The Top 5 Science-Backed Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms

A highly regarded and widely used staple in Eastern and Asian medicine, Ganoderma lucidum — or the reishi mushroom — has a history as long as the current fanfare is wide.

For over two millennia this traditionally omnipotent fungi has been regarded in China as the “herb of spiritual potency” being produced for its pharmaceutical benefits rather than as a culinary delight.^[1]Wachtel-Galor, S., Yuen, J., Buswell, JAA., and Benzie, IFF. (2011) Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Chapter 9 Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom. [Accessed July 30, 2018].

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In recent years, the reishi mushroom has found global pre-eminence because of its reputed, extraordinary health benefits, and is dished up in a variety of forms from supplements to powders, tea to tinctures.

But with an expanding range of supposed “superfoods,” it becomes increasingly difficult to decipher the truth. So let’s deep dive into the world of the reishi mushroom and discuss the most significant health benefits based on the facts and scientific research, including the numerous ways this ancient fungus can supercharge your cognitive performance.

1) Healthy Heart Support

Cardiovascular problems are among the leading causes of mortality. As the rampant diseases that fall under its ominous umbrella continue to touch more lives, including those of younger people, we desperately need evidence-based ways to support our heart health. Reishi mushrooms come to the fore and its extract can support cardiovascular health through a number of mechanisms.

Firstly, it can reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol.^[2]A. Berger, D. Rein, E. Kratky, I. Monnard, H. Hajjaj, I. Meirim, C. Piguet-Welsch, J. Hauser, K. Mace, and P. Niederberger (2004) Cholesterol-lowering properties of Ganoderma lucidum in vitro, ex vivo, and in hamsters and minipigs. Lipids Health Dis. Issue: 3, Volume: 2

Secondly, it is able to reduce high blood pressure — one of the most significant risks for heart disease and stroke.^[3]Lee, SY., Rhee, HM. (1990) Cardiovascular effects of mycelium extract of Ganoderma lucidum: inhibition of sympathetic outflow as a mechanism of its hypotensive action. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin. Issue: 5, Volume: 38, Pages: 1359-1364

The blood vessels in the brain are affected by the underlying processes that damage the blood vessels in the heart. So, by protecting our cardiovascular system through diet, exercise and nootropics, we can shield and enhance our cognitive abilities.

And speaking of powering up the brain…

2) Cognitive Enhancement

Interested in enhancing your cognitive abilities; or safely biohacking your brain function? This is where the reishi mushroom gets exciting!

For our brain to function with the dial turned to full, our mitochondria — the cell’s energy powerhouses — must function well. Otherwise, it’s like trying to win Bathurst with one foot tapping the accelerator and the other planted firmly on the brake.

The study, Sugar for the brain: the Role of glucose in Physiological and pathological brain function notes:^[4]Mergenthaler, P., Lindauer, U., Dienel,G.A., Meisel, A. (2013) Sugar for the brain: the role of glucose in physiological and pathological brain function. Trends in Neurosciences. Oct; 36(10): 587–597. [Accessed Aug 2, 2018]

In humans, the brain accounts for ~2% of the body weight, but it consumes ~20% of glucose-derived energy making it the main consumer of glucose. 

In short, our brain uses energy and lots of it!

But to be capable of easily producing the energy needed to remain in the zone, the cell membranes must exist with a low toxin load. Otherwise, energy production is compromised. Reishi mushrooms support membrane detoxification and mitochondrial health,^[5]Eliaz, I. (2014) An Integrative Approach to Enhancing Cognition and Executive Brain Function: A Personal Perspective. Alternative and Complementary Therapies. Vol. 20, No. 1. [Accessed Aug 2, 2018] in turn, leading to increased energy production and focused cognitive function.

Add to this the potential enhancement to the brain’s blood flow from the improved cardiovascular health just discussed, and we can think of reishi mushrooms as a cognitive conditioner, keeping our neurons subtle and our energy high.

But there is more to the brain-building benefits of the reishi mushroom…

3) Adaptogenic Abilities

Natural healers have used adaptogenic substances to successfully guide patients through stressful experiences for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. And with good reason…

Stress brings a multitude of adaptations to the body, designed simply to aid survival in times of crisis. If the proverbial sabre-tooth tiger was to spring out and attack, your body would instantly shift gears to a sympathetic focus to provide you with two choices: fight or flee.

The functions that are needed at that moment — blood flow to the muscles, hypervigilance, finding potential escape routes — are heightened. The energy required for these tasks is rerouted from those that are not critical to immediate survival — like digestion, reproduction, and considering difficult problem-solving and higher cognitive functions. This is as it should be.

However, when the stress becomes chronic as it has for many modern cavemen and women, the biological and cognitive toll runs high. Yet, reishi mushrooms offer an adaptogenic answer.

