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Extracts of ganoderma mushrooms have been observed to have anti-diabetic potential. In mice studies, these mushrooms increased plasma insulin levels and reduced plasma sugar levels (12).

These mushrooms were also found to prevent the progression of diabetic renal complications (13). They were identified to be potentially beneficial in treating type 2 diabetesⁱ  A chronic condition where the body fails to produce and use sufficient insulin, causing abnormally high blood sugar levels. . They achieve this by suppressing certain enzymes involved in gluconeogenesisⁱ  The process of creating glucose by the liver from non-carbohydrate substances like proteins or fats. .

6. May Relieve Allergy Symptoms

Ganoderma has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has immunomodulating effects that make it a potential solution for treating allergy symptoms (14). According to a study conducted on guinea pigs with allergic rhinitis, it was found that reishi mushrooms reduced nasal blockage and hypersensitivity triggered by pollen. It also lowered the sensitivity of the nose to any substance that caused nasal reactions. The study suggests that daily treatment with ganoderma could be a promising solution for those with allergic rhinitis (15).

7. May Prevent Seizures

The reishi mushroom has anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects that may help prevent seizures. According to a study, it was found that the mushroom reduced seizures and protected the brain by reducing damage in specific brain regions, decreasing inflammation, and lowering the expression of certain proteins linked to inflammation (16).

Ganoderma mushrooms are also thought to improve the antioxidant status of an individual. This way, they may protect your body’s cells from free radicals. However, there is no concrete research to establish this. The mushrooms may improve antioxidant status, given the presence of beneficial compounds.

Devin, a Youtuber, shared her experience with reishi mushrooms in an attempt to reduce her anxiety. She states, “It has officially been almost a month, reishi has absolutely been helping me. For the past two weeks I have had bronchitis and the flu. And, I have been on steroids, I have been on all these kinds of medications, I find that when I drink my reishi drink in the morning, it helps me feel grounded and not so jittery (i).”

Ganoderma mushrooms are being extensively studied only since recent times. As the future unfolds, we expect to discover more such beneficial effects. All of those can be attributed to the nutritional profile of the mushrooms, which we will look at in the following section.

What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Ganoderma Mushrooms?

Ganoderma mushrooms are composed of various bioactive compounds, including terpenoids, steroids, phenols, nucleotides, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides. They are especially rich in lysine and leucine, two essential amino acids. The mushrooms are also significantly higher in polyunsaturated fatty acids.

In addition, about 28% of the mushrooms is carbohydrate, 5% is crude fat, 59% is crude fiber, and 8% is crude protein (1).

Looking at the nutritional profile, we might feel ganoderma mushrooms are the real deal. Of course, they are replete with powerful nutrients to provide nutrition, and energy, and maintain vitality. But there is another side of science that has questioned their safety.

What Are The Potential Risks Of Ganoderma Mushrooms?

There was a case of liver damage following intake of the mushrooms. A woman who had taken a formulation of ganoderma mushroom experienced serious hepatotoxicityⁱ  A chronic chemical-driven liver injury or damage due to exposure to a group of drugs or any herbal substance. . She saw gradual improvements in her symptoms once she stopped her intake. In this case, the woman consumed not the mushrooms but their powdered formulations (17).

Another such hepatotoxic case was observed in two patients who had taken ganoderma mushroom powder (18).

Some other sources even hint at the possibility of ganoderma mushrooms being potentially harmful to pregnant and breastfeeding women. These mushrooms may also increase the risk of bleeding disorders and lower blood pressure way too much. However, there is no concrete research to prove this. But it is better to be on the safer side. If you have any specific medical condition or are pregnant/breastfeeding, please check with your doctor before taking ganoderma mushrooms.

What Is Their Ideal Dosage?

The ideal dosage for ganoderma mushrooms is yet to be established. While the recommended dose of the actual mushroom is not known, the dosage of the mushroom extract can range between 1.4 to 3 grams per day (11). However, this also is a rough assumption. Do check with your doctor for the right dosage for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ganoderma mushroom good for weight loss?

Some research suggests it may be good for weight loss, based on animal studies. But more research is warranted (19).

Do the mushrooms help you sleep?

Some sources say they do. But there is less information available on this.

Is mushroom coffee healthy?

Yes, it can be. It can have similar benefits to the mushrooms. But do check with your doctor before taking the beverage.

Can Reishi mushrooms help with anxiety and stress?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that compounds present in the mushrooms might help with anxiety and stress relief. However, there is scope for more research to find out the effects of mushrooms on anxiety and stress.

How do Reishi mushrooms affect fatigue?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Reishi mushrooms have immune-boosting properties, which may help overcome fatigue and improve overall health. Further research in the future will reveal more about the particular mechanisms.

Are Reishi mushrooms safe for people with liver or kidney problems?

Reiki mushroom has potential health benefits for the liver and kidney. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the mushroom can interact with other drugs and exacerbate existing kidney and lung issues. Exercise caution and consult a doctor before consuming it.

Are there any specific preparations of Reishi mushrooms that are more effective for certain health conditions?

You can combine Reiki mushrooms with other vegetables, whole-grain pasta, and tofu, and make sauces, to prepare healthier dishes.

Are there any risks associated with consuming Reishi mushrooms for people with autoimmune diseases?

There is limited research available on the immunomodulatory effects of Reishi mushrooms. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the mushroom potentially can suppress autoimmune responses, but it might also interact with other drugs and medication.

Illustration: Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Lucidum) Benefits Dosage & Risks

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