Reishi Mushrooms: How Do They Work?

Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, are a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. They have been used in Eastern and traditional Asian medicine for centuries to promote health and longevity. Today, they are consumed as a food or taken as a supplement to enhance the immune system, reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue. However, their effectiveness and safety are still being studied, and they may cause complications for certain individuals.

Reishi mushrooms may boost the immune system

Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, are a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. They have been used in Eastern medicine for centuries to promote health and longevity, especially in China, Japan, and other Asian countries. The name lingzhi is derived from Chinese, where it symbolizes spiritual potency, success, well-being, divine power, and longevity.

Reishi mushrooms are believed to have immune-boosting properties. They are thought to affect the genes in white blood cells, which are critical components of the immune system. Test-tube studies have shown that reishi can increase the number of white blood cells in the body and improve their function. These cells play a vital role in fighting infections and protecting the body from illness. Additionally, some forms of reishi may alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells, which could be beneficial for people with cancer.

Reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucans, complex sugars that can slow or stop tumor growth. Lab studies have also shown that reishi mushrooms stimulate "natural killer cells," a type of white blood cell that targets abnormal and cancerous cells. This suggests that reishi mushrooms may have a role in cancer treatment, although more research is needed to confirm this.

While reishi mushrooms are considered safe for most people, they can cause side effects, especially for those taking certain medications. They may increase the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with blood-thinning medications or other herbs or supplements that affect blood clotting. Reishi mushrooms might also lower blood pressure, so caution should be exercised when combining them with blood pressure medications. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking reishi mushroom supplements to ensure their safety and determine the appropriate dosage.

They can help fight infections and cancer

Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to treat infections and, more recently, pulmonary diseases and cancer.

Reishi mushrooms are thought to help fight infections and cancer by boosting the immune system. They may help manage the function of T lymphocyte cells (T cells), which are white blood cells that play an important role in immunity and fighting infections and cancer. Test-tube studies have shown that reishi can affect the genes in these white blood cells and alter inflammation pathways, which may help to decrease the size and number of tumors in certain types of cancer.

In a study in China, 36 patients with advanced lung cancer were given an over-the-counter product made from reishi called Ganopoly alongside chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The study found that the polysaccharides in reishi mushrooms may help cancer-fighting immune cells, called lymphocytes, stay active. Another study in Japan found that an extract of the mushroom G. lucidum mycelia (MAK) helped to decrease the number and size of benign colorectal tumors.

While reishi mushrooms have been shown to have some positive effects on the immune system and cancer treatment, more research is needed to fully understand their potential benefits and safe clinical applications. They may also cause side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, poor appetite, and depression, and can interact with certain medications. It is important to speak to a healthcare provider before taking reishi mushrooms, especially if you are taking any other medications or supplements.

They may reduce fatigue and improve sleep

Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. They are considered a "shen tonic", which helps regulate the body, calm the spirit, and induce sleep.

Reishi mushrooms have been found to reduce fatigue and improve sleep quality. A study examined the effects of reishi mushroom supplements on 132 people with neurasthenia, a condition characterised by physical and mental exhaustion. Researchers found that fatigue was reduced and well-being was improved after eight weeks of taking the supplements. Another study found that reishi mushroom extract helped reduce fatigue in people with cancer.

Reishi mushrooms contain a high concentration of compounds that have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. They are also adaptogens, meaning they help the body adapt to stress and promote relaxation. Chronic stress can significantly impact sleep quality and duration, so reishi mushrooms can help improve sleep by reducing stress.

In addition to reducing fatigue and promoting relaxation, reishi mushrooms have also been found to increase total sleep time. One study found that when extracts of reishi mushrooms were taken for three days, it significantly increased total sleep time and non-rapid eye movement sleep in the test subjects. Another study published in the Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior journal found that reishi extract decreased sleep latency and increased sleeping time, non-REM sleep time, and light sleep time in pentobarbital-treated rats.

Reishi mushrooms can lower blood pressure

Reishi mushrooms, also known as lingzhi, have been used in Asia for hundreds of years to treat infections and more recently, pulmonary diseases and cancer. They are considered safe for most people and there is no evidence of toxic effects.

Reishi mushrooms have been found to lower blood pressure in some people. A research study published in the Molecules journal in 2014 found that reishi mushrooms had hypotensive effects due to their peptides content. These peptides act in a similar way to ACE inhibitor antihypertensive drugs. Another study published in the Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews in 2015 looked at the effect of reishi mushrooms on cardiovascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Reishi mushrooms contain ganodermic acids, which have a structure similar to steroid hormones involved in regulating blood pressure, blood clotting, blood flow, and oxygen uptake. They also contain triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans, which provide them with a diverse set of medicinal properties.

However, it is important to note that the findings of a 2018 study published in the journal Phytomedicine contradicted these results, showing no significant effect on regulating blood pressure. As such, more research is needed to adequately determine the long-term safety and efficacy of reishi mushrooms in treating high blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure or use medication to lower your blood pressure, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor before taking reishi mushrooms.

They may increase the risk of bleeding

Reishi mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where they are believed to possess a range of health benefits. Modern scientific research has explored some of these potential effects, including their ability to boost the immune system, fight cancer, and reduce inflammation. However, one important consideration when using reishi mushrooms is their potential impact on bleeding risk.

Reishi mushrooms contain compounds that can slow blood clotting, which may lead to an increased risk of bleeding. This effect is attributed to the presence of polysaccharides and triterpenoids, which are thought to alter platelet function and inhibit the formation of blood clots. In normal circumstances, platelets play a crucial role in stopping bleeding by clumping together and forming a plug at the site of injury. By interfering with this process, reishi mushrooms could potentially prolong bleeding times.

This potential side effect is particularly relevant for individuals who are already taking blood-thinning medications or anticoagulants, as well as those with bleeding disorders or upcoming surgeries. For these individuals, consuming reishi mushrooms may further increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking reishi mushrooms, especially if you fall into any of these categories, to ensure their safe and appropriate use.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the bleeding risk associated with reishi mushrooms may also be influenced by the method of consumption. For example, consuming the mushrooms in their raw form may have a more pronounced effect on blood clotting compared to taking them in a hot water extract. This is because the heat involved in the extraction process can modify the active compounds, potentially reducing their impact on platelet function. Nonetheless, regardless of the consumption method, it is always important to use caution and be aware of the potential risks involved.

To minimize the risk of bleeding when using reishi mushrooms, it is recommended to speak with a healthcare provider to assess the potential benefits and risks for your individual case. They can advise you on the appropriate dosage, possible interactions with medications or supplements you may be taking, and any necessary precautions based on your medical history. Additionally, purchasing reishi mushrooms from reputable sources that provide product testing and safety information can also help ensure a safer experience.

In conclusion, while reishi mushrooms have been praised for their potential health benefits, it is important to approach their use with caution. The potential impact on bleeding risk is a significant consideration and highlights the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms involved and identify ways to maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks. By consulting with healthcare professionals and using high-quality, tested products, individuals can make more informed decisions about incorporating reishi mushrooms into their healthcare routines.

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