Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that causes breathing problems, wheezing and coughing. It occurs when the lungs and airways become inflamed and constricted following exposure to a trigger, examples of which may include stress, cold air, dust or environmental pollutants. It is usually managed successfully with prescription drugs that reduce inflammation and help the airways to relax. Ganoderma, a type of mushroom, might also have ant-inflammatory effects, although there is little scientific evidence to suggest it is an effective asthma treatment. Get medical advice before using it.
Properties
Ganoderma, also known as reishi mushroom or the mushroom of immortality, contains a host of active ingredients including ganoderic acids and sterols and is used as an complementary treatment for a number of medical conditions including cancer, hypertension and HIV. It might also help to reduce inflammation and might also have anti-allergic effects, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. It may also reduce airway hypersensitivity.
Scientific Evidence
There is very little scientific research into the effects of ganoderma on asthma. However, the results of an animal study published in the "Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection" in December 2003, found that it reduced airway inflammation in mice. Findings from a subsequent study published in the "International Archives of Allergy and Immunology" in December 2007 also found that ganoderma extract had anti-inflammatory effects in asthmatic mice. Human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Safety Considerations
Mississippi Baptist Health Systems notes that since ganoderma is a common food in Asia, it is generally regarded as safe. However, there is a small chance it may cause liver toxicity. It might hinder blood clotting so don't use ganoderma if you have a bleeding disorder or take anticoagulant drugs. Also avoid using it alongside drugs that suppress the immune system or chemotherapeutic agents. If you feel unwell while using ganoderma, see your doctor.
Administration
Since ganoderma is not a standard treatment for asthma, guidance regarding a suitable dose for this condition is lacking. However, Mississippi Baptist Health Systems states that a typical dosage is 2 g to 6 g per day of raw fungus, daily. Ganoderma extract is also available in capsules or as a liquid tincture. Ask your doctor to advise you regarding a suitable dose and do not use it in place of your asthma medicines.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asthma
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Reishi Mushroom
- "Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection"; Effectiveness of Dp2 Nasal Therapy for Dp2- Induced Airway Inflammation in Mice: Using Oral Ganoderma Lucidum as an Immunomodulator; Y.H. Liu, et al.; December 2003
- "International Archives of Allergy and Immunology"; Effects of Triterpenoid-Rich Extracts of Ganoderma Tsugae on Airway Hyperreactivity and Th2 Responses in Vivo; M.L.Chen and B.F. Lin; December 2007
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Reishi Mushroom
