Laura Smith
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi, have been used in Eastern medicine for hundreds of years, particularly in Asian countries. They are believed to have various health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing fatigue, and improving cholesterol levels. In terms of cholesterol, studies suggest that reishi mushrooms may help decrease LDL cholesterol and increase HDL good cholesterol. For example, a study found that reishi mushroom powder decreased total cholesterol in hamsters and minipigs. However, it is important to note that optimal doses of reishi mushroom have not been set, and side effects may include digestive issues and allergic reactions. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking reishi mushroom supplements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medicinal Properties | Reishi mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years, primarily in Asian countries, for the treatment of infections, pulmonary diseases, and cancer. |
| Cholesterol-Lowering Effects | Studies suggest that reishi mushrooms may help decrease total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and LDL ("bad") cholesterol, while increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol. |
| Immune-Boosting | Reishi mushrooms may enhance the immune system by affecting the function of T lymphocytes (T cells) and white blood cells, which are critical for fighting infections and cancer. |
| Anti-Inflammatory | Some forms of reishi mushrooms have been found to alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells, potentially reducing inflammation. |
| Antioxidant | Reishi mushrooms contain antioxidants and may help reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| Dosage | The optimal dose of reishi mushroom powder may vary, and it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before use. |
| Side Effects | Potential side effects include nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, dry mouth, rashes, nosebleeds, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, liver injury, and allergies. |
| Precautions | Reishi mushrooms may increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided by those with low blood pressure, taking certain medications, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. |
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What You'll Learn
- Reishi mushroom powder may help lower total cholesterol
- It could also reduce LDL cholesterol
- The powder may help manage triglycerides
- It may also increase HDL good cholesterol
- Reishi mushroom powder is available over the counter as a supplement but may have side effects and interactions with other medications
Reishi mushroom powder may help lower total cholesterol
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, have been used in Eastern medicine for hundreds of years, particularly in Asian countries. They are believed to have various health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing fatigue, and improving cholesterol levels.
Recent studies have examined the potential cholesterol-lowering properties of reishi mushrooms. In one study, researchers found that reishi mushroom powder at a dietary concentration of 5% decreased total cholesterol levels in Syrian hamsters by 9.8%. Additionally, the powder reduced total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and LDL cholesterol levels in rats, while increasing HDL "good" cholesterol.
Another study investigated the effects of reishi mushroom on minipigs, which are often used as a model for human metabolism. The results showed that reishi mushroom powder at a concentration of 2.5% reduced total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels by 20%, 27%, and 18%, respectively.
While these studies suggest that reishi mushroom powder may help lower total cholesterol, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and understand its mechanism of action. It is important to note that optimal doses of reishi mushroom have not been established, and side effects may occur, especially with higher doses or prolonged use. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement, including reishi mushroom powder.
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It could also reduce LDL cholesterol
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, particularly in Asian countries. They are available over the counter as herbal supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, extracts, powders, and teas.
Reishi mushrooms have been found to have cholesterol-lowering properties, specifically in reducing LDL cholesterol. In one study, oral administration of Reishi mushroom extract protected against pro-inflammatory TNF-α and oxidative stress in a periodontitis model in rats. In this study, the hot water extract (HWE) of Ganoderma lucidum at 200 mg/kg b.w. lowered plasma levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and LDL cholesterol.
Another study found that Reishi mushroom powder at a dietary concentration of 5% by weight decreased total cholesterol by 9.8% in hamsters. This is thought to be due to the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis. This study also found that Reishi mushroom at a concentration of 2.5% decreased LDL cholesterol by 27% in minipigs. The reduction in LDL cholesterol is proposed to be due to the inhibition of hepatic cholesterol synthesis, leading to reduced plasma VLDL cholesterol secretion and possibly reduced VLDL-LDL conversion.
The cholesterol-lowering effects of Reishi mushrooms are attributed to their ability to inhibit cholesterol synthesis and their high content of oxygenated lanosterol derivatives. These derivatives are a type of sterol that can inhibit the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol production.
It is important to note that optimal doses of Reishi mushroom have not been established, and the quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking Reishi mushroom supplements, especially for those with low blood pressure or those taking medications for blood pressure or diabetes.
