Reishi Mushrooms Are Valuable for Liver Health

Stephen Holt, MD, PhD, FACP

Sep 12th, 2016

Discover all of the amazing benefits of Reishi mushrooms!

Multiple Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms

The Lingzhi or Reishi mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, has long been used for medical purposes. Reishi mushrooms assist in controlling blood glucose levels, modulation of the immune system, offer liver protection, help the body maintain optimal levels of bacteria, and more. In traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi mushrooms are believed to replenish Qi, treat insomnia and relieve cough and asthma among other things.

Reishi mushrooms contain carbohydrates, fat, fiber and protein along with some vitamins and minerals, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, iron, zinc, and copper. The bioactive molecules found in the Reishi mushroom are terpenoids, steroids, phenols, nucleotides and their derivatives, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides.

Polysaccharides, which make up about 8% of the mushroom, have several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antiulcer, anti-tumorigenic, and immune stimulating effects. Terpenes have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and lipid-lowering properties. Other molecules and compounds found in Reishi mushrooms have been shown to be antiviral, ant-itumorigenic, lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects.

Reishi Mushroom Studies

In studies, Reishi has been shown to significantly improve immunity function, reduce cancer and tumor cell growth and to offer hepatic protection. It has been shown to act as a powerful antioxidant, mitigating damage from oxidative stress and reducing inflammation in liver tissue.

Reishi mushrooms are tough and bitter, so they are usually sold in extract, powder or capsule form. Try Immune System Support for a unique blend of echinacea, astragulus (an immune boosting herb), Maitake, Shitake and Reishi mushrooms. These mushrooms are all immune system enhancers. They also offer powerful anti-inflammatory support and antioxidants. The unique blend of Immune System Support will offer a boost to your immune system, while helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation throughout your body.

References

Keifer, D. (2014). Reiki mushrooms: Uses and risks. WebMD.com. Retrieved on 7/31/16 from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/reishi-mushroom-uses-and-risks.

Patel, S.; Goyal, A. (2012). Recent developments in mushrooms as anti-cancer therapeutics: A review. 3 Biotech. 2(1): 1-15. Retrieved on 7/31/16 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3339609/pdf/13205_2011_Article_36.pdf.

Suarez-Arroyo, I.J.; Rosario-Acevedo, R.; Aguilar-Perez, A.; Clemente, P.L.; et al. (2013). Anti-Tumor Effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) in inflammatory breast cancer in in vivo and in vitro models. PLoS One. 8(2): e57431. Retrieved on 7/31/16 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3585368/pdf/pone.0057431.pdf.

Wachtel-Galor, S.; Yuen, J.; Buswell, J.A.; Benzie, F.F. (2011). Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition: Chapter 9: Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press/Taylor & Francis. Retrieved on 7/31/16 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/.

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Stephen Holt, MD, PhD, FACP

Stephen Holt, M.D. is a Distinguished Professor of Medicine NYCPM (Emerite) and a medical practitioner in New York State. He has published many peer-review papers in medicine and he is a best-selling author with more than twenty books in national and international distribution. He has received many awards for teaching and research. Dr. Holt is a frequent lecturer at scientific meetings and healthcare facilities throughout the world. He is a best selling author and the founder of the Holt Institute of Medicine.