Reishi Research Citations

This study found that Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) selectively inhibits cancer cell viability in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) cells without affecting noncancerous mammary epithelial cells. The research showed that Reishi induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and inhibits cell invasion by disrupting the tumor spheroids that are characteristic of IBC's invasive pathology. Reishi also decreased the expression of genes involved in cancer cell survival and proliferation (BCL-2, TERT, PDGFB) and invasion/metastasis (MMP-9), while reducing key protein expressions. These findings suggest that Reishi is an effective anti-IBC therapeutic. Read the full study.

This research demonstrated that Reishi works through multiple mechanisms against inflammatory breast cancer cells. It selectively kills cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, induces apoptosis, and disrupts the characteristic tumor spheroids that allow IBC cells to invade. The study found that Reishi decreases the expression of genes and proteins involved in cancer survival (BCL-2, BCL-XL, c-Myc), proliferation (TERT, PDGFB), and invasion (MMP-9, gelatinase activity). It also affects cell adhesion molecules (E-cadherin, p120-catenin) and protein synthesis factors (eIF4G). This multi-targeted approach makes Reishi a promising candidate for anti-cancer therapy. See the research details.

This study tested Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) in both laboratory cell models and live animals with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). In mice injected with IBC cells and treated with Reishi for 13 weeks, tumor growth and weight were reduced by approximately 50% compared to controls. The research also showed that Reishi-treated tumors had reduced expression of key proteins involved in cancer growth (E-cadherin, mTOR, eIF4G, p70S6K) and reduced activity of signaling pathways (ERK1/2). These findings demonstrate that Reishi can effectively suppress tumor growth in this aggressive form of breast cancer. Read the full study.

This research revealed that Reishi works by targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which is a critical regulator of cell survival and growth in cancer. The study found that Reishi reduces the expression of mTOR downstream effectors, decreases eIF4G levels (a protein synthesis factor), and increases eIF4E bound to 4E-BP, which results in reduced protein synthesis. This suppression of protein synthesis is important because cancer cells rely heavily on increased protein production for their rapid growth. The research provides evidence that Reishi suppresses protein synthesis and tumor growth by affecting survival and proliferative signaling pathways, suggesting it's a potential natural therapeutic for breast and other cancers. See the research details.

This comprehensive review examined studies on Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) for cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk factors. Laboratory and animal studies have found that Reishi possesses antioxidative, antihypertensive, hypoglycaemic (blood sugar-lowering), lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the review noted that clinical trial evidence in humans is inconsistent. The most compelling evidence found was for Reishi's hypoglycaemic effects in patients with type 2 diabetes or hyperglycaemia. The inconsistency in clinical results may be due to the use of different Ganoderma formulations and different study populations. Further large controlled clinical studies are needed to clarify the potential benefits. Read the full review.

According to this review, Reishi shows the most compelling evidence for helping with blood sugar control. The review found that Reishi has demonstrated hypoglycaemic (blood sugar-lowering) effects in patients with type 2 diabetes or hyperglycaemia. While laboratory and animal studies have shown various cardiovascular and metabolic benefits (antioxidative, antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory), the clinical evidence in humans is most consistent for blood sugar management. However, the review notes that more large controlled clinical studies are needed, and that different formulations of Reishi may produce different results. See the review details.

This placebo-controlled clinical trial tested Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) in 29 men with Gulf War Illness (GWI). The study found that GWI symptom severity was unchanged from placebo in the lower-dose Reishi condition, but was actually higher (worse) in the higher-dose condition. The researchers concluded that Reishi may exaggerate symptoms in some GWI sufferers. It's important to note that this was a small preliminary study, and the results may not apply to other conditions or populations. The study also tested other botanicals (stinging nettle and epimedium), with stinging nettle showing some benefit at higher doses. Read the full study.

This clinical trial found that Reishi did not improve Gulf War Illness symptoms and may actually worsen them in some cases. In the study, symptom severity was unchanged at lower doses compared to placebo, but was significantly higher (worse) at higher doses. The researchers noted that these results are preliminary and based on a small sample size (29 participants), but they suggest caution when considering Reishi for GWI. The study used a crossover design where participants tried different botanicals, and Reishi was the only one that showed potential for worsening symptoms. See the study details.

This systematic review examined the radioprotective effects of Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum). The review found that in vivo studies in mice exposed to gamma-rays showed the efficiency of Reishi aqueous extracts containing polysaccharides and triterpenes in protecting against radiation damage. In vitro studies demonstrated that Reishi can reduce radiation damage to DNA (as shown by changes in plasmid DNA structure). Ex vivo studies in human blood cells showed radioprotective effects of β-glucan from Reishi aqueous extracts. However, the review noted that no clinical trials were found, and further clinical research studies are needed to determine if Reishi can be used as a radioprotector in humans. Read the full review.

According to this review, the radioprotective effects of Reishi appear to come from its polysaccharides and triterpenes. The review found that aqueous extracts of Reishi containing these compounds showed protective effects in mice exposed to gamma radiation. Specifically, β-glucan (a type of polysaccharide) from Reishi aqueous extracts demonstrated radioprotective effects in human blood cells in ex vivo studies. The review analyzed 15 eligible studies from over 1,100 records, but noted that more clinical research is needed to confirm these findings in humans and to determine optimal formulations and dosages. See the review details.

