Ganoderma lucidum is a large mushroom with a woody texture, and is commonly called lingzhi or reishi. It has a role in traditional Chinese medicine, and people have historically considered the mushroom a health tonic that promotes longevity, according to a study in the "Journal of Hematology and Oncology." Lingzhi contains polysaccharides and triterpenes that show potential for medicinal use.
Anticancer Activity
Laboratory studies indicate that lingzhi has anticancer activity, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Triterpenes in lingzhi may inhibit tumor invasion and the spread of cancer to other areas of the body, known as metastasis. In addition, some lingzhi polysaccharides, such as beta glucans, have shown anti-tumor and immune-boosting properties. The "Journal of Hematology & Oncology" notes that the ingzhi triterpenes kill cancer cells outright while the polysaccharide anticancer effects appear to result from immune system stimulation. "BMC Genomics" says reishi extract appears to have anti-proliferative effects on many cancers, including acute myelogenous leukemia and cancers affecting the lung, breast, colon, bladder and prostate. Dried ganoderma lucidum powder was recommended as a cancer chemotherapy agent in traditional Chinese medicine, according to "Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications."
Enhanced Immunity for Cancer Patients
Laboratory studies have determined that the ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide, or GLPS, extract fractions show strong anti-tumor activity connected with the immune-boosting effects of GLPS, as noted by "Immunological Investigations." The study investigated the effects of these fractions, called ganopoly, on immune function of patients with advanced-stage cancer. After taking 1,800 mg of ganopoly three times per day for 12 weeks, patients experienced significantly enhanced immune responses.
Benefits for Men with BPH
Lingzhi extracts can inhibit an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This enzyme shows increased activity in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, according to Sloan-Kettering. High levels of dihydrotestosterone can worsen BPH.
Blood-Thinning Properties
The "Journal of Tongji Medical University" found that ganoderma lucidum inhibited blood platelet aggregation, or clumping, in human study participants. This is the beneficial effect of some anticoagulant medications, commonly called blood thinners, that can prevent strokes and heart attack in patients at increased risk.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Reishi Mushroom
- Journal of Hematology and Oncology: Ganoderma Lucidum Polysaccharides Can Induce Human Monocytic Leukemia Cells Into Dendritic Cells With Immuno-Stimulatory Function
- BMC Genomics: Ganoderma Lucidum Polysaccharides in Human Monocytic Leukemia Cells
- Immunological Investigations: Effects of Ganopoly on the Immune Functions in Advanced-Stage Cancer Patients
- Journal of Tongji Medical University: Experimental and Clinical Studies on Inhibitory Effect of Ganoderma Lucidum on Platelet Aggregation
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