For more than 4,000 years, traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine have included Ganoderma lucidum as a remedy to promote longevity and treat asthma, cough, fatigue and liver disorders, according to Drugs.com. More commonly known as reishi or Lingzhi, this large, woody mushroom is used by some patients with cancer or HIV as an immune system booster, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). Most side effects are mild.
Most Common Effects
The most common side effects associated with Ganoderma lucidum are dizziness, dry nose and throat, headache, and skin irritation that may involve itching or a rash. A small percentage of patients experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort when taking Ganoderma lucidum, according to the MSKCC. Symptoms may include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Ganoderma lucidum may lower blood sugar levels or blood pressure, so people taking medications for these purposes should be cautious about taking reishi supplements, Healthline says.
Abnormal Bleeding
Ganoderma lucidum contains a component called adenosine, which may inhibit platelet aggregation and lead to blood thinning, the MSKCC says. This can lead to prolonged bleeding from even minor injuries, or to gastric bleeding such as that involved with ulcers. People with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant medications or herbs should be cautious about using Ganoderma lucidum supplements.
Liver Damage
An extremely rare, serious side effect of Ganoderma lucidum powder involves liver damage, as noted by a study published in the January 2007 issue of the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. In 2004, a patient from Hong Kong experienced liver toxicity after taking this type of preparation, and the study authors encountered a case of fatal hepatitis in 2005 after a patient took a similar preparation. Both had used the powder for one to two months, and neither had experienced toxic effects when previously taking Ganoderma lucidum in a traditional boiled form.
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