Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) have been utilized in Chinese folk medicine to promote health and longevity.¹

They are so revered in traditional Chinese medicine for their health benefits that they have been referred to as the "mushroom of immortality."1

 More recently, modern research has validated that reishi contains key health-promoting components that boost immune function, reduce inflammation, and stop the growth of cancer cells.¹ 

And animal research has shown its potential to increase lifespan.^2,3

Immune-Boosting Properties 

A strong immune system is a key factor necessary for a longer, healthier life. Unfortunately, immune systems decline with age.⁴ 

   Preclinical^5-7 and clinical^8-11 research has validated reishi’s ability to modulate immune function. 

  Animal research has shown that reishi promotes the maturation and activation of immune cells that are part of both the innate and adaptive immune systems.¹²

  The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defense against harmful invaders like viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells.¹³

  Adaptive immunity targets the specific pathogens causing a problem.¹³  In preclinical studies the bioactive compounds from reishi have shown an ability to activate immune cells including T cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages.^5,14 

Activating natural killer cells is crucial for protection against viruses, which is especially critical for older adults who often suffer from diminished natural killer cell activity. This is one crucial reason why, with increasing age, people are susceptible to high rates of infection with viruses ranging from influenza to various herpes viruses.^15,16

  Lab studies show that reishi also helps combat inflammation by increasing protective IL-10 levels and lowering pro-inflammatory IL-6 levels.^17,18

In a clinical trial, 30 older women received either 2000 mg daily reishi extract or placebo. After eight weeks, reishi extract consumption was shown to regulate T-lymphocyte function and IL expression, leading to significant anti-inflammatory action as compared to a placebo group.⁸ 

Infection-Fighting Power

With its ability to boost components of both innate and adaptive immunity, reishi could protect the aging body from infections.  

Lab studies demonstrate activity against many common viruses, including: 

• Herpes simplex viruses (the causes of oral and genital herpes),¹⁹
• Influenza viruses (cause of the flu),^19,20 
• Epstein-Barr virus (causes mononucleosis and can contribute to the formation of cancer),¹⁹ 
• Hepatitis B virus (a common cause of liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure),^21,22 
• Human immunodeficiency virus (the virus that causes HIV/AIDS).^22,23 

Anti-Cancer Properties

Reishi’s ability to boost the function of immune cells gives it potential anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.²⁴ 

In preclinical studies, reishi was shown to target tumor cells by activating anti-tumor activity of natural killer (NK) cells and by cytokine release from T-lymphocytes and macrophages.⁵  

Reishi may also directly combat tumors through many mechanisms, including the following:¹⁹  

• Stopping tumor cells from growing,
• Preventing tumor blood vessels from developing,
• Starving abnormal cells, and
• Directly killing cancer cells.^25,26

A meta-analysis of five clinical trials of cancer patients found that patients who were given reishi in combination with their standard chemotherapy/radiation therapy had greater tumor regression with treatment than those treated with standard therapy alone. Treatment groups were also found to have improved quality of life.²⁷ 

However, further analyses and trials on survival benefits are needed.

Blood Sugar Support

Reishi contains compounds like polysaccharides, proteoglycans, and triterpenoids that have all been shown in preclinical settings to help lower blood sugar levels.²⁸

Animal studies have demonstrated reishi’s potential to decrease blood sugar and improve lipids.^29,30

In a clinical trial to assess the cardiometabolic benefits of reishi in people with mild hypertension or high lipids, participants received 1.44 grams of reishi extract or placebo for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks the treatment group showed improvements in plasma insulin and insulin resistance along with a reduction in triglycerides and elevation of HDL cholesterol. Overall results indicate its potential to support health in diabetics and improve dyslipidemia. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm this benefit in humans.³¹ 

Lifespan Extension

A mouse study has provided an exciting glimpse into reishi’s potential to expand lifespan.³²

This study showed that the mice supplemented with reishi lived as much as 148 days longer than the un-supplemented control group.

This represents a dramatic increase in longevity given that the lifespan of a mouse is typically less than two years.

Summary

1. Reishi mushrooms have earned the nickname "mushroom of immortality" because of their potent health benefits.  Preclinical and clinical research has shown reishi mushroom’s potential to improve immune function, reduce inflammation, help regulate blood sugar, and fight against cancer.   Reishi is a low-cost plant extract that helps support health for aging individuals. •  
2. If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

3. References

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