Reishi (also called Ganoderma Lucidum) known as the mushroom of immortality, has been used Chinese medicine for approximately 2000 years. Described as holy mushroom, has been thought to be a mushroom growing in the “houses of immortals” (1). As such, it has been used for promoting good health, perpetual youth, vitality, and longevity for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine (2)
Reishi is an edible medicinal mushroom. According to Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Reishi acts to restore Qi (the energy of life).
Tipically, Reishi may containing various compounds such as glycoproteins, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, meroterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, benzopyran derivatives, and benzoic acid derivatives, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, iron and zinc. Of these, the most important constituents of Reishi for human health are believed to be polysaccharides and triterpenes (2, 3).
Various drugs are developed in China based on Reishi-derived compounds (3).
*The statements in this section have not been evaluated by the FDA or EFSA.
TIP: if you are searching for more food supplements containing β-glucans, please also see our Agaricus Extract capsules and Maitake Liquid Extract.
Science & Research
During the past decades Reishi has been studied in clinical settings on humans with positive conclusions:
Do you want to learn more about the science behind Reishi and the related cellular mechanisms? Please go to our Health & Science section that will be soon expanded to cover many important scientific findings.
References
- Reishi https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15169641/
- Reishi constituents https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6624854/
- Reishi review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5973856/
- Reishi drugs in China https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6010762/
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.