Reishi — Ganoderma lucidum

Common & Latin Names

Common names: Reishi, Lingzhi, Mushroom of Immortality, Lacquered polypore, Varnished conk Latin name: Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst. TCM name: Ling Zhi (灵芝) — “Spirit Plant” or “Divine Mushroom” Japanese: Reishi (霊芝), Mannentake (“10,000-year mushroom”) Korean: Yeongji (영지)

Plant Family & Parts Used

Family: Ganodermataceae (a family of bracket/shelf fungi) Note: Reishi is a fungus, not a plant. However, it is classified within herbal medicine traditions and treated as an herbal medicine in practice. Parts used: Fruiting body (the visible mushroom, a woody polypore bracket) and mycelium. The fruiting body contains higher concentrations of triterpenes (ganoderic acids), while mycelium-based products (grown on grain substrate) contain more polysaccharides but also residual grain starch. Spore preparations (cracked spore powder) contain concentrated triterpenes. Habitat: Grows on dead or dying hardwood trees (particularly oak, maple, elm, and plum) in temperate and subtropical forests worldwide. Rare in the wild — historically so rare that finding a reishi mushroom was considered an omen of divine favor. Now extensively cultivated, primarily in China, Japan, and Korea.

Traditional Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine (2,000+ years)

Ling Zhi is one of the most revered substances in TCM — classified in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as a superior herb (shang pin), meaning it “nourishes life” and can be taken indefinitely without toxicity. The classical text states: “If eaten customarily, it makes your body light and young, lengthens your life, and turns you into one like the immortal who never dies.”

Six colors of Ling Zhi were traditionally described (red, black, blue, white, yellow, purple), each associated with different organs and therapeutic actions. Red Ling Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum) — the most commonly studied — is associated with the Heart, calming Shen, and supplementing Qi.

Classical TCM indications:

• Shen disturbance: Insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, poor memory, dream-disturbed sleep
• Qi and Blood deficiency: Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, palpitations
• Cough and asthma: Wheezing, chronic cough, dyspnea
• Heart Qi deficiency: Palpitations, chest oppression, cardiac weakness

Japanese Tradition

Reishi (the Japanese reading of the Chinese characters) has been used in Kampo medicine and folk practice for longevity, immune support, and spiritual development. In Shinto tradition, reishi is associated with divine energy.

Taoist Spiritual Practice

In Taoist alchemy, reishi is considered a Shen tonic — a substance that nourishes the spirit (Shen), one of the Three Treasures (Jing/essence, Qi/energy, Shen/spirit). Reishi is depicted in Taoist art holding a place of honor alongside cranes, peaches, and pine trees — all symbols of immortality.

Active Compounds & Pharmacology

Primary Phytochemicals

Triterpenes (Ganoderic acids): Over 150 triterpenoid compounds have been identified. These are unique to Ganoderma species and include:

• Ganoderic acids A, B, C, D, F, etc.: Anti-inflammatory (NF-kB inhibition, histamine release suppression), hepatoprotective, anti-allergic, anti-tumor (topoisomerase inhibition, apoptosis induction), ACE-inhibitory (blood pressure lowering).
• Ganoderic acids are responsible for the intensely bitter taste of high-quality reishi. Bitterness indicates quality — sweet or mild reishi products likely have low triterpene content.

Polysaccharides (Beta-glucans): High-molecular-weight beta-1,3/1,6-glucans and heteropolysaccharides with potent immunomodulatory activity. These are the primary immune-active compounds.

• Activate macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells via Dectin-1 and TLR-2/6 receptor pathways
• Enhance T-cell and B-cell function
• Stimulate cytokine production (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) in a modulatory rather than purely stimulatory pattern

Ganoderma polysaccharide peptides (GLPs): Protein-bound polysaccharides with enhanced immunomodulatory and anti-tumor activity.

Nucleosides and nucleotides: Adenosine, guanosine — contribute to sedative, antiplatelet, and muscle-relaxant effects.

Sterols: Ergosterol (provitamin D2), ganoderol — anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering.

Mechanisms of Action

1. Immune Modulation (Bidirectional): Reishi’s polysaccharides enhance innate immunity (macrophage activation, NK cell cytotoxicity, dendritic cell maturation) while ganoderic acids modulate adaptive immunity (shifting Th2-dominant patterns toward Th1, reducing allergic/autoimmune over-reactivity). This bidirectional modulation — enhancing immune surveillance against pathogens and cancer while calming allergic and autoimmune over-responses — is reishi’s defining pharmacological characteristic.

