What research says about the Health Benefits of Ganoderma/Reishi/Lingzhi?

Ganoderma Lucidum/Reishi benefits us in the following ways: 

Reduces or normalises Blood Pressure; 
Offers Cardiovascular Benefits 

Ganoderma Lucidum has been shown in some studies to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce blood pressure. 

In studies of people with hypertension, researchers found blood pressure was significantly reduced over two-weeks' time with reishi supplementation.

Platelet aggregation

Tao et. al. (1990) found that in vitro,  the reaction speed of platelet aggregation was significantly slowed down after application of Ganoderma extract in relation to its dosage. They continued their studies with 15 healthy volunteers and 33 patients with atherosclerotic diseases administering each person 3 grams a day for 2 weeks. This showed that Ganoderma reduced weight and length of the thrombi and reduced the aggregation events - statistically significantly. They concluded that their results suggested that the Chinese herbal medicine GL may be an effective inhibitory agent of platelet aggregation.

Gau et.al. (1990) investigated the  possible problems arising from the aggregation blocking properties in HIV-positive hemophiliacs. They found that Ganoderma, despite a high content of adenosine, which plays an important key role in antiplatelet effects, did not execute any increased risk. Platelet aggregation tests before and after administering of the extract showed no significant changes.

Su et.al. (2000) were able to show that besides  high adenosine levels,  Ganodermic acid S also contributes to the antiplatelet effects by influencing the biochemical pathways of platelet reaction. A normalization of platelet aggregation and thrombotic activities towards a physiological level contributes to a lower blood viscosity, which relieves the cardiovascular system of additional work load and improves therefore,  indirectly  the efficiency and O2 balance of the coronary system.   

Effects on serum cholesterol levels

Berger et.al. (2003)  from the Nestle Research Center, Lausanne , Switzerland, found that Ganoderma has the ability to lower not only total serum cholesterol, but also LDL, which is besides  VLDL,  the critical factor of cholesterol content. They conclude: “Innovative new cholesterol lowering foods and medicines containing Ganoderma lucidum are envisioned.”

A more recent publication from Hajjaj et.al. also from the Nestle Research Center in Switzerland, showed that triterpenoids are responsible for inhibiting lanosterol to be transformed into cholesterol. These findings are important in so far  since 60 – 70% of body cholesterol is synthesized and only 30 – 40% is added through our food intake. Controlled cholesterol intake and cholesterol synthesis inhibition seem to be the most promising and complementary measures for a regulated and normal serum level.

 Powerful Anti-oxidant

 Sun et.al. (2004)  reported that a Ganoderma lucidum peptide (GLP) is the major antioxidant component of Ganoderma Lucidum and could play so an important role in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in biological systems through its antioxidant, metal chelating, and free radical scavenging activities.

Wachtel-Galor et.al. (2004) conducted  a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over intervention study which investigated the effects of 4 weeks Lingzhi supplementation on a range of biomarkers for antioxidant status, Coronary Heart Disease risk, DNA damage, immune status, and inflammation, as well as markers of liver and renal toxicity with 18 healthy adults. No side effects have been reported, while the antioxidant capacity in urine and plasma increased significantly.

Other reports (Futrakul et.al., 2003) indicate  the anti-oxidant properties contribute to a better treatment of nephrosis.  Ganoderma seems to protect the cell membrane against lipid oxidation and ultimately against cell death.

Shieh et.al. (2001) observed  a liver and kidney protective mechanism due to Ganoderma’s prominent superoxide scavenging effect.

Lee et.al. (2001) assumed  a chemopreventive potential of Ganoderma, through a specific aminopolysaccharide fraction with a strong anti-oxidative performance found in this mushroom.

Immune-modulating Benefits &
Cancer treatment

Ganoderma Lucidum is commonly prescribed by practitioners for long-term immune system support. 

In studies involving patients with advanced tumors, the patients were given Ganoderma Lucidum for thirty days. Researchers found a marked immune-modulating effect as demonstrated by an increase in T lymphocytes and decreased CD8 counts. 

