Eastern medicine makes use
of many different plants and fungi. Interestingly, the reishi mushroom is
particularly popular. It has a variety of potential health benefits, including
boosting the immune system and fighting cancer. However, its safety has recently
come into question. This article will tell you what you need to know about the
potential benefits and risks of reishi mushroom.
What Is the Reishi Mushroom?
The reishi mushroom, also
known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a fungus that grows
in various hot and humid locations in Asia For many years, this fungus has been
a staple in Eastern medicine. Within the mushroom, there are several molecules,
including triterpenoids, polysaccharides and peptidoglycans, that may be
responsible for its health effects. While the mushrooms themselves can be eaten
fresh, it is also common to use powdered forms of the mushroom or extracts that
contain these specific molecules.These different forms have been tested in
cell, animal and human studies. Below are 6 scientifically studied benefits of
the reishi mushroom. The first three are backed by stronger evidence, while
support for the others is less conclusive.
One of the most important effects of the
reishi mushroom is that it can boost your immune system
While some details are still uncertain,
test-tube studies have shown that reishi can affect the genes in white blood
cells, which are critical parts of your immune system.
What’s more, these studies have found that
some forms of reishi may alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells .
Research in cancer patients has shown that
some of the molecules found in the mushroom can increase the activity of a type
of white blood cell called natural killer cells.
Natural killer cells fight infections and
cancer in the body.
Another study found that reishi can increase
the number of other white blood cells (lymphocytes) in those with colorectal
cancer.
Although most immune system benefits of
reishi mushroom have been seen in those who are ill, some evidence has shown
that it can help healthy people, too.
In one study, the fungus improved lymphocyte
function, which helps fight infections and cancer, in athletes exposed to
stressful conditions .
However, other research in healthy adults
showed no improvement in immune function or inflammation after 4 weeks of
taking reishi extract .
Overall, it is clear that reishi impacts
white blood cells and immune function. More research is needed to determine the
extent of the benefits in the healthy and ill.
Reishi mushroom can enhance immune function
through its effects on white blood cells, which help fight infection and
cancer. This may occur primarily in those who are ill, as mixed results have
been seen in those who are healthy.
Many people consume this fungus due to its
potential cancer-fighting properties.
In fact, one study of over 4,000 breast
cancer survivors found that around 59% consumed reishi mushroom.
Additionally, several test-tube studies have
shown that it can lead to the death of cancer cells.
Yet the results of these studies do not
necessarily equate to effectiveness in animals or humans.
Some research has investigated if reishi
could be beneficial for prostate cancer due to its effects on the hormone .
While one case study showed that molecules
found in this mushroom may reverse prostate cancer in humans, a larger
follow-up study did not support these findings.
Reishi mushroom has also been studied for its
role in preventing or fighting colorectal cancer .
Some research showed that one year of
treatment with reishi decreased the number and size of tumors in the large
intestine
What’s more, a detailed report of multiple
studies indicated that the mushroom can beneficially affect cancer patients.
These benefits included increasing the
activity of the body’s white blood cells, which help fight cancer, and
improving quality of life in cancer patients.
However, researchers state that reishi should
be administered in combination with traditional treatment rather than replacing
it .
What’s more, many of the studies of reishi
mushroom and cancer were not high-quality. Because of this, much more research
is needed.
Although reishi mushroom appears to hold some
promise for cancer prevention or treatment, more information is needed before
it becomes part of standard therapy. However, it may be appropriate to use in
addition to normal care in some cases.
Reishi’s effects on the immune system are
often most emphasized, but it has other potential advantages as well.
These include reduced fatigue and depression,
as well as improved quality of life.
One study examined its effects in 132 people
with neurasthenia, a poorly defined condition associated with aches, pains, dizziness,
headaches and irritability.
The researchers found that fatigue was
reduced and well-being was improved after 8 weeks of taking the supplements.
Another study found that fatigue was reduced
and quality of life was improved after 4 weeks of taking reishi powder in a
group of 48 breast cancer survivors.
What’s more, the people in the study also
experienced less anxiety and depression.
While reishi mushroom may hold promise for
people with certain diseases or illnesses, it is not clear if it would benefit
those who are otherwise healthy.
Some preliminary studies have shown that
reishi mushroom could decrease anxiety and depression as well as improve
quality of life in those with certain medical conditions.
In addition to its effects on the immune
system and quality of life, reishi mushroom has been studied for its potential
to improve other aspects of health.
4. Heart Health
One 12-week study of 26 people showed that
reishi mushroom may increase “good” HDL cholesterol and decrease triglycerides.
However, other research in healthy adults
showed no improvement in these heart disease risk factors.
Moreover, a large analysis demonstrated no
beneficial effects for heart health after examining five different studies
containing around 400 people. The researchers found that consuming reishi
mushroom for up to 16 weeks did not improve cholesterol.
Overall, more research is needed in regard to
reishi mushrooms and heart health.
5. Blood Sugar Control
Several studies have indicated that molecules
found in the reishi mushroom can decrease blood sugar in animals .
Some preliminary research in humans reported
similar findings .
However, the majority of research has not
supported this benefit. After evaluating hundreds of participants, researchers
found no benefits for fasting blood sugar
Mixed results were seen for blood sugar after
meals. In some cases, reishi mushroom lowered blood sugar, but in other cases,
it was worse than a placebo.
Again, more research is needed here as well.
6. Antioxidant Status
Antioxidants are molecules that can help
prevent damage to your cells
Because of this important function, there is
substantial interest in foods and supplements that can enhance antioxidant status in the body.
Many claim that reishi mushroom is effective
for this purpose.
However, several studies have found no change
in the levels of two important antioxidant enzymes in the blood after consuming
the fungus for 4 to 12 weeks.
small amount of research has shown that
reishi mushroom could improve good cholesterol or blood sugar. However, the
majority of the research indicates that it does not improve cholesterol, blood
sugar or antioxidants in the body.
थप जानाकारिको लागी
Chandragiri Organic center
Ganyodaya Marga Bafal 13 Kalanki
Phone number :
📞 9844475888
9861535440
9823624981
Chandragiri Organic center
Ganyodaya Marga Bafal 13 Kalanki
Phone number :
📞 9844475888
9861535440
9823624981
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