Ganoderma has many different varieties, according to the appearance and color can be divided into red ganoderma, green ganoderma, yellow ganoderma, black ganoderma, white ganoderma, purple ganoderma. Red ganoderma contains triterpenoids such as Ganoderma acid A, B, C1, C2, D1, Ganoderma acid A, B, C, D1, linalic acid, etc. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide. In addition, it also contains ergosterol, nucleoside, amino acid and protein.

 

What is Ganoderma？

Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst., known as “Lingzhi” in China or “Reishi” in Japan, is a well-known medicinal mushroom and traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used for the prevention and treatment of bronchitis, allergies, hepatitis, immunological disorders and cancer.  Modern scientific research has confirmed its wide-ranging health benefits, making it an essential dietary supplement for those looking to strengthen their immune system, reduce stress, and improve overall quality of life.

 

What is the benefit of Ganoderma？

1. Heart Health:

Researchers in China and Japan have found that the ganoderic acid present in ganoderma improves blood flow and lowers oxygen consumption in the heart muscle. It also lowers cholesterol and inhibits platelet clumping, which often leads to heart attack. Ganoderma prevents the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque restricts blood flow by narrowing the passage within the arteries, resulting in atherosclerosis. A study has found that consuming ganoderma for 2 weeks can significantly lower blood pressure.

2. Anti-Allergic:

Ganoderma extract can significantly inhibit different types of allergic reaction, including asthma and dermatitis. Tritpenes, a compound found in ganoderma provides anti-viral and anti-allergic effects. It inhibits the histamine release, making the herb potentially useful for allergies. Polysaccharides improve the ability of antibodies to fight bacteria and viruses that cause allergic reaction. Ganoderma is useful for treating allergies caused due to atopic shock, dermatitis, hay fever, hives, and food and drug allergies.

3. Healing the Liver:

This potent herb protects the liver from damage caused due to physical and biological factors. It also treats alcohol induced fatty liver and cirrhosis. Ganoderma can help people in the early stages of alcoholic liver diseases especially those who have not experienced severe loss of liver function. It also helps patients suffering from hepatitis B and elevated liver enzymes. Hepatitis B is quite difficult to clear from the body and its recurrence after treatment is high. The powerful compounds present in ganoderma accelerate the clearance of drugs and chemicals stored in the liver. The antioxidants present in ganoderma combats the free radicals, promoting liver regeneration.

4. Detoxify the Body:

Ganoderma eliminates the toxins accumulated in the body due to excess intake of medicines and junk food. It promotes the efficient synthesis of bile and fatty acids, promoting faster detoxification of the chemicals from the body. Moreover, it enhances the body’s ability to take in more than 1.5 times oxygen. Ganoderma rapidly oxygenates the body and adjusts its pH value.

5. Cure for Kidney Disease:

Kidney disease includes chronic nephritis, diabetic renal syndrome, and nephritis. It occurs due to high blood sugar and cholesterol levels in the body. Overloaded kidney prevents the blood from reaching the renal capillaries. This causes fatigue, urine retention and uremia. Ganoderma lowers proteinuria and cholesyerolemia, maintaining proper renal function.

6. Sound Sleep:

Chinese herbalists have traditionally recommended Ganoderma for its sleep promoting properties. Regular usage of ganorderma can promote a slow wave of sleep.

7. Mental Health:

In Japan, dried Ganoderma is recommended for the treatment of neuroses caused by environmental stress. A study also found that regular intake Ganoderma can help patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. It provides a calming effect, which is neither a narcotic nor hypnotic.

8. Muscle Relaxant:

Ganoderma has been used widely for its muscle relaxing and pain inhibiting properties. It is believed that the herb can also treat anorexia and debility following a chronic disease.

