Reishi extract 20:1 | Ganoderma lucidum

Reishi extract 20:1 | Ganoderma lucidum

Properties: Lingzhi mushroom is mostly known under the Japanese name Reishi, which literally means “spiritual vision”. However, the traditional Chinese name – Ling Zhi – better fits the properties of this mushroom, as it means “the divine mushroom of immortality”. Naturally, supplementation with this mushroom cannot extend the lifespan so much, nevertheless modern research has confirmed a wide range of benefits that it brings about. Interestingly, Reishi has strong immunoregulatory potential. In other words, it is able to regulate the functioning of the immune system – not just in terms of defending the organism against pathogens. Current research investigates whether Reishi can be used in prophylaxis or even treatment of cancer. As it turns out, this mushroom supports the natural capacity of the organism to detect and destroy any impaired cells. Moreover, it prevents the spread of inflammation by limiting the secretion of histamine. For this reason another line of research checks whether it can be used in the therapy of allergies – in which histamine plays a crucial role. Thus, ancient herbalists correctly identified various healthy properties of Reishi. But have they found them all?  

Surely, they noticed its toning properties, since it was used to relieve the symptoms of insomnia. Although now our knowledge about the functioning of the human body is much larger than in their times, there is still no agreement on how exactly Reishi works. Nevertheless, its positive impact on the mood and stress resilience is scientifically confirmed. On the other hand, the ancient herbalists might have missed cognitive benefits that come from supplementation with Reishi. Scientists established that this mushroom contains compounds that act similarly to two chemicals natural to the brain (BDNF and NGF). These two are responsible for the formation of new neurons and the development of connections between  them. All in all, Reishi supplementation makes information acquisition and remembering easier. What is more, it indirectly upregulates the activity of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for intellectual performance. Therefore, accessing already stored knowledge becomes easier too. 

That’s not all! Herbalists who used Ling Zhi mushrooms a thousand years before Christ most likely did not know how to measure cholesterol level. They also weren’t aware of what atherosclerotic plaque is and why it is dangerous. Similarly, the chronic fatigue syndrome and the adversarial effect of heavy metals on the liver were unknown. Thus, it was not possible that these herbalists who used Reishi could directly connect its administration with the prophylaxis of atherosclerosis. Heavy metal poisoning also does not give specific, easy to diagnose symptoms. Still, the effect  of Reishi supplementation can be observed with bare eyes. Thus, there is no need to know all the mechanisms of its workings to appreciate its effects. Now, let’s appreciate its ancient name – “the divine mushroom of immortality” – as it highlights how extraordinary this fungus is.

Occurrence: Lingzhi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is a species of polypore fungus that belongs to the lacquer family (Ganodermataceae). It occurs naturally on every continent except Antarctica. These fungi grow individually or in clusters on the roots or lower parts of the leafy trees. They are characterized by big, shiny hats that change color as the mushroom ages. Initially bright yellow, they darken with age and become purple, then purple-reddish, to finally become reddish-black. Their Latin genus name – lucidum – means “shining” and thus is related to their appearance.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Japanese medicine (Kampo) Lingzhi mushroom has been used for over 4000 years as a tonic, supporting and strengthening the body. It has been mentioned in “The Book of Han” (Han Shu), where it is described as the “elixir of life”. More complete description can be found in the famous Chinese medicine textbook “Shennong bencao”, which was written around the 11th century BCE (Zhou dynasty). Reishi was also discussed in the “Ben Cao Gang Mu” written by a Chinese herbalist Li Shizhen. This book comes from the 16th century CE (Ming dynasty) and is considered to be the most complete summary of traditional Chinese medicine.

Biochemistry: Ling Zhi owes its beneficial properties mostly to compounds called polysaccharides. Currently, scientists have isolated and described the structure of over 150 polysaccharide derivatives. The most important of them is arguably GSG (Ganoderma lucidum spores glucan). Chemically, it is classified as a β-glucan. Reishi also contains triterpenoids. This group consists of about 120 compounds with a sesquiterpenoid structure, including ganodermic acid, ganodermadic acid and ganodermadiol. Apart from them, the fungus also contains sterols, lactates, carbohydrates (simple and complex), amino acids, proteins, inorganic compounds, glycosides, essential oils, ascorbic acid and inorganic ions (Mg2 +, Zn2 +, Ca2 + and Fe2 +).

Fun fact: Reishi is also used in furniture production. It is not only a resistant material but environment-friendly too. Designer Marek Głogowski does not just create things – he grows them. In his words – “this is an extremely ecological design”.