Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Overview

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), known as the “mushroom of immortality,” is one of Asia’s most revered medicinal fungi.
Rich in polysaccharides, triterpenes, and bioactive peptides, it acts as a comprehensive adaptogen that:

strengthens immune defense,
reduces oxidative stress,
supports nervous system balance,
and promotes restorative sleep.

What the Evidence Shows

Domain	Evidence Level	Observed Effects
Immunity	Moderate to high	Activates macrophages, T cells, and NK cells; improves immune responsiveness.
Stress & fatigue	Moderate	Reduces fatigue associated with chronic stress.
Inflammation & oxidation	High	Lowers pro-inflammatory cytokines and protects cells from oxidative damage.
Sleep & anxiety	Preliminary	Improves calmness and sleep quality.

Overall: moderate to high, consistent effects on immunity and oxidative balance.

Mechanism of Action

Polysaccharides: modulate immunity (macrophage activation, cytokine regulation).
Triterpenes (ganoderic acids): reduce inflammation and protect the liver.
Peptides & sterols: regulate oxidative stress and improve sleep.
Adaptogenic action: balances the nervous and endocrine systems under prolonged stress.

💊 Dosage & Forms

Form	Typical Dose	Standardization	Timing
Standardized extract	500–1500 mg/day	10–30% polysaccharides	Morning or evening
Whole mushroom powder	1–3 g/day	Non-standardized	Tea or smoothie form
Combined formulas	Reishi + Cordyceps / Ashwagandha	Global vitality and resilience	—

💡 Tip: Taking Reishi in the evening promotes relaxation and sleep, while morning use supports vitality and endurance.

Useful Synergies

Combination	Main Effect
Reishi + Ashwagandha	Stress resilience and nervous balance.
Reishi + Cordyceps	Immunity and mitochondrial energy.
Reishi + Rhodiola	Mental clarity and endurance.
Reishi + Curcumin	Enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power.

🟢 Proven Benefits

Boosts innate immune function (NK cells, macrophages).
Reduces oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
Promotes deep, restorative sleep and emotional calm.
Supports liver detoxification and cellular longevity.

🟡 Still Under Study

Effects vary by strain and triterpene content.
Limited clinical data on vitality and sleep.
Requires consistent use for 4–8 weeks for full benefits.

⚠️ Risks & Interactions

Consult a healthcare professional if you are taking anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, or are pregnant.
May cause dry mouth or mild digestive discomfort.
May enhance the effects of immunostimulants and anticoagulants.
Avoid combining with warfarin or corticosteroids without medical supervision.

✅ Quality Tips

Choose a dual extract (water + alcohol) to capture both polysaccharides and triterpenes.
Prefer products from Japan, China, or the USA (controlled cultivation).
Avoid untested powders (possible heavy metal contamination).
Store in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Sources

https://ods.od.nih.gov/
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html
https://examine.com/supplements/reishi/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30585335/
PubMed (30585335) — Review on Reishi and immune modulation
Examine.com — Reishi Overview
NIH/ODS — Medicinal Mushrooms
Health Canada — Mushroom Extract Safety Sheet