Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is one of the most well-known and beloved superfood medicinal mushrooms in the world. It was used by Emperors and Royalty in many Asian cultures, including China, Korea, and Japan. This mushroom has been used in various tonics in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries, where it got its name “the mushroom of immortality.”
In these mushrooms, there are several compounds that are responsible for their health-improving effects. Some of the major compounds are triterpenoids, peptidoglycans, and polysaccharides. While the mushroom could be eaten raw, Reishi powders and extracts could also be a useful substitute for people who can't obtain fresh mushrooms.
All these different forms of Reishi have been tested in animal and human studies showing promising results.
Reishi is one of the most thoroughly researched mushrooms worldwide. This mushroom has been the subject of hundreds of studies during the course of more than 40 years of scientific investigation.
More than 400 distinct compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, nucleotides, sterols, steroids, fatty acids, proteins/peptides, mannitol, and trace elements have been found in Reishi mushroom.
Numerous pharmacological effects have been reported due to this massive diversity among the components such as “immunomodulation, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, chemo-preventive, antitumor, chemo and radio protective, sleep promoting, antibacterial, antiviral (including anti-HIV), hypolipidemic, anti-fibrotic, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-androgenic, anti-angiogenic, anti-herpetic, antioxidative and radical-scavenging, anti-aging, hypoglycemic, estrogenic activity and anti-ulcer properties.“ [1]
Triterpenes
Some of the most noteworthy and powerfully biologically active triterpene substances are found in the Reishi mushroom. The lucidenic and ganoderic acids, as well as other oil-soluble components, in Reishi mushrooms, are what offer many of its healing benefits.
Reishi's triterpenes have been linked to anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-histaminic, antioxidant, hypotensive, and sedative effects, according to scientific research.
Only dual-extracted Reishi products include triterpenes. Since they are not water soluble, alcohol is necessary to extract these oily compounds from the fruiting body.
The triterpenes are the reason for Reishi's extremely bitter taste, that's why many people choose to go with supplements in order to avoid this unpleasant taste.
Polysaccharides (Beta-glucans)
Polysaccharide compounds are present in different levels in all medicinal mushrooms. They are complex long-chain sugar molecules that have been shown to considerably improve and stimulate the immune system. These intricate natural sugars are among the strongest immune boosters ever found, and they should not be mistaken for regular sugar, which is not so good for your health.
More than 200 different polysaccharide compounds can be found in Reishi.
Polysaccharides basically lock on to certain immune system receptors, activating their healing potential and boosting the immunological response.
The majority of polysaccharides are water-soluble. The most common and well-researched is beta-glucans, which is abundant in the Reishi mushroom.
Naturally, there isn't a substance in existence that can genuinely make humans immortal. However, certain things are thought to have some medicinal properties which can support our health and may extend the length of our lives. One of these things is the Reishi mushroom.
So why have traditional healers sworn to this mushroom for ages, and why is Reishi such a big deal? Here are sine if the advantages that have given Reishi its nickname "the mushroom of immortality."
Support For the Immune System
Our body is protected against infections, viruses, and bacteria by our immune system. As the power and effectiveness of the immune system decline with age, older people are getting more susceptible to the disease. Although, certain lifestyle choices and conditions will either slow down or speed up the aging of our immune system.
Studies have shown that the Reishi mushroom can support the immune system by having immunomodulatory effects on various immune system mechanisms. This research suggests that regular use of Reishi mushrooms may aid your immune system in such a way that it will function at a more youthful and effective level.
Anti-Cancer Effects
As the second leading cause of death in the United States is cancer, it is logical to anticipate that decreasing cancer risk and slowing its development will likely increase lifespans.
Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that the Reishi mushroom may have the potential to act as an anti-cancer agent. In scientific research, Reishi has demonstrated immunomodulatory, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, and anti-angiogenic (anti-tumor) properties that may make it a useful ally in the fight against cancer.
"Cellular immune responses and mitogenic reactivity of cancer patients have been enhanced by lingzhi, as reported in two randomized and one nonrandomized trials, and the quality of life of 65% of lung cancer patients improved in one study." wrote John W. M. Yuen and Mayur Danny I. Gohel, authors of "Anticancer Effects of Ganoderma lucidum: A Review of Scientific Evidence." [2]
Reishi Mushroom Benefits For Skin
Reishi mushrooms may not only make you feel younger, but they might also make you look younger. This mushroom is used in multiple anti-aging cosmetic products as it has the potential to reduce inflammation, discoloration, and redness of the skin while providing deep hydration that may aid to lessen fine lines and wrinkles. Reishi mushroom benefits for the skin do not end there, as the antioxidant properties of these mushrooms may also protect the skin against sun damage, which has a huge impact on skin aging.
