Reishi: Adaptogenic Stress Response, Immune Modulation & Longevity
An evidence-based overview of Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) — the 'mushroom of immortality' — examining its triterpenoids and polysaccharides, cortisol-lowering HPA-axis modulation, TLR4-driven macrophage activation, cancer cell apoptosis, and clinical trial results for fatigue, neurasthenia, and quality of life in cancer survivors.
Source Research Papers
Citations in APA 7 format. All studies were sourced from peer-reviewed journals via Google Scholar. Unfamiliar terms? See the plain-language glossary →
Tang, W., Gao, Y., Chen, G., Gao, H., Dai, X., Ye, J., Chan, E., Huang, M., & Zhou, S. (2005). A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract in neurasthenia. Journal of Medicinal Food, 8(1), 53–58. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2005.8.53
In a trial of 132 people with chronic fatigue and weakness, Reishi for eight weeks improved fatigue and wellbeing more than a placebo — one of the strongest human results for Reishi.
Jin, X., Ruiz Beguerie, J., Sze, D. M.-Y., & Chan, G. C.-F. (2012). Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 6, CD007731. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007731.pub2
The highest-quality evidence review found Reishi isn't proven as a stand-alone cancer treatment, but may help as an add-on by supporting the immune system and quality of life.
Matsuzaki, H., Shimizu, Y., Iwata, N., Kamiuchi, S., Suzuki, F., Iizuka, H., Hibino, Y., & Okazaki, M. (2013). Antidepressant-like effects of a water-soluble extract from the culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum mycelia in rats. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 13, 370. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-13-370
A Reishi extract reduced depression-like behavior in rats and raised mood-related brain chemicals — early lab support for the idea that Reishi affects mood.
Pazzi, F., Adsuar, J. C., Domínguez-Muñoz, F. J., García-Gordillo, M. A., Gusi, N., & Collado-Mateo, D. (2020). Ganoderma lucidum effects on mood and health-related quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. Healthcare, 8(4), 520. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8040520
Women with fibromyalgia who took Reishi for six weeks reported less depression and fatigue and better quality of life than those on a placebo.
Wachtel-Galor, S., Yuen, J., Buswell, J. A., & Benzie, I. F. F. (2011). Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A medicinal mushroom. In Benzie, I. F. F., & Wachtel-Galor, S. (Eds.), Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd ed.). CRC Press/Taylor & Francis.
The go-to scientific reference on Reishi — its biology, compounds, and immune and cancer-support evidence — while honestly flagging rare cases of liver toxicity from concentrated powders.
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