This single case study followed a 50-year-old Parkinson's Disease (PD) patient who self-medicated with Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) for 3 months. The most notable finding was an increase in Mindfulness after 3 months of treatment. Motor symptoms stayed stable (did not worsen), there were no extreme changes in quality of life, and emotion regulation showed mixed results (seemed to deteriorate over time but slightly improved at the 3-month assessment). The study notes that preclinical research suggests Reishi can alleviate symptoms in neurological disorders like PD, but this was the first clinical case report. However, because this is a single case study (N=1), the findings do not allow firm conclusions. The authors note that the small positive changes, combined with preclinical evidence, warrant larger clinical studies. Read the full case study.

This case study provides very preliminary evidence about Reishi and Parkinson's Disease. A single unmedicated PD patient who took Reishi for 3 months showed increased mindfulness and stable motor symptoms, but the study emphasizes that no firm conclusions can be drawn from a single case. The patient was 50 years old and had been diagnosed with PD for 5 years. While preclinical (laboratory and animal) research suggests Reishi may help with neurological disorders, this was the first clinical case report addressing PD specifically. The authors note that larger, controlled clinical studies are needed to determine if Reishi can help with PD symptoms. It's important to consult with healthcare providers before trying any supplement, especially when managing a condition like Parkinson's Disease. See the case study details.

Yes, Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) polysaccharide has been developed into an approved pharmaceutical drug in China. The drug, called "Polysaccharidum of G. lucidum Karst Injection" (also known as "Ji 731 Injection"), was first developed in 1973, began large-scale production in 1985, and was officially approved by the Chinese FDA in 2000. It is administered intramuscularly and is one of the few non-hormonal drugs used for treating refractory myopathy (muscle disease). After more than 40 years of clinical use, its efficacy, safety, and long-term tolerability have been recognized by neurologists. The drug is also used in combination therapy to reduce the amount of glucocorticoid required for myopathy patients in remission, and it reduces adverse reactions and improves quality of life for cancer patients during chemotherapy. Read the full review.

This comprehensive review of 81 studies spanning from 1973 to 2017 found that Reishi polysaccharide (GLPS) is used for several conditions. It is one of the few non-hormonal drugs approved in China for treating refractory myopathy (muscle disease). It's also used in combination therapy to reduce glucocorticoid requirements for myopathy patients in remission. Additionally, it reduces adverse reactions and improves quality of life for cancer patients during chemotherapy. The review discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying GLPS's antioxidant, anti-tumour, immune-modulatory, hypoglycaemic (blood sugar-lowering), and hypolipidaemic (cholesterol-lowering) activities. The drug has been used clinically for over 40 years with recognized efficacy and safety. See the review details.

This Cochrane systematic review analyzed 5 randomized controlled trials on Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) for cancer treatment. The review found that when Reishi was given alongside chemotherapy or radiotherapy, patients were more likely to respond positively compared to chemo/radiotherapy alone. However, Reishi treatment alone did not demonstrate the same tumor regression rate. The review also found that Reishi increased immune function indicators (CD3, CD4, and CD8 T-cell percentages) and that patients in the Reishi group had relatively improved quality of life compared to controls. The authors concluded that there is not sufficient evidence to justify using Reishi as a first-line treatment for cancer, but it could be administered as an alternative adjunct to conventional treatment. Read the full review.

This systematic review found that Reishi can improve immune function in cancer patients. The meta-analysis showed that Reishi simultaneously increased the percentage of CD3, CD4, and CD8 T-cells by 3.91%, 3.05%, and 2.02% respectively. Additionally, leukocyte counts, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and CD4/CD8 ratio were marginally elevated. These immune improvements, combined with better quality of life scores and minimal side effects (only nausea and insomnia reported in one study, with no significant blood or liver toxicity), suggest that Reishi may be useful as a supportive therapy alongside conventional cancer treatment. However, the review noted that the methodological quality of the included studies was generally unsatisfying, and more high-quality research is needed. See the review details.

This Cochrane systematic review analyzed 5 randomized controlled trials with 398 participants, all of whom had type 2 diabetes. The review found that Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) was not associated with statistically or clinically significant reductions in HbA1c (long-term blood sugar marker), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or body mass index (BMI). There was also no improvement in fasting plasma glucose. Results for post-prandial (after-meal) blood glucose were inconsistent, with one measure favoring placebo and another favoring Reishi, but the clinical significance of this is unclear. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for blood pressure or triglycerides. The authors concluded that evidence from these trials does not support the use of Reishi for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. Read the full review.

This systematic review found that participants who took Reishi (1.4 g to 3 g per day for 12 to 16 weeks) were 1.67 times more likely to experience an adverse event than those who took placebo. However, these were not serious side effects. The review noted that the risk of bias was low for only one of the five included studies and unclear for the remaining four, which limits the strength of these conclusions. More high-quality, placebo-controlled research is needed to better understand both the potential benefits and risks of Reishi for cardiovascular health. See the review details.