It Offers Mental Health Support
Have you ever heard someone jokingly say that stress has shortened their lifespan by years? As is generally known, physical and mental health are tightly connected, and long-term stress can have a multitude of detrimental impacts on physical health. Reishi mushrooms may be effective in decreasing the symptoms of anxiety and depression studies suggest.
Reishi Works as An Adaptogen
Adaptogens are extraordinary substances that have proven to help the human body adapt to stress, and support normal metabolic processes and homeostasis. They improve the body's resistance to physical, emotional, biological, and environmental stressors in order to maintain normal physiological function.
One of the most effective adaptogenic herbs is the Reishi mushroom.
When ingested, Reishi shows dual-directional activity due to its potent immune system regulatory properties. It is referred to as an "immuno-modulator" since it neither stimulates the immune system nor suppresses it.
If the immune system is weak, Reishi can support it by boosting immune cells and effectively fighting any invasive pathogens and diseases. In the case of excessive immune system reactions such as with autoimmune diseases and allergies, Reishi may substantially reduce the excess.
Research suggests that it has a kind of "intelligence" in the body that can identify immune system imbalances and help it to reach homeostasis.
Reishi acts like an adaptogen, by increasing the body's natural resilience and healing abilities rather than treating any specific ailments or conditions directly. It has the potential to strengthen the body and make it more capable of dealing with infections or diseases. It is often compared to the western contemporary immuno-therapy.
Stress Reduction
The most intriguing and maybe most important health benefit of Reishi is its relaxing and stress-relieving properties. It is considered the best herb for reducing stress.
Stress is one of the main underlying causes of disease. This fact makes Reishi an important ally in today's overly-stressed world, which will keep both your mental and physical health strong.
For instance, let's take a look at this study. It shows how stress affects our physiology and creates makes us more vulnerable to disease. Research suggests that exposure to trauma, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and associated stress responses may lead to an increase in developing autoimmune conditions.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Reishi mushroom is considered the best "spirit elevating" tonic, which positively impacts mental health, and calmness, in addition to helping people reach inner peace, love, and happiness. Chinese Taoist monks and sages used this mushroom for cultivating spiritual energy by reducing stress and calming the mind.
It Supports Heart Health
Scientific research has shown that Reishi is an important dietary source for the support of the cardiovascular system.
This mushroom is high in antioxidants, ganoderic acids (triterpenes), polysaccharides, sterols, coumarin, and mannitol which all show great benefits when it comes to heart health. These substances have multiple protective qualities against many cardiovascular diseases, including stroke.
“The triterpenes and polysaccharides isolated from Ganoderma lucidum have shown hypolipidemic, hypotensive, and antithrombotic effects,” according to Solomon P. Wasser, the author of "International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms." [3]
Chitin, a special protein found in Reishi, and some other medicinal mushrooms may help in breaking down cholesterol, thus cleaning the arteries and improving overall heart health. Reishi has also been shown to help lower the levels of bad cholesterol or LSD and triglycerides. Studies have shown that it can effectively normalize blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
It Supports Liver Health
The liver is impacted by environmental toxicity, consuming too much unhealthy food, emotional stress, and imbalanced lifestyle choices may all negatively affect the liver. As it's the second largest organ in our body, keeping the liver healthy is the key to longevity. By reducing the toxic load from our liver, the body can more effectively detox, regenerate and operate at its peak performance.
One study on rats showed that Reishi defended the liver against the negative effects of moderate daily alcohol use.
Another study has shown that the antioxidant properties of this mushroom provided hepatoprotective effects after an acute liver injury.
Although more human research is required, antioxidants in Reishi show great promise to protect the liver and help it repair itself.
Even if Reishi may not make us immortal, it could help slow down physical aging, making us appear and feel younger, as the reishi mushroom benefits for the skin are truly outstanding. Studies have confirmed that this miraculous mushroom indeed has anti-aging properties.
The most important thing about longevity is to keep the organs healthy and working properly. Reishi offers an incredible amount of benefits when it comes to the cardiovascular system, stress reduction, and overall improvement in the immune system. Also, the presence of polysaccharides and triterpenes are great weapons against many illnesses including cancer.
We still don't completely understand how Reishi is able to support health and longevity, although the research data we currently have explains why Reishi might earn its nickname "the mushroom of immortality."
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19939212/
2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15327914nc5301_2
3. https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,0351bdaa3d2241c0,3d8418037d39d507.html