2. Anti-tumor Activity: Multiple mechanisms — direct cytotoxicity (ganoderic acids induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines), immune enhancement (NK cell and cytotoxic T-cell activation), anti-angiogenesis (inhibition of tumor blood vessel formation), and anti-metastasis (inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases). Reishi is NOT a cancer treatment — it is an adjunctive agent that supports immune surveillance and may enhance conventional therapy outcomes.

3. Hepatoprotection: Ganoderic acids protect hepatocytes from toxic damage, enhance glutathione synthesis, and reduce hepatic fibrosis markers.

4. Shen (Spirit) Calming: The nucleosides (particularly adenosine) and triterpenes produce mild sedative and anxiolytic effects. This mechanism underlies the classical TCM indication for insomnia and anxiety.

5. Anti-inflammatory: NF-kB inhibition, COX-2 inhibition, histamine release suppression, complement inhibition. Broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory activity.

6. Cardiovascular: ACE inhibition (blood pressure), antiplatelet activity, cholesterol reduction (via HMG-CoA reductase inhibition and bile acid excretion enhancement).

Clinical Evidence

Key Studies

Wachtel-Galor, S., Yuen, J., Buswell, J.A., & Benzie, I.F.F. (2011). “Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom.” In: Benzie, I.F.F., Wachtel-Galor, S., editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis.

• Comprehensive review of pharmacology and clinical evidence
• Summarized evidence for immune modulation, anti-tumor activity, cardiovascular benefits, hepatoprotection, and anti-diabetic effects
• Noted that most clinical evidence is from Chinese-language journals with variable methodological quality

Jin, X., Ruiz Beguerie, J., Sze, D.M., & Chan, G.C. (2012). “Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (6), CD007731.

• Cochrane review of 5 RCTs (373 cancer patients)
• Results: Reishi could stimulate host immunity when given alongside conventional cancer treatment. Patients given reishi were 1.27 times more likely to respond to chemo/radiotherapy (though this was not statistically significant). Reishi enhanced NK cell activity and CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratios. Improved quality of life in some studies.
• Conclusion: Insufficient high-quality evidence to recommend reishi as a first-line cancer treatment, but supportive evidence for adjunctive use.

Sanodiya, B.S., Thakur, G.S., Baghel, R.K., Prasad, G.B., & Bisen, P.S. (2009). “Ganoderma lucidum: A Potent Pharmacological Macrofungus.” Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 10(8), 717-742.

• Comprehensive review documenting anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-allergic, anti-microbial, and cardiovascular effects.

Tang, W., Gao, Y., Chen, G., et al. (2005). “A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract in neurasthenia.” Journal of Medicinal Food, 8(1), 53-58.

• 132 patients with neurasthenia (chronic fatigue with neuropsychiatric symptoms), polysaccharide extract vs placebo for 8 weeks
• Results: Significant improvements in fatigue scores and well-being (p<0.05).

Therapeutic Applications

Conditions

• Immune modulation (cancer adjunct, chronic infections, immunodeficiency, autoimmune modulation)
• Allergies and asthma (anti-histaminic, immune-rebalancing)
• Insomnia and anxiety (Shen-calming)
• Chronic fatigue
• Cardiovascular support (hypertension, hyperlipidemia)
• Liver protection (hepatitis, toxic exposure)
• Cancer adjunctive support (alongside conventional treatment)
• Longevity and anti-aging (the traditional primary indication)

Dosage Ranges

• Dried fruiting body powder: 1.5-9g daily (TCM standard range)
• Standardized extract (polysaccharide-enriched): 1-3g daily
• Triterpene-enriched extract: 500mg-2g daily (for anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects)
• Dual extract (hot water + alcohol extraction, capturing both polysaccharides and triterpenes): 1-3g daily — this is the most comprehensive preparation
• Spore powder (cracked): 1-3g daily (concentrated triterpenes)
• Decoction (traditional): 3-15g dried sliced reishi simmered in water for 2+ hours (the mushroom is woody and requires prolonged extraction)
• Tincture (1:5 dual extraction): 2-4mL, 2-3 times daily

Quality Considerations

Look for products that specify fruiting body (not mycelium on grain), beta-glucan content (polysaccharides), triterpene content (ganoderic acids), and extraction method. Bitterness indicates triterpene content. Products that are not bitter likely contain insufficient active triterpenes.

Safety & Contraindications

Generally Safe

Reishi has been consumed for over 2,000 years and is classified as a superior herb in TCM (safe for long-term use). Clinical trials report minimal adverse events.

Contraindications

• Active bleeding or upcoming surgery: Reishi has antiplatelet and anticoagulant activity. Discontinue 2 weeks before surgery.
• Thrombocytopenia: May worsen low platelet counts.
• Organ transplant patients on immunosuppressants: Immune enhancement may counteract anti-rejection therapy.
• Pregnancy and lactation: Insufficient modern safety data, despite traditional use.