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The powder may help manage triglycerides
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, particularly in Asian countries. They are available over the counter as herbal supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, extracts, powders, and teas.
Reishi mushroom powder may help manage triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. Studies have shown that reishi mushrooms may help decrease triglyceride levels. For example, in one study, oral administration of reishi mushroom extract protected against pro-inflammatory TNF-α and oxidative stress in a periodontitis model. Additionally, in a study on hamsters, 5% Ganoderma lucidum decreased total cholesterol by 9.8% and HDL by 11.2%.
The potential mechanism for this benefit may be through the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis. In vitro studies have shown that organic fractions containing oxygenated lanosterol derivatives inhibited cholesterol synthesis in human hepatic T9A4 cells. This could lead to a reduction in plasma VLDL cholesterol secretion and a decrease in LDL direct secretion.
It is important to note that the optimal dose of reishi mushroom has not been established, and the quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary. Therefore, it is recommended to speak to a healthcare provider before taking reishi mushroom supplements, especially if you are taking any medications or have any health conditions.
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It may also increase HDL good cholesterol
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, particularly in Asian countries. They are available over the counter (OTC) as herbal supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, extracts, powders, and teas.
Reishi mushrooms have been found to have several health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing fatigue, and improving cholesterol, blood sugar, and antioxidant levels.
Regarding cholesterol, reishi mushrooms have been shown to decrease total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol levels, while increasing HDL "good" cholesterol. In one study, male hamsters were fed a diet containing 5% dried reishi mushroom powder, which resulted in a decrease in total cholesterol of 9.8% and HDL cholesterol of 11.2%. Another study found that reishi mushrooms lowered plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol in rats.
The mechanism behind the cholesterol-lowering properties of reishi mushrooms involves inhibiting cholesterol synthesis. In hamsters, for example, the 5% reishi mushroom diet decreased cholesterol synthesis in the liver, leading to reduced secretion of VLDL cholesterol and possibly reduced conversion of VLDL to LDL cholesterol.
While reishi mushrooms have shown promising effects on cholesterol levels, it is important to note that optimal doses have not been established, and more research is needed to fully understand their impact on heart health. Additionally, reishi mushrooms can cause side effects and may be unsafe for certain individuals, such as those taking specific medications or who have low blood pressure. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before consuming reishi mushroom supplements.
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Reishi mushroom powder is available over the counter as a supplement but may have side effects and interactions with other medications
Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. It has been used in Eastern medicine for hundreds of years, mainly in Asian countries, for the treatment of infections. More recently, it has also been used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases and cancer.
Reishi mushroom powder is available over the counter as a supplement. However, it may have side effects and interactions with other medications. While reishi mushroom supplements have been used safely for up to a year, they can cause digestive side effects and may be unsafe for certain people, including those taking certain medications. For instance, reishi mushrooms may increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. They may also interact with high blood pressure medications.
Additionally, reishi mushrooms can cause an allergic reaction associated with dryness in the mouth, dizziness, itching, nausea, stomach upset, and rash. It is recommended that those who are pregnant or breastfeeding avoid using reishi mushrooms, as there has not been sufficient research on their safety in these circumstances. Furthermore, those with low blood pressure or taking therapy to raise blood pressure should exercise caution when consuming reishi mushrooms. Similarly, those taking diabetes medications should be careful as reishi mushrooms may lower blood sugar levels.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking reishi mushroom supplements, especially if you are taking any other medications or have any health conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. It is primarily used for medicinal purposes and is available over the counter as herbal supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, extracts, powders, and teas.
Studies indicate that reishi mushroom powder may help lower total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and LDL cholesterol, and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) "good" cholesterol.
Common side effects of reishi mushroom powder include nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, bloody stools, dry mouth, rashes, nosebleed, headache, dizziness, insomnia, liver injury, and allergies.
Reishi mushroom powder may be riskier for those with low blood pressure or taking therapy to raise their blood pressure, those taking diabetes medications, and those with immune system disorders or medications. It is recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding individuals do not take reishi mushroom powder.
