About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products

Scientific Name
Ganoderma lucidum
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Common Name

Ling zhi, ling chi, lin zi, mushroom of immortality

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Clinical Summary

Derived from the cap and stem of the mushroom, reishi mushroom is used as an immune stimulant by patients with HIV and cancer. The active constituents are thought to include both beta-glucan polysaccharides and triterpenes (1). Extracts of reishi can stimulate macrophages and alter the levels of TNF and interleukins (2) (3) (4) (5). Reishi also inhibited platelet aggregation (11) (12) and improved lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men (9) (10) (20).

In vitro and animal studies indicate that reishi has chemopreventive effects (21), alleviates chemotherapy-induced nausea (13), enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy (22), and increases the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin (27). It was also effective in preventing cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity (28).
In small clinical studies, reishi increased plasma antioxidant capacity (6) (7), and enhanced immune responses in advance-stage cancer patients (8). Remission of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been reported in a few cases (23).

An in vitro study reported that reishi mushroom extract has toxic effects in leukocytes (14). More research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness as an adjunctive cancer treatment.

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Purported Uses
  • Fatigue
  • High cholesterol
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Hypertension
  • Immunostimulation
  • Inflammation
  • Strength and stamina
  • Viral infections
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Constituents
  • Polysaccharides: Beta-D-glucan
  • Sterols: Ergosterol
  • Fungal lysozyme
  • Proteinase Triterpenes: Ganoderic acids
  • Lipids
  • Alkaloids
  • Glucosides
  • Coumarins
  • Volatile oil
  • Other constituents: Riboflavin, ascorbic acid, and amino acids

(1)

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Mechanism of Action

The triterpenes are reported to have adaptogenic and antihypertensive, as well as anti-allergic effects. In addition, they may inhibit tumor invasion by reducing matrix metalloproteinase expression (16) and tumor metastases by limiting attachment to endothelial cells (17). A number of polysaccharides present in reishi, such as beta glucans, have demonstrated antitumor and immunostimulating activities (18). They can induce the maturation of normal and leukemic monocytes into dendritic cells (19). The adenosine in reishi is thought responsible for the inhibition of platelet aggregation (11). Extracts of reishi have demonstrated the ability to stimulate macrophages and to alter the levels of TNF and interleukins (2) (3) (4) (5). Reishi can increase plasma antioxidant capacity (6) (7) and enhances immune response in advance-stage cancer patients (8). Furthermore, reishi extracts can inhibit 5-alpha reductase, an important enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and is upregulated in benign prostatic hyperplasia (9).

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Adverse Reactions

Case Reports
Two cases of hepatoxicity causing death in one case have been reported with use of powdered reishi mushroom (24) (25).
A case of chronic diarrhea was reported in a 49-year-old man with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma following prolonged consumption of powdered extract of resihi mushroom (26).

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Herb-Drug Interactions
  • Anticoagulant / Antiplatelets: Reishi may increase the risk of bleeding (12).
  • Immunosuppressants: Reishi can enhance the immune responses (8).
  • Chemotherapeutic Agents: Reishi can increase plasma antioxidant capacity, and in theory, can interact with chemotherapeutic agents that rely on free radicals (6).
  • Cytochrome P450 substrates: Reishi polysaccharides inhibit CYP2E1, CYP1A2, and CYP3A, and can affect the intracellular concentration of drugs metabolized by these enzymes (15).
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Herb Lab Interactions

May prolong INR, PT, and APTT (12).

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Literature Summary and Critique

Gao Y, et al. Effects of Ganopoly ( Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Extract) on the Immune Functions in Advanced-Stage Cancer Patients. Immunol Invest 2003;32(3): 201-15.
Thirty-four patients with advanced-stage cancer of various tissues were given 1800 mg of oral Ganopoly three times daily before meals for 12 weeks. Cytokines, T-cell subsets, and natural killer activity were measured to assess the effects of Ganopoly. Researchers found a significant increase in T-cell populations and NK activity at the 12-week period compared to baseline although the mechanism is unclear. More studies are needed to confirm these observations.


