Reishi mushroom, known scientifically as Ganoderma lucidum, is a medicinal fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is widely consumed as a food. Reishi mushroom has also found its way into the preparation of drugs. It possesses immunomodulatory and anti-tumor activities. Reishi mushroom may have adverse side effects or interact with prescription medications you are taking. For these reasons, you should consult your doctor before you decide to use reishi mushroom supplements.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects from the use of reishi mushroom include dizziness, dry mouth, nosebleed, bone pain, skin irritation, diarrhea and constipation. Reishi mushroom may also cause stomach upset if taken in large amounts. There are no long-term studies regarding its safety for pregnant and lactating women. Avoid reishi mushroom during your pregnancy and breastfeeding until more information is available.
Blood-Thinning Properties
Reishi mushroom impairs platelet aggregations and could increase the risk of bleeding, Drugs.com notes. Therefore, people with bleeding disorders and those who use anticoagulant, or blood-thinning, medications such as warfarin and aspirin should not take reishi mushroom supplements without first talking to their physicians.
Pancytopenia
Pancytopenia is a rare but serious adverse effect of reishi mushroom consumption. It is characterized by the reduction in the number of cell elements in your blood. Pancytopenia usually occurs as a result of bone-marrow failure.
Clinical Trials
S.M. Wicks and colleagues at the University of Chicago conducted a small placebo-controlled trial to see whether reishi mushroom would cause adverse side effects. The results of this experiment were published in "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine" in 2007. It was found that 4 g daily of reishi mushroom extract caused no significant adverse effects or interactions with prescription medications. However, a study this small does not mean much on its own. More studies need to be done to establish the safety of reishi mushroom.
References
- Drugs: Reishi Mushroom
- "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine": Safety and Tolerability of Ganoderma Lucidum in Healthy Subjects: a Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial; S.M. Wicks et al; 2007
- "Clinical Toxicology": Reversible Pancytopenia Following the Consumption of Decoction of Ganoderma Neojaponicum Imazeki; Y.H. Yoon et al; February 2011
