Reishi mushrooms may benefit your immune and overall health. But they can also cause digestive side effects and potentially be unsafe for certain people, including those taking certain medications.
The reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia.
It has various potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system. However, its safety has recently been questioned.
Keep reading to learn more about 6 potential benefits of the reishi mushroom.
One of the most important effects of the reishi mushroom is that it could help
While some details are still uncertain, test-tube studies have shown that reishi can affect the genes in white blood cells, which are critical parts of your immune system.
What’s more, some forms of reishi may alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells.
For instance, research suggests that reishi mushrooms could help manage the function of T lymphocyte cells (T cells). These white blood cells play an important role in immunity, such as fighting against infections and cancer.
Despite these positive findings, however, more research is needed to fully understand the possible anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting role of reishi mushrooms.
Many people consume reishi due to its potential
In fact, several test-tube and animal studies have shown that reishi extract and
Some research has also investigated whether reishi could be beneficial for prostate and colorectal cancer due to its effects on inflammation and certain signaling pathways involved in cancer development.
What’s more, a 2016 review indicated that the mushroom could benefit people with cancer when used alongside traditional treatment by increasing the activity of white blood cells and improving quality of life.
Still, more research on the effects of reishi on cancer development in humans is needed.
Though reishi’s effects on the immune system are often most emphasized, it may also reduce depression and fatigue.
According to the authors of a 2024 review, one study found that the polysaccharides in reishi mushrooms may help decrease fatigue after exercising.
Another 2024 study in people with cancer found that taking reishi mushroom products helped reduce fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
While reishi mushrooms may be promising for people with certain conditions, it’s unclear if they would benefit people without these conditions.
A number of studies examining in vitro studies and in vivo animal models found that reishi mushrooms may help decrease blood sugar and triglycerides and increase HDL “good” cholesterol.
At least one
That said, more recent research suggests that reishi supplementation helped decrease cholesterol levels and manage triglycerides and other lipid markers.
More research is needed to understand the effects of reishi mushrooms on heart health.
Along with possible heart benefits, some animal studies suggest that certain compounds found in the reishi mushroom may help decrease blood sugar.
On the other hand, a 2016 study in humans found no effect of reishi supplementation on fasting blood sugar or hemoglobin A1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar management.
Therefore, more research is needed here as well.
Antioxidants are molecules that can help protect cells against damage.
Some research suggests that reishi mushrooms contain antioxidants, which may play a role in preventing oxidative stress.
However, several older studies from
As such, more research is needed to understand the possible antioxidative effects of reishi mushrooms.
Unlike some foods or supplements, the dose of reishi mushroom can vary depending on which type is used.
Commonly, a dried extract of the mushroom is used. In these cases, the dose is approximately
For example, 50 grams (g) of reishi mushroom itself may be comparable to approximately 5 g of mushroom extract.
According to a 2015 review, there’s no agreed-upon dosage for reishi mushroom supplementation. Most recommended doses vary between 1.5 to 9 g per day.
Additionally, some supplements use only certain portions of the extract. In these cases, the recommended doses may be much lower than the values reported above.
Despite its popularity, some have questioned the safety of reishi mushrooms.
Research from 2020 in women with fibromyalgia found that some possible participants experienced:
- nausea
- stomach issues
- diarrhea
- indigestion
Older
On the other hand, significant liver problems have been reported in other case studies.
Still, because other factors were involved, it can be difficult to determine if the mushroom itself was responsible for the observed liver damage.
Nevertheless, several groups of people should probably avoid reishi, including:
- people taking other medications like anticoagulants or immunosuppressants
- people who are pregnant or nursing
- people with preexisting liver or kidney problems
- children
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional before taking reishi mushroom supplements. They could advise on whether it’s safe for you to take and, if so, the appropriate dosage.
Reishi mushroom is a popular fungus used in Eastern medicine, which could help boost the immune system.
This fungus may also be able to decrease the size and number of tumors in certain types of cancer, as well as improve the quality of life for some people with cancer.
Some research suggests it may help reduce fatigue and improve cholesterol, blood sugar, and antioxidants, but more research is needed to fully understand the reishi mushroom’s possible benefits.
