The Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, and Ling zhi in China, is reported to have many medicinal benefits. Although the Reishi mushroom can be different colors, it is the red Reishi that is the most beneficial medicinally. The Reishi mushroom is a kidney-shaped fungus that grows in Asia on the plum tree. Due to it's wide use for different ailments, Reishi is now grown commercially in Asia and the U.S.
Immunolgical Benefits
Polysaccharides in the Reishi mushroom, have been studied and found to help strengthen the immune systems of cancer and HIV patients, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Studies involving the use of a Reishi polysaccharide extract, have shown it to be potentially beneficial for cancer patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. The extract seems to boost immune system functioning in these patients, says the "Susan G. Komen For The Cure" website.
Cancer Treatment
According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, polysaccharides in the Reishi mushroom, in particular, Beta-D-glucan, may be of benefit in treating cancer and tumors. They also say that the triterpenes, or ganoderic acids in Reishi may help prevent tumor growth or spead. These triterpenes might act by interfering with the tumor's ability to grow on certain cells.
Relaxation Effects
The ganoderic acids found in the Reishi may also account for it's reported calming effects. Reishi may be beneficial for treating high blood pressure, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The "Susan G. Komen For The Cure" breast cancer website discuss the possible benefits of Reishi, and say that Reishi was used by Chinese monks for it's relaxing effects, but say that more research is needed to determine if Reishi is beneficial for hypertension.
Respiratory Regulation
According to the "Guide to Reishi Mushrooms", the ganoderic acids in the Reishi fungus, may also be helpful for combating allergic reactions, including asthma. A study published in the July 2009 "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," found that a Chinese herbal product known as ASHMI, containing Reishi extract, was effective for controlling asthma. While more studies are needed, Reishi extract is beginning to show promise in helping to alleviate respiratory inflammation.
References
- Guide to Reishi Mushrooms
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Cancer Information: Integrative Medicine: About Herbs: Reishi Mushroom
- "Safety and tolerability of an antiasthma herbal Formula (ASHMI) in adult subjects with asthma: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation phase I study"; Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine; Kristin Kelly-Pieper, Sangita P. Patil, Paula Busse, Nan Yang, Hugh Sampson, Xiu-Min Li, Juan P. Wisnivesky, Meyer Kattan; 2009.
- Susan G. Komen For The Cure: Understanding Breast Cancer: Complementary Tharapies: Reishi Mushroom
