Ganoderma lucidum, commonly referred to as “lingzhi in China and “reishi in Japan”, is an effective medicinal fungus with multiple applications, including treating cardiometabolic conditions. Studies have demonstrated its active compounds can significantly decrease cardiovascular risk factors.

G. lucidum can also help strengthen immune systems by modulating inflammation within white blood cells of cancer patients, though more research needs to be conducted into its benefits for healthy adults.

Anti-cancer

Ganoderma lucidum, commonly referred to as Lingzhi mushrooms, have long been used as medicinal and functional food ingredients in Chinese herbal medicine and other Asian countries for over 2000 years. They have long been touted for strengthening immunity, improving quality of life and increasing longevity – however recent laboratory research and preclinical trials suggest Ganoderma may help support immune functions of cancer patients as well.

This macrofungus flourishes on stumps and decaying logs of deciduous trees like maples, elms, oaks, willows and sweetgums in temperate forests in Asia, Europe and North America. It has multiporous skin that typically appears reddish or yellow and a distinctive kidney-shaped cap covered with shiny membrane. Sometimes there may be white, black and purple spots visible within it too!

Researchers have discovered a variety of anti-cancer compounds in Ganoderma, such as triterpenoids, polysaccharides, sterols and proteins, that may aid cancer treatments. Although not fully characterized or tested yet, one bioactive substance known to directly suppress tumor cell growth is ganoderic acids – another component found in Ganoderma that researchers believe may aid with cancer prevention.

Ganoderma contains germanium, which has been found to possess antimutagenic, antitumor and immuno-enhancing properties. Furthermore, Zhi-8 protein found within Ganoderma exhibited immunomodulatory activity. Furthermore, combination of GTE and GLE inhibited adhesion migration invasion of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by suppressing secretion of Urokinase Plasminogen Activator (uPA). This indicates that these Ganoderic acids could potentially be combined with other therapeutic compounds to boost their anticancer effects further.

Anti-aging

Ganoderma lucidum contains triterpenes, polysaccharides, peptides and other bioactive compounds with anti-ageing benefits that include triterpenes, polysaccharides, peptides and immunomodulatory properties such as stimulating white blood cell proliferation and increasing expression of cytokines – helping combat infection as well as certain types of cancer. In addition, this plant boasts high concentrations of germanium which has antioxidant and antimutagenic activities; furthermore it provides high amounts of vitamin C and E; additionally it acts as an excellent source of beta carotene.

Studies conducted recently demonstrated that Ganoderma Polysaccharide Peptide (GLP) improved liver and brain tissue antioxidant enzyme levels such as SOD, Mn-SOD, CAT and GSH as well as decreasing levels of lipid peroxidation, apoptosis and protein damage caused by oxidative stress. Additionally, GLP inhibited both in vitro and in vivo inflammation mediator release.

Another study concluded that GLP can effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation by binding with free-hydroxy acids (free?OH) and chelating metals, decreasing mitochondrial damage caused by oxidative stress as well as decreasing low density lipoprotein oxidation in mice models. Furthermore, this agent reduced apoptotic cells caused by oxidative stress while improving survival of liver cells.

Studies have also demonstrated the efficacy of Reishi to increase HDL cholesterol and reduce triglycerides – both benefits to heart health. Reishi has also been proven to enhance immunity function and quality of life for cancer patients. Further investigation must be completed to gauge its effects for healthy people as well.

Anti-diabetes

Ganoderma lucidum mushroom has long been used in oriental medicine to strengthen immunity. Packed with bioactive molecules like linoleic acid and vitamin C, Ganoderma also boasts high concentrations of germanium as well as protein and enzymes for protein and enzyme synthesis. Furthermore, Ganoderma’s antidiabetic effects come from its ability to inhibit activity related to a-glucosidase and aldose reductase enzymes as well as polysaccharides lignans triterpenoids plus Zhi-8 protein structures which prevent blood glucose accumulation – making Gano lucidum an invaluable antidiabetic asset.

Ganoderma has been used in Chinese traditional medicine and as a functional food for over 2000 years, and more specifically known by its Chinese name of Lingzhi () for a range of health benefits ranging from improving longevity, improving mental health, strengthening immunity systems, relieving fatigue and depression; studies even show reishi can reduce cancer-patient fatigue and depression symptoms.