Patients also reported reduced side effects due to chemotherapy or radiation as well as post-operation recovery. 

Prostate enlargement

Fujita et.al. (2005) found a strong intervention of Ganoderma extracts on the metabolism of
testosterone into dihydrotestosterone through 5alpha-reductase inhibition. The biological activity of dihydrotestosterone is 2 times higher than that of testosterone and its receptor-binding capability is 5 times the capacity of testosterone. The authors concluded  that Ganoderma lucidum might be a useful ingredient for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Lung and Prostate cancer

Sliva D. et.al.(2003) described in a series of publications the possible use of Ganoderma in lung and prostate cancer, where it has clearly shown to inhibit the outspread and migration of tumor cells, which limits or even prevents metastasis of malignant cancer cells.

Jiang et.al. (2004)  found out that Ganoderma prevents the growth of prostate cancer cells and induces cell death of malignant cells through a complex system of biochemical and molecular interactions. They concluded that Ganoderma seems to have potential therapeutic use for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Liu et.al. (2006)  isolated two triterpenoids, ganoderic acids, which showed remarkable 5alphareductase inhibitory activities. 

Balances Blood Sugar 

Studies have shown Ganoderma Lucidum to have a blood sugar lowering effect. Much of this activity appears to be due to polysaccharides known as Ganoderans A, B, and C.   

There appears to be  three main mechanisms behind this hypoglycemic effect. This includes Ganoderma Lucidum's ability to elevate plasma insulin levels, to enhance peripheral tissue utilization of glucose, and to enhance liver metabolism of glucose.  

Regain Pancreatic function

The Medical Research Institute of Kinki University found in yearly experiments that Ganoderma has the same function as insulin. Accordingly, after taking Ganoderma, not only can insulin deficiency be supplemented, but it can make the pancreas regain its original function. In addition, it does not have any side effects like injections do.

Lowers blood sugar

Zhang et.al. (2003)  treated mice and found a subsequent decrease of insulin producing cells, while Ganoderma treated mice showed no decrease. Since free radicals are considered to play the damaging role, the Ganoderma effect is that of scavenging these free radicals and eliminating them before they are able to destroy the insulin producing units (Langerhans’ islets). 

In 2004,  the same group found that Ganoderma polysaccharides increased the Ca2+ influx into the pancreatic beta cells and induced,  hence a higher insulin release of these beta cells, which explains the blood sugar lowering effects of Ganoderma.

Renal/kidney disease

In experiments with patients suffering from renal disease,  Prof. Fumio Tsurudani of the Nagoya University Medical Institute, Japan, found that Ganoderma  could not only lower proteinuria and cholesterolemia, but also could  maintain proper renal function. 

Provides Anti-inflammatory Effects

Studies have shown that hot-water extracts of Ganoderma Lucidum have anti-inflammatory effects. 

One study found that 50 milligrams of Reishi powder had comparable effects to 5 milligrams of hydrocortisone.   

Protects the Liver

Ganoderma Lucidum has been  used for its hepatoprotective (liver protective) action. 




A study of patients with hepatitis B and elevated liver enzymes (SGOT/SGPT) and bilirubin were given Reishi for three months. Significant reduction in SGOT and SGPT were noticed within one month. After three months, all values were within normal range.

Oxygenation

One of the unique uses of Ganoderma Lucidum is for altitude sickness. Reishi appears to reduce altitude sickness by oxygenating the blood. 

Insomnia/headache /Irritability

Tang et.al. (2005)  reported  a controlled study of   132 neurasthenia patients over a period of 8 weeks. The group with Ganoderma showed a significantly improved Global Clinical Impression, compared with the placebo group. 





The application of Ganoderma seemed to be responsible for decreasing signs of insomnia, headaches, and irritability.

(Also read the Pharmacological and clinical research on Ganoderma lucidum
(Lingzhi) in China- see  http://www.worldpharma2010.org/pp/FC16.2.1.pdf) 

References:

el-Mekkawy S, Meselhy MR, Nakamura N, et al. Anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-1-protease substances from Ganoderma lucidum. Phytochem 1998;49:1651-7.