Noguchi M, et al. Randomized clinical trial of an ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Asian J Androl. Sep 2008;10(5):777-785.Because G. lucidum extracts have shown variable 5á-reductase inhibition, 88 men with slight-to-moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were given the G. lucidum extract (6 mg daily) that maximally inhibited 5á-reductase or placebo for 12 weeks. Improvements in LUTS as assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and urine flow variables were determined. In addition, prostate volume, residual urinary volume after voiding, and adverse effects were also measured. Participants who received the G. lucidum extract had improved IPSS as compared to the placebo group. In addition, no severe adverse effects were reported. Larger, long-term studies are required to determine if G. lucidum extracts could further improve LUTS as well as urinary flow in men with more severe LUTS.

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References
  1. Huang K. The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs. 2nd ed. New York: CRC Press; 1999.
  2. Chen HS, Tsai YF, Lin S, et al. Studies on the immuno-modulating and anti-tumor activities of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) polysaccharides. Bioorg Med Chem. Nov 1 2004;12(21):5595-5601.
  3. Gao Y, Zhou S, Wen J, et al. Mechanism of the antiulcerogenic effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on indomethacin-induced lesions in the rat. Life Sci. Dec 27 2002;72(6):731-745.
  4. Hsu MJ, Lee SS, Lin WW. Polysaccharide purified from Ganoderma lucidum inhibits spontaneous and Fas-mediated apoptosis in human neutrophils through activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt signaling pathway. J Leukoc Biol. Jul 2002;72(1):207-216.
  5. 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. Mar 17 1997;70(6):699-705.
  6. Wachtel-Galor S, Szeto YT, Tomlinson B, et al. Ganoderma lucidum ('Lingzhi'); acute and short-term biomarker response to supplementation. Int J Food Sci Nutr. Feb 2004;55(1):75-83.
  7. Wachtel-Galor S, Tomlinson B, Benzie IF. Ganoderma lucidum (“Lingzhi”), a Chinese medicinal mushroom: biomarker responses in a controlled human supplementation study. Br J Nutr. Feb 2004;91(2):263-269.
  8. 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. Aug 2003;32(3):201-215.
  9. Noguchi M, Kakuma T, Tomiyasu K, et al. Randomized clinical trial of an ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Asian J Androl. Sep 2008;10(5):777-785.
  10. Noguchi M, Kakuma T, Tomiyasu K, et al. Effect of an extract of Ganoderma lucidum in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized and dose-ranging study. Asian J Androl. Jul 2008;10(4):651-658.
  11. Hobbs C. Medicinal Mushrooms. 3rd ed. Loveland (OR): Interweave Press; 1996.
  12. Tao J, Feng KY. Experimental and clinical studies on inhibitory effect of ganoderma lucidum on platelet aggregation. J Tongji Med Univ. 1990;10(4):240-243.
  13. Wang CZ, Basila D, Aung HH, et al. Effects of ganoderma lucidum extract on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in a rat model. Am J Chin Med. 2005;33(5):807-815.
  14. Gill SK, Rieder MJ. Toxicity of a traditional Chinese medicine, Ganoderma lucidum, in children with cancer. Can J Clin Pharmacol. Summer 2008;15(2):e275-285.
  15. Wang X, Zhao X, Li D, et al. Effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide on CYP2E1, CYP1A2 and CYP3A activities in BCG-immune hepatic injury in rats. Biol Pharm Bull. Sep 2007;30(9):1702-1706.
  16. Chen NH, Liu JW, Zhong JJ. Ganoderic Acid me inhibits tumor invasion through down-regulating matrix metalloproteinases 2/9 gene expression. J Pharmacol Sci. Oct 2008;108(2):212-216.
  17. Li YB, Wang R, Wu HL, et al. Serum amyloid A mediates the inhibitory effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on tumor cell adhesion to endothelial cells. Oncol Rep. Sep 2008;20(3):549-556.
  18. Mao T, van De Water J, Keen CL, et al. Two mushrooms, Grifola frondosa and Ganoderma lucidum, can stimulate cytokine gene expression and proliferation in human T lymphocytes. Int J Immunother 1999;15(1):13-22.
  19. Chan WK, Cheung CC, Law HK, et al. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides can induce human monocytic leukemia cells into dendritic cells with immuno-stimulatory function. J Hematol Oncol. 2008;1(1):9.
  20. Noguchi M, Kakuma T, Tomiyasu K, et al. Effect of an extract of Ganoderma lucidum in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized and dose-ranging study. Asian J Androl. 2008 Jul;10(4):651-8.
  21. Weng CJ, Yen GC. The in vitro and in vivo experimental evidences disclose the chemopreventive effects of Ganoderma lucidum on cancer invasion and metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis. 2010 May;27(5):361-9.
  22. Kim KC, Jun HJ, Kim JS, Kim IG. Enhancement of radiation response with combined Ganoderma lucidum and Duchesnea chrysantha extracts in human leukemia HL-60 cells. Int J Mol Med. 2008 Apr;21(4):489-98.
  23. Gordan JD, Chay WY, Kelley RK, et al. “And what other medications are you taking?”. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Apr 10;29(11):e288-91.
  24. Yuen MF, Ip P, Ng WK, Lai CL. Hepatotoxicity due to a formulation of Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi). J Hepatol. 2004 Oct;41(4):686-7.
  25. Wanmuang H, Leopairut J, Kositchaiwat C, Wananukul W, Bunyaratvej S. Fatal fulminant hepatitis associated with Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) mushroom powder. J Med Assoc Thai. 2007 Jan;90(1):179-81.
  26. Wanachiwanawin D, Piankijagum A, Chaiprasert A, et al. Ganoderma lucidum: a cause of pseudoparasitosis. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2006 Nov;37(6):1099-102.
  27. Zhao S, Ye G, Fu G, Cheng JX, Yang BB, Peng C. Ganoderma lucidum exerts anti-tumor effects on ovarian cancer cells and enhances their sensitivity to cisplatin. Int J Oncol. 2011 May;38(5):1319-27.
  28. Pillai TG, John M, Sara Thomas G. Prevention of cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity by terpenes isolated from Ganoderma lucidum occurring in Southern Parts of India. Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2011 Jan;63(1-2):157-60.
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How It Works