9. Immune System:

Ganoderma is very useful in boosting the body’s immune system. Reishi mushrooms not only stimulate the immune system, but also regulate it. It regulates metabolic balance and promotes a synthesis of nucleic acid in the body. Polysaccharides raise the levels of interferon in the body by promoting the release of protein from the white blood cells. These white blood cells assist in inhibiting the spread of diseases. Studies have shown that patients taking ganoderma show fewer side effects from chemotherapy and radiation. The post-operative recovery is also smoother.

10. Ageing:

The polysaccharides in ganoderma promote nuclear DNA synthesis and increased cell division, delaying the onset of ageing. It also contributes to longer life spans. This wonder herb helps to manage some of the most life threatening age conditions and autoimmune diseases like cancer and other neurodegenerative diseases.

11. Weight Loss:

Oxygen is very essential for burning fat for fuel. High levels of oxygen boost the body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss. It increases the rate at which the body provides blood to the oxygen, giving you extra energy. Increased energy levels help you to work out for longer, aiding weight loss.

12. Antioxidants:

Ganoderma is a potent source of antioxidants. It contains one of the highest sources of antioxidant found in herbs. Ganoderma Lucidum peptide is the most powerful antioxidant found in this herb. Other antioxidants include polysaccharide, polysaccharide peptide complex and phenolic components.

13. Cancer:

Ganoderma is touted for its anti-cancer benefits. It strengthens the immunity and combats cancer cell proliferation. It stimulates the production of interleukin-2, which helps to fight several types of cancer. Ganoderic acid, a compound found in ganoderma, helps to fight liver cancer. It counteracts suppression by stimulating the creation of protein in the bone marrow. In a trial, 34 people with advanced stage cancer were given ganoderma three times a day for 12 weeks. The results showed a significant increase in the T-cells. Lack of oxygen is one of the major causes of cancer. Cancer cells are known to thrive in oxygendepleted environment. Conversely, cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygen rich environment. Several laboratory studies have shown that ganoderma can prevent cancer metastasis. It inhibits the migration of cancer cells and angiogenesis. The extracts of ganoderma are used in pharmaceuticals to suppress cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, combining ganoderma with green tea augments its power to retard the growth of cancer cells.

14. Infection:

Ganoderma stimulates the maturity of immune cells called macrophages, which digest infectious bacteria. This further prevents the development of secondary infection. It is also active against yeast infection.

15. Stress:

Ganoderma has been prescribed since centuries to people suffering from stress and anxiety. It can effectively reduce emotional outbursts during chronic stress and depression. Ancient Chinese monks used reishi mushroom to calm their minds for meditation. 16. Skin Health: Topical application of ganoderma can be very effective for healing skin wounds, eczema, psoriasis, bug bites, stings, and scrapes.

Conclusion

Ganoderma is a popular fungus used in Eastern medicine, which could help boost the immune system.

This fungus may also be able to decrease the size and number of tumors in certain types of cancer, as well as improve the quality of life for some people with cancer.

Some research suggests it may help reduce fatigue and improve cholesterol, blood sugar, and antioxidants, but more research is needed to fully understand the reishi mushroom’s possible benefits.

 

References

Ahmad MF. (2020). Ganoderma lucidum: A rational pharmacological approach to surmount cancer.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32504783/

Aref M, et al. (2023). Effect of Ganoderma lucidum on serum lipid profiles: A systematic review and meta-analysis on animal studies.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10729684/

Chan SW, et al. (2021). The beneficial effects of Ganoderma lucidum on cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880209.2021.1969413

Chu TT, et al. (2011). Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): Results of a controlled human intervention trial.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21801467/

El Sheikha AF. (2022). Nutritional profile and health benefits of Ganoderma lucidum “lingzhi, reishi, or mannentake” as functional foods: Current scenario and future perspectives.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8998036/

Iser-Bem PN, et al. (2024). Ganoderma lucidum dry extract supplementation modulates T lymphocyte function in older women.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/abs/ganoderma-lucidum-dry-extract-supplementation-modulates-t-lymphocyte-function-in-older-women/9A4A7A37B797F8B28CA239A53F9209C0