Ganoderma lucidum, or reishi mushroom, is a fungus used in oriental medicine. The fruiting body of this mushroom is used medicinally. Research has shown that Ganoderma lucidum possesses hypoglycemic properties, according to Drugs.com. If you have diabetes, consult your doctor before taking Ganoderma lucidum or any other herbal supplements.
Antioxidant Effects
Ganoderma lucidum extract improves the functional state of pancreatic cells in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, according to a 2003 study published in "Life Sciences" journal. Alloxan, a crystalline compound, acts through the generation of reactive oxygen species to induce diabetes in rats. The researchers involved in this study concluded that Ganoderma lucidum provides profound protection to pancreatic cells from damage by reactive oxygen species, commonly called free radicals.
Polysaccharides
There are some clinical trials supporting the hypoglycemic activity of Ganoderma lucidum. Polysaccharides such as fructosans and saccharose are the main bioactive ingredients found in Ganoderma lucidum. Yihuai Gao, a professor of food science at Massey University in New Zealand, and colleagues have shown that the polysaccharide fraction of Ganoderma lucidum improves blood sugar control in type 2 diabetic patients. Their findings were published online in 2004 in "The International Journal for Medicinal Mushrooms."
Insulin Resistance
A 2007 study conducted by X. Zhou, a professor of plant biotechnology at the Fudan University in China, and colleagues reported that Ganoderma lucidum could lower blood glucose concentrations by increasing the production insulin in the pancreas. The analysis of this experiment, published in "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine" further determined that Ganoderma lucidum exhibits antioxidative properties and can ameliorate insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients. Insulin resistance is a medical condition in which the body cannot properly use the insulin being produced by the pancreas.
Side Effects
Side effects from Ganoderma lucidum can include dizziness, dry mouth, stomach upset, nosebleed, bone pain, skin irritation, diarrhea and constipation. Ganoderma lucidum has an effect on platelet aggregation. Low platelets could increase your chance of bleeding. If you are being treated with blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and warfarin, consult your doctor before taking Ganoderma lucidum supplements.
References
- "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine"; Ganodermataceae: Natural Products and Their Related Pharmacological Functions; X. Zhou, et al.; 2007
- Drugs.com; Reishi Mushroom; 2009
- "Life Sciences"; In Vitro and in Vivo Protective Effect of Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides on Alloxan-induced Pancreatic Islets Damage; Hui-Na Zhanga, et al.; September 2003
- "International Journal for Medicinal Mushrooms"; A Phase I/II Study of Ling Zhi Mushroom Ganoderma Lucidum (W.Curt.:Fr.)Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus; Yihuai Gao, et al; 2004
