Reishi
Known as the 'mushroom of immortality' in Chinese medicine, Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is an adaptogenic mushroom primarily used for stress reduction, immune support, and sleep improvement. Unlike the stimulating effects of Cordyceps or Lion's Mane, Reishi is calming and is best taken in the evening. Its triterpene compounds modulate the HPA axis and support GABAergic relaxation.
Dosage
Standard: 1000-3000 mg daily of extract. Dual-extract (water + alcohol extraction) preferred to capture both polysaccharides and triterpenes. Take in the evening due to calming effects. Spore oil: 500-1000 mg daily. Effects build over 2-4 weeks.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
Bioactive compounds accumulate with daily use
Administration
Oral (capsules, powder, tincture, tea). Dual-extract preferred. Bitter taste in powder/tea form.
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Mechanism of Action
Reishi's triterpenes (ganoderic acids A, C, D, H; ganoderenic acids) modulate the HPA axis by reducing CRH and ACTH release, lowering cortisol via glucocorticoid receptor feedback. Ganoderic acids have direct sedative effects through GABA-A receptor modulation (possibly allosteric at the benzodiazepine site) and 5-HT2A/2C serotonergic modulation. Beta-(1,3)-(1,6)-glucan polysaccharides bind Dectin-1 and complement receptor 3 (CR3) on macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells, activating NF-kB and MAPK signaling for immune modulation. Reishi inhibits histamine release from mast cells via Fc epsilon RI downregulation and stabilizes mast cell membranes (anti-allergic effect). Antioxidant properties involve upregulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD1/SOD2), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Ganoderic acids may also inhibit 5-alpha-reductase and ACE.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement worldwide. Pharmacopoeia-listed in China, Japan, and Korea. Not FDA-approved for any medical condition.
Risks & Safety
Common
Digestive discomfort, dry mouth, dizziness.
Serious
Rare hepatotoxicity reported — avoid with liver disease. May interact with blood thinners and immunosuppressants.
Rare
Allergic reaction, nosebleeds.
Compare Reishi With
Research Papers
8Published: November 18, 2021
AI Summary
This study documents an up-to-date review (2015-2020, wherever applicable) and provide valuable insights (preclinical and clinical evidence-based) with comprehensive and critical assessments. The presence of numerous micro-, macro, and trace elements imparts an essential nutritional and cosmeceutical value to Reishi, and various marketed product...
Published: June 1, 2025
AI Summary
These components offer a broad range of pharmacological effects, such as immunomodulation, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties. Due to its rarity, Ganoderma lucidum is cultivated through solid substrates or submerged mediums.
Published: September 29, 2016
AI Summary
It is claimed to be effective in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, and in addition, it exerts anticancer properties. Nevertheless, when the findings obtained from laboratory studies are considered, it turns that G.
Published: December 9, 2003
AI Summary
The authors recently demonstrated that Ganoderma lucidum inhibits constitutively active transcription factors nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and AP-1, which resulted in the inhibition of expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor uPAR.
Published: March 8, 2020
AI Summary
Preclinical and clinical studies in humans presented their beneficial effects as immunomodulators; besides this, they possess a direct anticancer effect. Extracts from Coriolus have been approved for more than 30 years as an effective adjuvant addition to standard cancer treatment in Japan and China without obvious toxicity.
Published: May 15, 2023
AI Summary
However, there are concerns about the safety as well as the efficacy of drugs and vaccines presently used to control the pandemic, therefore necessitating intense global search for safe natural products that can effectively and safely combat it.
Published: October 16, 2004
AI Summary
These mushrooms contain a large variety of biologically active polysaccharides with immunostimulatory properties, which contribute to their anticancer effects. This review summarizes the biological effects of Ganoderma lucidum upon specific signaling molecules and pathways, which are responsible for its therapeutic effects.
Published: June 13, 2018
AI Summary
Clinical studies have shown beneficial effects of G. lucidum as an alternative adjuvant therapy in cancer patients without obvious toxicity. Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies has demonstrated that GLP possesses potential anticancer activity through immunomodulatory, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reishi used for?
Known as the 'mushroom of immortality' in Chinese medicine, Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is an adaptogenic mushroom primarily used for stress reduction, immune support, and sleep improvement. Unlike the stimulating effects of Cordyceps or Lion's Mane, Reishi is calming and is best taken in the evening. Its triterpene compounds modulate the HPA axis and support GABAergic relaxation.
What are the side effects of Reishi?
Common: Digestive discomfort, dry mouth, dizziness. Serious: Rare hepatotoxicity reported — avoid with liver disease. May interact with blood thinners and immunosuppressants. Rare: Allergic reaction, nosebleeds.
How is Reishi administered?
Reishi is administered via oral (capsules, powder, tincture, tea). dual-extract preferred. bitter taste in powder/tea form..
What is the half-life of Reishi?
The half-life of Reishi is Bioactive compounds accumulate with daily use.
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