Reishi mushroom is a beneficial herbal medicine used for treating liver diseases and promoting liver health in both Western and Eastern countries. Traditional Chinese medicine has used reishi as an important tonic and revitalizing agent for hundreds of years, and it is prescribes to treat hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. If you suffer from liver problems or take prescription medications, consult with a doctor before taking reishi mushroom products.
History
Reishi mushroom has been used for medicinal purposes in China and Japan for hundreds of years, and in ancient Chinese the reishi mushroom was known as "lingzhi," meaning the "spirit plant." According to Georges Halpern, PhD, author of "Healing Mushrooms," the reishi mushroom was first mentioned in 500 CE in a Chinese medical text, which described the use of the mushroom in restoring vitality and promoting cognitive function. Modern herbalists now prescribe reishi mushrooms to treat chronic fatigue, poor immune function, coughs, liver disease and diabetes.
Chemistry
Reishi mushrooms contain a rich spectrum of chemistry and nutrition that benefit human health. Some of the most well known chemicals include beta-glucan, triterpenoids, lucidenic acid and ganoderic acid, but also peptides, antioxidants, protein and enzymes have been found in these mushrooms. Reishi mushrooms also contain calcium, magnesium and potassium, and they are a source of dietary fiber -- though the tripterpenoids make reishi too bitter for easy palatability. Reishi contains no known chemicals that are harmful or toxic to the liver.
Research
Some studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of reishi mushrooms on the liver. In a study published in "The Journal of Ethnopharmacology" in 2008, researchers from the Huazhong Agricultural University in China investigated the effects of reishi mushroom on the livers of mice. Reishi mushrooms had a significant action on the animal livers, protecting and healing liver tissues damaged by harmful chemicals. At a dosage of 180 mg per kilogram of body weight, peptides from reishi mushroom were able to restore the health of injured liver tissues to near normal. Researchers concluded that the findings supported the traditional uses of reishi mushrooms in treating diseases of the liver, although more research is required to confirm the results in human patients.
Safety and Toxicity
While reishi mushrooms are considered to be a safe and nontoxic medicinal mushroom, some cases of adverse reactions have been reported. According to Drug Information Online, side effects from taking reishi mushrooms have included dizziness, digestive problems, nosebleeds, skin irritation and dry mouth. No cases of liver dysfunction or disease in relation to taking reishi mushrooms have been reported. Reishi mushrooms can cause platelet inhibition, so if you are taking medications for blood clotting or any other prescription drugs, consult with your doctor before purchasing reishi products.
References
- Reishi.com: Nourishing Herbs That Calm the Shen (Spirit); John Chen, Tina Chen; 2004
- "Mdidea": Reishi Mushroom
- "Healing Mushrooms"; Georges Halpern; 2007
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Hepatoprotective Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum Peptides Against D-Galactosamine-Induced Liver Injury in Mice; Y. Shi, et al; 2008
- "Drug Information Online": Reishi