Gao Y, Zhou S, Jiang W, et al. Effects of ganopoly (a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract) on the immune functions in advanced-stage cancer patients. Immunol Invest 2003;32:201-15.

Gau JP, Lin CK, Lee SS, et al. The lack of antiplatelet effect of crude extracts from ganoderma lucidum on HIV-positive hemophiliacs. Am J Chin Med 1990;18:175-9.

Hijikata Y, Yamada S. Effect of Ganoderma lucidum on postherpetic neuralgia. Am J Chin Med 1998;26:375-81.

Hikino H, Ishiyama M, Suzuki Y, et al. Mechanisms of hypoglycemic activity of ganoderan B: a glycan of Ganoderma lucidum fruit bodies. Planta Med 1989;55:423-8.

Kim DH, Shim SB, Kim NJ, et al. Beta-glucuronidase-inhibitory activity and hepatoprotective effect of Ganoderma lucidum. Biol Pharm Bull 1999;22:162-4.

Kim HS, Kacew S, Lee BM. In vitro chemopreventive effects of plant polysaccharides (Aloe barbadensis miller, Lentinus edodes, Ganoderma lucidum and Coriolus versicolor). Carcinogenesis 1999;20:1637-40.

Kim RS, Kim HW, Kim BK. Suppressive effects of Ganoderma lucidum on proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Mol Cells 1997;7:52-7.

Komoda Y, Shimizu M, Sonoda Y, et al. Ganoderic acid and its derivatives as cholesterol synthesis inhibitors. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1989;37:531-3.

Kwok Y, Ng KFJ, Li, CCF, et al. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the platelet and global hemostatic effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Ling-Zhi) in healthy volunteers. Anesth Analg 2005;101:423-6.

Lee SY, Rhee HM. Cardiovascular effects of mycelium extract of Ganoderma lucidum: inhibition of sympathetic outflow as a mechanism of its hypotensive action. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1990;38:1359-64.

Min BS, Nakamura N, Miyashiro H, et al. Triterpenes from the spores of Ganoderma lucidum and their inhibitory activity against HIV-1 protease. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1998;46:1607-12.

Singh AB, Gupta SK, Pereira BM, et al. Sensitization to Ganoderma lucidum in patients with respiratory allergy in India. Clin Exp Allergy 1995;25:440-7.

Sun J, He H, Xie BJ. Novel antioxidant peptides from fermented mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. J Agric Food Chem 2004;52:6646-52.

Tao J, Feng KY. Experimental and clinical studies on inhibitory effect of ganoderma lucidum on platelet aggregation. J Tongji Med Univ 1990;10:240-3.

van der Hem LG, van der Vliet JA, Bocken CF, et al. Ling Zhi-8: studies of a new immunomodulating agent. Transplantation 1995;60:438-43.

Wang SY, Hsu ML, Hsu HC, et al. The anti-tumor effect of Ganoderma lucidum is mediated by cytokines released from activated macrophages and T lymphocytes. Int J Cancer 1997;70:699-705.

Wasser SP, Weis AL. Therapeutic effects of substances occurring in higher Basidiomycetes mushrooms: a modern perspective. Crit Rev Immunol 1999;19:65-96.

Yoon SY, Eo SK, Kim YS, et al. Antimicrobial activity of Ganoderma lucidum extract alone and in combination with some antibiotics. Arch Pharm Res 1994;17:438-42.

Yuen JW, Gohel MD. Anticancer effects of Ganoderma lucidum: a review of scientific evidence. Nutr Cancer 2005;53:11-7

Other sources you can refer to: 

8 Weeks To Optimum Health By Andrew Weil MD, p. 15

Viral Immunity by J.E, p. 292

Miracle Medicine Herbs by Richard M. Lucas, p. 9

Off The Shelf Natural Health How To Use Herbs And Nutrients To Stay Well By Mark Mayell, p. 88

Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A. Balch, p. 167

The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B. White MD, p. 327

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