Research has also indicated that reishi may help enhance heart health by increasing “good” HDL cholesterol and decreasing triglycerides; more research needs to be conducted in this regard. It can also improve blood sugar levels for people living with type 2 diabetes; however, it should not be seen as a cure; those taking supplements of reishi should closely monitor their levels after eating; in addition, people diagnosed with diabetes should consult their healthcare provider prior to beginning any new supplements; any excessive consumption can lead to hypoglycemia which could prove fatal for them and those taking supplements should monitor their levels carefully after beginning new medication in case their blood sugar drops too quickly – more research needs to be conducted regarding this effect on health benefits or otherwise.

Anti-inflammatory

Ganoderma offers cancer patients several advantages, such as increasing the effectiveness of white blood cells in fighting infection while relieving fatigue and depression. Ganoderma contains several protein enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, lysozyme and laccase; in addition, this fungus provides vitamins C & E as well as germanium b-carotene and germanium. Furthermore, Ganoderma Lucidum contains Ganodosterone which has antihepatotoxic properties while providing anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory compounds; plus it contains antihepatotoxic and immunomodulatory compounds.

Ganoderma lucidum is a multiporous macrofungus found on deciduous tree stumps such as oak, maple, elm, sweetgum, willow, and magnolia. Its fruiting bodies have long been valued for their healing properties; their fruiting bodies can be found as capsules, liquid extracts, powders, tea bags or chewable tablets available from medicine manufacturers in various forms across China, Japan and Korea, Europe and North America as well as online retailers.

Ganoderma contains more than 250 species. Of those used commercially, five stand out: G. lucidum, G. applanatum, G. sinense, Tsugae and Capense are particularly prominent. Ganoderma lucidum was one of the earliest medicinal mushrooms identified and recorded for use as early as an ancient Chinese herbal encyclopedia called Shen-Nong-Ben-Cao-Jing.

Ganoderma lucidum provides numerous health benefits and its components are frequently employed in Oriental medicine, with polysaccharides, triterpenoids and fatty acids all being key ingredients of therapeutic success. Triterpenoids have anti-inflammatory effects while polysaccharides help control inflammation while the latter two provide antioxidant support – these may even help to prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes! Additionally, Ganoderma lucidum serves as an excellent source of antioxidants, helping protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes as well as neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease (AD); deacetyl Ganoderic Acid F has been demonstrated to inhibit LPS-stimulated production of NO while simultaneously increasing expression of inducible Nitric Oxide synthase in microglial cells.

Boosts the immune system

Ganoderma tea contains numerous immune-enhancing compounds, including polysaccharides, antioxidant peptides and Ganoderma spore oil. Furthermore, Ganoderma tea is an abundant source of protein enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and lysozyme; furthermore it’s rich in vitamins C and E; additionally glutamine is found within Ganoderma; this essential amino acid plays a key role in producing white blood cells as well as providing other immune enhancing benefits. Furthermore, Ganoderma is also a natural source of germanium which has proven itself antimutagenic and immunomodulatory properties;

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides and peptides have been demonstrated to strengthen both cellular and humoral immune responses. For instance, they promote production of T lymphocytes, cytokines, monocytes as well as inhibiting apoptosis pathways while suppressing inflammation pathways. Furthermore, this medicinal mushroom also contains other immuno-modulating agents including ergosterol and coumarin that have shown similar beneficial properties.

Fungus is also an abundant source of triterpenoids, natural organic compounds with a C30 skeleton structure related to isoprene units that are found in various plants and have therapeutic benefits. One such triterpenoid known as deacetyl ganoderic acid F (DeGA F) was demonstrated to significantly decrease LPS-stimulated NO production by microglial cells while simultaneously inhibiting expression of an inducible nitric oxide synthase gene.

Traditional use of the big black Lingzhi mushroom includes protecting it from limited blood supply, relieving rheumatic arthritis symptoms and lowering cholesterol levels, as well as helping prevent lung, liver and kidney disorders. Furthermore, this mushroom improves blood circulation, strengthens immunity systems and supports normal body functioning – not to mention being an effective anti-oxidant that may lower risk of cancer and other diseases. Available both online and at many supermarkets nationwide.