Drug Interactions

• Anticoagulants/antiplatelets: Additive bleeding risk.
• Immunosuppressants: May counteract effects.
• Antihypertensives: Additive blood pressure lowering.
• Chemotherapy: Potential for both beneficial (enhanced efficacy) and detrimental (altered drug metabolism) interactions. Use only with oncologist awareness.

Energetics

TCM Classification

• Temperature: Neutral (some sources say slightly warm)
• Flavor: Sweet, slightly bitter
• Meridian entry: Heart, Lung, Liver, Kidney (broad organ affinity)
• Actions: Tonifies Qi, nourishes Blood, calms Shen, stops cough and arrests wheezing, tonifies Lung Qi
• TCM pattern correspondence: Heart Qi and Blood Deficiency with Shen disturbance — the tired, anxious, insomniac patient with palpitations and poor memory. Also Lung Qi Deficiency — chronic cough, asthma, frequent infections, weak voice.

Ayurvedic Classification (Modern Integration)

• Rasa: Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter)
• Virya: Neutral to slightly warming
• Vipaka: Madhura (sweet)
• Dosha effects: Tridoshic. Calms Vata (anxiolytic, grounding), reduces Pitta (anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective), does not aggravate Kapha (neutral temperature, immune-enhancing).

Functional Medicine Integration

Immune Modulation Protocol

Reishi is the cornerstone mushroom in FM immune protocols. Its bidirectional modulation makes it appropriate for both immunodeficiency (frequent infections, poor NK cell function, cancer risk) and immune over-activation (allergies, autoimmunity, chronic inflammation). This versatility is unmatched among single agents.

Cancer Support Protocol

As adjunctive support alongside conventional cancer treatment: reishi enhances NK cell activity, improves quality of life, reduces fatigue, and may enhance treatment response. Always used WITH oncologist knowledge, never as replacement therapy.

HPA Axis Protocol

Reishi’s Shen-calming effects and Qi-tonifying properties make it valuable in Stage 3 HPA dysfunction where fatigue, insomnia, and immune suppression coexist. It addresses the immune collapse that often accompanies chronic cortisol dysregulation.

Allergy and Autoimmune Protocol

Ganoderic acids suppress histamine release and shift Th2-dominant immune patterns toward Th1 — directly addressing the immunological imbalance underlying allergies and many autoimmune conditions.

Four Directions Connection

Primary Direction: Eagle (East — Spiritual Vision)

Reishi is supremely the Eagle’s mushroom. Its Chinese name — Ling Zhi, “Spirit Plant” — announces its domain. In Taoist tradition, reishi nourishes Shen — the spirit that resides in the Heart and enables clarity, wisdom, and connection to the divine. The Eagle sees from the highest point, perceiving the pattern that connects all things. Reishi, through its calming of the spirit and enhancement of immune intelligence (the immune system as the body’s intelligence network), serves this highest vision. The Taoist immortals depicted holding reishi represent the Eagle’s promise: that through cultivation of spirit, one transcends the ordinary and perceives the extraordinary.

Secondary Direction: Serpent (South — Physical Body)

Immune enhancement, hepatoprotection, and cardiovascular support serve the Serpent’s domain of physical resilience and embodied health.

Tertiary: Hummingbird (North — Soul Journey)

Reishi’s association with longevity and the soul’s long journey — the 10,000-year mushroom — resonates with the Hummingbird’s teaching of sustained pilgrimage through life.

References

1. Wachtel-Galor, S., Yuen, J., Buswell, J.A., & Benzie, I.F.F. (2011). Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi). In Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd ed. CRC Press.

2. Jin, X., Ruiz Beguerie, J., Sze, D.M., & Chan, G.C. (2012). Ganoderma lucidum for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (6), CD007731.

3. Sanodiya, B.S., et al. (2009). Ganoderma lucidum: A Potent Pharmacological Macrofungus. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 10(8), 717-742.

4. Tang, W., et al. (2005). A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract in neurasthenia. Journal of Medicinal Food, 8(1), 53-58.

5. Boh, B., Berovic, M., Zhang, J., & Zhi-Bin, L. (2007). Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds. Biotechnology Annual Review, 13, 265-301.

6. Cör, D., Knez, Z., & Knez Hrnčič, M. (2018). Antitumour, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Antiacetylcholinesterase Effect of Ganoderma Lucidum Terpenoids and Polysaccharides: A Review. Molecules, 23(3), 649.

7. Wasser, S.P. (2005). Reishi or Ling Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum). Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements, 1, 603-622.