Ganoderma lucidum is more commonly called reishi mushroom, ling zhi or ling chi. Ganoderma is a type of mushroom that's used medicinally for a variety of purposes, but most commonly for its potential adaptogenic effects to improve the body's resistance to stress. You might also take ganoderma fungus to help treat different health conditions or support your immune system. Before you begin taking ganoderma, talk with your doctor about the possible effects and safety concerns during pregnancy.
Identification
Ganoderma lucidum is a type of mushroom that grows mostly on dead and decaying logs or tree stumps, says the University of Michigan Health System. The mushroom is native to parts of China, but it's also cultivated in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and North America. In traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, ganoderma was considered somewhat magical in its medicinal properties and considered more powerful in treating serious diseases than ginseng, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Function
Ganoderma contains polysaccharides, volatile oils, coumarins, glucosides, alkaloids, lipids, proteinase triterpenes, sterols and fungal lysozyme, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Specifically, the triterpenes appear to provide the adaptogenic effects. The constituents like the polysaccharides in ganoderma also seem to offer blood pressure-lowering, anti-allergic, antitumor and blood-thinning effects. Ganoderma may have anticancer, antidiabetic, sedative and antiviral properties, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Ganoderma mushrooms seem to modulate the immune system, meaning that it helps to control the immune system's response. The ganodermic acids in reishi mushrooms can lower LDL or "bad cholesterol" levels as well, says the University of Michigan Health System.
Uses
Ganoderma's various functions have made the remedy a potential herbal treatment for a wide variety of health conditions, although none appear to directly relate to pregnancy. Reishi may help treat conditions like hepatitis, infections, high blood pressure, diabetes and altitude sickness, says the University of Michigan Health System. Ganoderma could help if you have or are at risk for having cancer, as well as if you have insomnia, ulcers or multiple sclerosis, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Ganoderma could help to improve your mental and immune-system function, as well as treat autoimmune diseases. Other possible uses for ganoderma include supporting treatments for HIV/AIDS, improving physical stamina and strength, lowering cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation and combating fatigue, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. No conclusive medical research supports the use of ganoderma for any health purpose, however.
Considerations
No scientific evidence has proven ganoderma's safety during pregnancy or while breast-feeding, warns the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Therefore, you shouldn't take ganoderma without first consulting your physician, stresses the University of Michigan Health System. Also, ganoderma could impair blood clotting, so you shouldn't take reishi mushrooms prior to or right after labor and delivery to prevent bleeding.
Warning
You might experience side effects like nosebleeds, gastrointestinal upset, dry mouth and dizziness while taking ganoderma, says the University of Michigan Health System. Ganoderma's effects on pregnant women is unknown. Also, reishi mushroom can interact negatively with certain medications, such as blood-thinners like aspirin and Coumadin, warns the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Ganoderma could also interfere with blood pressure medications for treating hypertension, immunosuppressants and chemotherapy drugs, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
