Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi Mushroom)
Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as the lingzhi mushroom, is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its popularity extends to Japanese and Korean medicine, and it has become of keen interest in the West.
Ganoderma lucidum has anti-oxidative effects. It also has a therapeutic effect on insulin resistance, reduces the risk of prostate cancer, and can help treat a variety of conditions associated with metabolic syndrome.
The lingzhi mushroom is well known for its anti-cancer effects. It is able to activate natural killer cells, increasing their activity and the body’s ability to fight tumors. Supplementing Ganoderma lucidum reduces the chances of metastasis, which is when cancer spreads to another part of the body.
Ganoderma lucidum has a variety of mechanisms, but they are focused on moderating the immune system. The lingzhi mushroom is able to reduce immune system activity when the system is overstimulated, and bolster the immune system when it is weakened. In general, Ganoderma lucidum increases the amount of active immune system cells.
Though further research is needed to confirm these effects, Ganoderma lucidum shows promise for a wide variety of cancer-related therapies. It has been shown to be an effective adjunct therapy, which means it improves health when taken alongside other medications, for breast cancer, hepatitis, fatigue syndrome, and prostate cancer. There are not many promising supplements with anti-cancer properties available over-the-counter, but Ganoderma lucidum appears to be one of them.
Mechanisms of Action
Beta glucans, polysaccharides present in reishi, have demonstrated antitumor and immunostimulating activities. Its triterpene compounds may inhibit tumor invasion by reducing matrix metalloproteinase expression, and tumor metastases by limiting attachment to endothelial cells. Recent findings indicate that reishi induces natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines via activation of the natural cytotoxic receptors (NKG2D/NCR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-signaling pathways, which result in exocytosis of perforin and granulysin. Reishi polysaccharides were also shown to increase expression of the major histocompatibility (MHC) class I and costimulatory molecules on melanoma cells, resulting in enhanced antitumor cytotoxicity. In human ovarian cancer cells, reishi inhibits proliferation by suppressing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and upregulating connexin 43 expression.
In other studies, reishi increased plasma antioxidant capacity and enhanced immune response in advanced stage cancer patients. Its extracts also inhibited 5-alpha reductase, an important enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and is upregulated in benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Dosage
The dose used in studies has ranged from 1 - 5 gm. For general immuno-support and cancer prevention, a formula containing several mushroom species (which may contain 20-250 mg of Reishi) may be reasonable.
Safety
Reishi may enhance anticoagulant effect and increase the risk of bleeding. Reishi can increase plasma antioxidant capacity, and in theory can interact with chemotherapeutic agents that rely on free radicals. Reishi polysaccharides inhibit CYP2E1, CYP1A2, and CYP3A, and can affect the intracellular concentration of drugs metabolized by these enzymes. Reishi should be avoided in those with autoimmune disorders.
Where to get it
Host Defense - Reishi Capsules, Mushroom Support for Heart Health
Combination Formulas:
Mushroom Defense Formula - Deep Immune System Support 1000mg (combination of multiple mushrooms)
Host Defense - MyCommunity Capsules, Multi Mushroom Support for Immune Response
5 Defenders Mushroom Extract Blend by Real Mushrooms