Quick Summary

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It contains bioactive compounds such as triterpenoids and polysaccharides. Recent clinical evidence suggests it may support endurance and recovery in athletes, modulate immune function, improve lipid profiles, and potentially aid metabolic regulation. Nanotechnology-enhanced formulations and sporoderm-removed spores may improve bioavailability. However, the quality of clinical evidence is generally low or limited, and underlying mechanisms remain under investigation.

What is it?

Reishi, scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a shelf fungus widely recognized for its use in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a woody mushroom often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality.” The fruiting body and spores of the mushroom have been used medicinally, containing various bioactive compounds.

Traditional Uses

Reishi has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for supporting overall health, longevity, and vitality. It has been applied to promote immune function, reduce fatigue, and maintain wellness. It is often consumed as teas, extracts, or powdered supplements.

Active Compounds

  • Triterpenoids
  • Polysaccharides
  • Sporoderm-removed spores (potentially higher bioavailability)
  • Other bioactive constituents linked to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Endurance and recovery in athletes (Moderate evidence): A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials reported that Ganoderma lucidum supplementation reduced blood urea nitrogen and blood lactate, increased hematocrit and antioxidant enzyme activity, and elevated hemoglobin in endurance athletes (PMID: 41280379).
  • Lipid profile improvement (Low to Moderate evidence): Clinical trials suggest Ganoderma lucidum spore oil may help improve lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, increasing HDL cholesterol, and enhancing liver function in dyslipidemic individuals. However, certainty remains low based on meta-analyses (PMIDs: 40077714, 40510787).
  • Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (Low evidence): One randomized clinical trial reported reductions in fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose, and A1C in type 2 diabetes patients after supplementation (PMID: 41438309), but broader evidence is limited.
  • Neuroprotection and cognitive function (Preclinical and limited clinical evidence): Studies indicate sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spores may have neuroprotective effects and improve cognitive impairments in Alzheimer’s disease models by modulating inflammation and microglial polarization (PMID: 41378217).
  • Anti-cancer supportive care (Preclinical and preliminary clinical evidence): Extracts and polysaccharides may enhance chemotherapy efficacy, modulate tumor microenvironment, and improve immune function in cancer patients, though more rigorous clinical trials are needed (PMIDs: 38534354, 40733125).
  • Anti-inflammatory and immune modulation (Preclinical evidence): Various compounds show anti-inflammatory activity through multiple signaling pathways. Nanoformulations may enhance effects, but high-quality clinical data are lacking (PMID: 41445832).
  • Bone health and osteoporosis prevention (Preclinical and theoretical evidence): Components may support bone regeneration according to preclinical studies, but clinical efficacy is unestablished (PMID: 41901328).
  • Wound healing (Preclinical evidence): Hydrogels with Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides have shown promise in diabetic wound healing via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, though no clinical data are available (PMID: 40995560).

Side Effects

Ganoderma lucidum and its spores are generally well tolerated in clinical studies, with no severe adverse effects reported in most trials. Mild gastrointestinal disturbances, such as reversible drug-mixed feces, have been noted in animal studies. Rare serious adverse events have been reported in case studies, but causality remains unclear (PMID: 40872598).

Drug Interactions

Potential herb-drug interactions may occur, particularly in cancer patients taking epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Ganoderma lucidum may modulate cytochrome P450 enzymes and drug transporters, necessitating careful monitoring (PMID: 40733125).

Who Should Avoid It

Specific contraindications are not well established due to limited clinical data. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution given the lack of human safety data, despite reassuring animal studies. Individuals on medications, especially those affecting liver enzymes or cancer therapies, should consult healthcare professionals before use.

Evidence Limitations

  • Most clinical trials have small sample sizes and short durations.
  • Quality of evidence is frequently rated very low due to heterogeneity, risk of bias, and imprecision.
  • Many benefits are supported primarily by preclinical or in vitro studies, limiting direct clinical applicability.
  • Considerable variability exists in product composition, dosages, and extract standardization.
  • Long-term safety and potential drug interactions remain insufficiently studied.
  • Clinical efficacy for many claimed indications remains unproven or preliminary.

References

  • Shu MY, Zhang XC, Zuo L, Jiang FL, Liang J, Li F. Effects of fungal supplementation on endurance, immune function, and hematological profiles in adult athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2025. PMID: 41280379
  • Jafari A, Mardani H, Mirzaei Fashtali Z, Arghavan B. The Nutritional Significance of Ganoderma lucidum on Human Health: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. 2025. PMID: 40510787
  • Wang X, Wang X, Zhao L, Zhou F. Clinical Evaluation of Ganoderma lucidum Spore Oil for Triglyceride Reduction: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Study. 2025. PMID: 40077714
  • Yekefallah L, Aghakhanbeigi F, Jalalpour A, Namdar P, Mafi MH. Comparing the Effects of Ganoderma lucidum and Kombucha Mushrooms on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. 2025. PMID: 41438309
  • Liu J, Song Y, Chen C, et al. Developmental and reproductive toxicity assessment of sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spores. 2025. PMID: 41584839
  • Zhang H, Wang L, Chan YW, Cho WC, Zuo Z, To KKW. Recent Advances in the Use of Ganoderma lucidum and Coriolus versicolor Mushrooms to Enhance the Anticancer Efficacy of EGFR-Targeted Drugs in Lung Cancer. 2025. PMID: 40733125
  • Li W, Huang W, Zhou P, et al. Sporoderm-removed ganoderma lucidum spore powder (S-GLSP) alleviates neuroinflammation injury by regulating microglial polarization through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. 2025. PMID: 41378217
  • Fonseca J, Vaz JA, Ricardo S. The Potential of Mushroom Extracts to Improve Chemotherapy Efficacy in Cancer Cells: A Systematic Review. 2024. PMID: 38534354
  • Xiaoying M, Peng Z, Hong W, et al. From functional foods to immunotherapeutic agents: mechanistic insights into medicinal mushroom bioactives in chronic inflammation management. 2025. PMID: 41445832
  • Zhang R, Tan SF, Wang Y, Wu J, Zhang C. Hydrogels incorporating active compounds from traditional Chinese medicine for diabetic wound healing: mechanistic pathways and bioengineering progress. 2025. PMID: 40995560

Last Reviewed

2025

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The effectiveness and safety of Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) may vary among individuals. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have underlying health conditions, or are taking medications.