Bottom Line: Reishi mushroom has antioxidant properties and may enhance immune responses.

Reishi mushroom contains complex sugars known as beta-glucans that stop the growth and prevent spreading of cancer cells. When animals were fed beta-glucans, some cells of their immune system become more active. Limited data from clinical studies suggest Reishi mushroom can strengthen the immune responses in humans.
In addition, reishi mushrooms contain sterols that can act as precursors to hormones in the body, along with substances called triterpenes that may have blood pressure-lowering and anti-allergy (anti-histamine) effects. Reishi mushrooms have also been shown to slow the process of blood clotting.

Reishi mushroom can cause toxicity in some immune cells. More studies are needed to show that it is safe and effective for cancer treatment.

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Purported Uses
  • To treat fatigue
    No scientific evidence supports this use.
  • To lower high cholesterol
    There are no data to back this claim.
  • To treat HIV and AIDS
    Laboratory studies suggest that reishi mushroom may stimulate certain cells of the immune system, but evidence is lacking on reishi's ability fight infections.
  • To lower high blood pressure
    Laboratory studies suggest that reishi mushroom may lower blood pressure. Human studies are lacking.
  • To stimulate the immune system
    Laboratory studies suggest that reishi mushroom may stimulate some cells of the immune system. A small clinical trial showed that reishi can enhance the immune responses in advanced-stage cancer patients. More studies are needed.
  • To reduce inflammation
    Laboratory studies suggest that reishi mushroom may have anti-histamine effects. This has not been tested in humans.
  • For increased strength and stamina
    No scientific evidence supports this use.
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Research Evidence

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)
LUTS is common in older men and usually involves problems with bladder filling or voiding. In a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study, 88 men with slight-to-moderate LUTS were given a Reishi extract (6 mg daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. Reishi extracts more greatly improved LUTS than the placebo. Also, no severe adverse effects were reported. Larger, long-term studies are needed to see if Reishi extracts can improve urinary flow in men with more severe LUTS.

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Do Not Take If
  • You are taking warfarin or other blood thinners (Reishi may increase the risk of bleeding).
  • You are on chemotherapy (Reishi may make some chemotherapy drugs less effective).
  • You are using immunosuppressants (Reishi can stimulate immune responses).
  • If you are taking drugs that are substrates of Cytochrome P450 2E1, 1A2, and 3A (Reishi may increase the risk of side effects of these drugs).
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Side Effects

Case Reports
Two cases of liver toxicity causing death in one case have been reported with use of powdered reishi mushroom.
A case of chronic diarrhea was reported in a 49-year-old man with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma following prolonged consumption of powdered extract of resihi mushroom.

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Dosage (Inside MSKCC Only)
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Aliases
Ganoderma
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Last updated: August 15, 2011