The triterpenes contained within this fungi may calm the HPA axis-mediated regulation of our neuroendocrine system^[6]Mehta, S., Dang, R., Nayeem, N. (2015) Potential Clinical Benefits of Adaptogens or Resisogens in Stress Related Disorders. International Journal of Medical and Applied Sciences. Volume 4, Issue 3, Pages: 281-301. [Accessed Aug 3, 2018] and bring with it a return to the parasympathetic dominance needed for sustainable health, optimal performance, and executing the cognitive dance required to fire on all mental cylinders.

And while we think these top three brain-boosting benefits are worth shouting from the mountain tops, the benefits continue…

4) Immune System Support

One of the chief benefits of the reishi mushroom lies in its ability to boost and support the immune system. This power comes from its array of chemicals and molecules known to elevate the activity of our natural killer cells, a type of white blood cell that fends off an invasion.

A 2003 study concluded that reishi mushroom extracts could significantly increase natural killer cell activity, and the researchers saw positive results in the immune response of patients with cancer^[7]Gao, Y., Zhou, S., Jiang, W., Huang, M., and Dai, X. (2003) Effects of ganopoly (a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract) on the immune functions in advanced-stage cancer patients. Immunological Investigations,  Issue: 3, Volume: 32, Pages: 201-215.

Similar to its effects on natural killer cells, reishi mushroom extract also proved effective in enhancing lymphocyte (white blood cell) function in athletes, with the purpose of combating the infections more common in those who undertake serious training.

At this point, I feel like Tim Shaw, the 90’s knife salesman, empathically shouting… But wait! There’s more!…

Reishi may also provide a link between the immune system and improved brain function. The study, Learning and memory … and the immune system^[8]Marin, I., Kipnis, J. (2013) Learning and memory… and the immune system. Learn & Memory. Oct; 20(10): 601–606. [Accessed Aug 5 2018] stated:

Systemically, the proper functioning of the immune system is critical for maintaining normal nervous system function. Disruption of the immune system functioning leads to impairments in cognition and in neurogenesis.

And while the immunomodulation properties of reishi mushrooms are profound and supported, a further much-needed benefit includes its…

5) Cancer-Fighting Properties

The fifth potentially life-transforming benefit of the reishi mushroom is its ability to fight aggressive cancers, especially when these cancers are considered inflammatory.

With its anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties, reishi mushroom extract is able to suppress cell adhesion and cell migration in cases of invasive cancers, especially in prostate and breast cancers^[9]Sliva, D. (2003) Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) in cancer treatment. Integrative cancer therapies, Issue: 4, Volume: 2, Pages: 358-364. This means it may offer hope for those who most need it.

Scientific studies have concluded that this natural extract has the power to destroy cancer cells^[10]Chung, WT., Lee, SH., Kim, JD., Park, YS., Hwang, B., Lee, SY., Lee, HY. (2001) Effect of mycelial culture broth of Ganoderma lucidum on the growth characteristics of human cell lines. Journal of bioscience and bioengineering. Issue: 6, Volume: 92, Pages: 550-555. This may not be surprising considering the antioxidant properties of reishi mushrooms, including their polysaccharide and triterpenoid content.

By protecting our cells from damage and free radical assault, reishi mushrooms may prevent cells from developing dangerous anomalies. In cases when cancer has already developed, the properties of reishi are able to slow growth and prevent these cancerous cells from reaching out their tentacles and spreading to new tissues.

Reishi mushrooms have specific cancer-fighting properties, but with further research needed, these potent fungi are recommended not as replacement therapy but rather as an additional bow in the conventional treatment armoury.

(But wait!… Yes, there truly is more!)

Other Notable Benefits

These top five benefits of reishi mushrooms are supported by scientific research. However, there are many other conditions for which this not-so-humble mushroom may help and it would be remiss of us to keep these secrets.

From those with the need for further research to the conditions supported by anecdotal adoration, reishi mushroom is worth considering in:^[11]REISHI MUSHROOM: Uses. WebMD.com. Available at https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-905/reishi-mushroom [Accessed July 26, 2018].

– Fatigue and weakness
– HIV/AIDS support
– Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)
– Hepatitis
– Diabetes
– Infections
– Asthma
– Cough
– Insomnia

The reishi mushroom has been renowned for over 2000 years, with a scientifically established potency against some of today’s greatest killers and a long-standing history of safety. Based on the scientific data, especially in regard to cognitive function, stress reduction, cancer support, immune enhancement, healthy hair, and cardiovascular health, the healing power of this fungus means it ought to be in the medicine cabinet of every Australian.

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Originally posted on August 19, 2018, last updated on October 13, 2023.