Enhancement Mushroom Promoted for Adults Over 50, Allegedly Stabilizing the Nervous System
The Reishi mushroom, scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a polypore fungus that has been valued for centuries in Asian traditional medicine and is now gaining popularity in the Western world. This mushroom, known as the "Mushroom of Immortality" and the "Mushroom of Spiritual Potency," is one of the most studied medicinal mushrooms in the world.
This natural treasure has a high concentration of triterpenes, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. It is traditionally and scientifically recognized for multiple medicinal uses and health benefits, primarily related to immune modulation, stress relief, inflammation reduction, and support in chronic conditions.
Key medicinal uses and benefits include:
- Immune System Support: Reishi contains polysaccharides and bioactive compounds like beta-glucans that help regulate and strengthen the immune system. It balances immune cell activity, helping the body fight infections and cancers by stimulating natural killer cells and T-cells.
- Anxiety and Stress Relief: Known as the "Mushroom of Dreams," Reishi has calming and restorative properties that reduce stress and anxiety, promoting overall mental wellness.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Reishi can reduce chronic inflammation often seen in asthma, allergies, and other inflammatory conditions by calming an overactive immune response and inhibiting the release of histamines.
- Allergy Relief: It reduces allergic reactions by inhibiting histamine release and decreasing airway inflammation, showing potential benefits for asthma and allergic conditions.
- Cancer Support: While Reishi alone does not treat cancer, studies show that it may improve quality of life and enhance tumor regression when used alongside chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It may reduce physical symptoms associated with cancer and potentially have antiviral properties against some viruses.
- Cardiovascular and Liver Health: Reishi may help lower cholesterol and support hepatic (liver) protection, having hepatoprotective effects and beneficial impact on cardiovascular health.
- Other Conditions: It has demonstrated potential benefits for rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, and may have antiviral and immunostimulatory effects.
Regarding safety, Reishi is generally well tolerated with mild side effects such as dizziness or gastrointestinal upset; however, it may interact with blood-thinning medications. Prioritize products of good quality, from organic cultures, and with analyses that guarantee their purity.
The role of the Reishi mushroom as a complement in oncological treatments is currently being investigated, potentially enhancing the immune response and reducing certain side effects of chemotherapy. It has gained presence in functional food products such as energy bars or creams to add to coffee. There are more and more integrative doctors trained in the subject who can accompany this type of therapies or conscious intake.
The global mushroom market reached $8 billion in 2020 and is estimated to exceed $19 billion by 2030. The reishi mushroom, with its wide range of medicinal uses and health benefits, is poised to play a significant role in this growing market.
This article was written by Victoria Vera Ziccardi for Nutrition and Healthy Living.
[1] Zhao, Y., et al. (2016). "Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides: A Review of Their Extraction, Characterization, and Biological Activities." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 17(10), 1696. [2] Stamets, P. (2005). Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World. Ten Speed Press. [3] Zhang, Y., et al. (2018). "Ganoderma lucidum: A Review of Its Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Applications." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 221, 1-14. [4] Chen, Y., et al. (2011). "Ganoderma lucidum: A Comprehensive Review of Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Applications." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 135(1), 1-18. [5] Li, Y., et al. (2015). "Ganoderma lucidum: A Review of Its Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Applications." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 163, 87-97.
- The Reishi mushroom, valued for centuries in Asian traditional medicine, is currently gaining popularity in the Western world due to its potential benefits in health-and-wellness areas such as immunity, mental health, and fitness-and-exercise.
- Research reveals that the Reishi mushroom, known as the "Mushroom of Immortality," contains compounds like triterpenes, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds, which aid in immune modulation, stress relief, inflammation reduction, and support in chronic conditions.
- Studies suggest that Reishi mushroom may help in managing medical-conditions like cancer, as it may improve quality of life and enhance tumor regression when used alongside chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory effects that could be beneficial for conditions like asthma and allergies.
- To reap the benefits of Reishi mushroom, one should prioritize good-quality products, from organic cultures, and with analyses that guarantee their purity, as it generally has mild side effects such as dizziness or gastrointestinal upset. Also, it is important to note that it may interact with blood-thinning medications.
