Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi Mushrooms (Lingzhi)
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as lingzhi and nicknamed the “mushroom of immortality”, is a woody, bitter fungus with a long history in Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other Asian medicine, where it has been used to support energy, immunity and general health. Its main active components are beta-glucan polysaccharides and triterpenes. It is sold as capsules, tablets, extracts, powders and teas (Memorial Sloan Kettering).
What the Research Shows
Human evidence is limited. Small studies in cancer patients have reported increased antioxidant capacity and enhanced immune responses, and laboratory work suggests reishi can activate natural killer cells, but this has not been confirmed in larger human trials. One small trial found a reishi and privet formula helped maintain quality of life in people with lung cancer during chemotherapy (MSK). Reishi is used alongside medical treatment, not as a replacement for it.
Results elsewhere are mixed. Randomised trials suggest a possible benefit for lower urinary tract symptoms in men, while trials did not show benefit for cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes, and a pilot study did not show benefit in Alzheimer’s disease (MSK).
Side Effects and Safety
Reported side effects include nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, itching and dizziness. There are case reports of liver injury, including one fatal case linked to powdered reishi (MSK). Stop taking it and seek medical advice if you notice signs of liver problems such as yellowing skin, dark urine or unusual fatigue.
Reishi may increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants such as warfarin, may interfere with immunosuppressants, and could theoretically affect some chemotherapy drugs. Reishi spore powder can raise the tumour marker CA72-4, which may confuse cancer test results (MSK). Talk to a healthcare provider before using reishi if any of these apply to you, or if you have liver disease.
Reishi in Our Products
Reishi is one of the seven mushrooms in our Immune Blend capsules, and our Neuro Blend microdosing capsules list 150 mg of reishi among their ingredients. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Reishi is one of several functional (non-psilocybin) mushrooms. To see how it compares with chaga and lion’s mane, read our guide to functional mushrooms, or what the research shows on turkey tail.