Ganoderma Mushroom
Also known as: Reishi mushroom, Lingzhi mushroom, Ganoderma mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum
Overview
Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as Reishi or Lingzhi mushroom, is a polypore fungus widely utilized in traditional East Asian medicine. It is primarily consumed as an extract or powder derived from its fruiting body or mycelium. This medicinal mushroom is recognized for its potential to modulate the immune system, serve as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment, improve lipid profiles, and exert antioxidant effects. While research on G. lucidum is moderately mature, including numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses, challenges such as heterogeneity in study design and product standardization persist. The quality of evidence varies, with some systematic reviews indicating promising but modest effects, often limited by small sample sizes or diverse preparation methods.
Benefits
Ganoderma lucidum offers several evidence-based benefits. A meta-analysis of 23 trials involving 4,246 cancer patients indicated that G. lucidum products significantly improved total efficacy outcomes (relative risk 1.31; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.58; p=0.004) when used as an adjunctive therapy, suggesting a 30% improvement in overall treatment efficacy. For lipid profiles, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 49 studies, predominantly animal models, demonstrated that G. lucidum consumption significantly reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-C, while increasing HDL-C. Although human data are less extensive, they show similar trends. Furthermore, a 2025 meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials reported modest beneficial effects on body mass index (BMI), creatinine levels, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and heart rate, highlighting its metabolic and antioxidant potential. Benefits typically emerge after several weeks of consistent supplementation, with most trials ranging from weeks to months.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of Ganoderma lucidum are attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and peptidoglycans. These compounds primarily modulate immune function by enhancing the activity of natural killer cells and promoting the production of various cytokines. Its antioxidant properties are mediated through the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The observed lipid-lowering effects may stem from the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and overall improvement in lipid metabolism pathways. While polysaccharides are generally poorly absorbed, they may exert their effects through interactions within the gut, influencing gut immunity. The absorption and bioavailability of these compounds can vary significantly depending on the specific preparation method.
Side effects
Ganoderma lucidum is generally considered safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical trials. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare but possible common side effect, occurring in less than 5% of users. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include allergic reactions or skin rashes. Rare side effects (less than 1%) are not well documented. While no major drug interactions have been consistently reported, caution is advised when combining G. lucidum with immunosuppressants or anticoagulants due to its potential immune-modulating and blood-thinning effects, respectively. Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and severe immunodeficiency, where use should be avoided without medical supervision. Individuals with known allergies to mushrooms should also exercise caution.
Dosage
Effective oral doses of Ganoderma lucidum in clinical trials vary widely, typically ranging from 1 to 9 grams per day of dried extract. The optimal dosage is highly dependent on the standardization of the preparation, particularly its polysaccharide or triterpenoid content. There is no established maximum safe dose, and doses exceeding 9 grams per day have not been extensively studied for safety or efficacy. The timing of supplementation is flexible, often taken with meals. Extracts standardized for active compounds tend to offer better reproducibility and consistent effects. Absorption may be enhanced when taken with fat-containing meals, though specific cofactors for improved bioavailability are not well defined.
FAQs
Is Ganoderma mushroom safe for long-term use?
Yes, it is generally considered safe for long-term use, with clinical trials reporting low adverse event rates over several months of supplementation.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Effects on lipid profiles and immune markers typically become noticeable after 4 to 12 weeks of consistent supplementation.
Can it replace conventional cancer treatments?
No, Ganoderma lucidum should not replace conventional cancer treatments; it is intended to serve as an adjunctive therapy under medical supervision.
Are all Ganoderma products equally effective?
No, the efficacy of Ganoderma products varies significantly depending on the species, extraction method, and standardization of active compounds.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2019.00703/full – This meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials involving 4,246 cancer patients found that Ganoderma lucidum products significantly improved total efficacy outcomes (RR 1.31; 95% CI 1.09-1.58; p=0.004) when used as an adjunct to conventional cancer treatments. The study noted heterogeneity in cancer types and product formulations, suggesting moderate quality evidence for its adjunctive benefits.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10729684/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, primarily based on 49 animal studies, demonstrated that Ganoderma lucidum supplementation significantly improved lipid profiles by reducing triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-C, while increasing HDL-C. The authors acknowledged the limited human data and variability in doses and duration, classifying the evidence quality as moderate to high.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40510787/ – This GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials reported modest beneficial effects of Ganoderma lucidum on body mass index (BMI), creatinine levels, the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and heart rate. However, no significant effects were observed on other metabolic parameters. The study highlighted variability in design and supplement standardization as limitations, with moderate study quality.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.70423 – This source is a duplicate reference to the Jafari et al., 2025 meta-analysis. It confirms the findings of modest improvements in BMI, creatinine, GPx, and heart rate, while noting the absence of significant effects on other metabolic parameters. The study's quality was assessed as moderate, with limitations including variability in study design and supplement standardization.
