Reishi
Also known as: Ganoderma lucidum, lingzhi
Randomised trials and systematic reviews indicate that Ganoderma lucidum extracts can alter immune markers in humans and have been tested as adjunctive treatments in cancer and for cardiometabolic risk factors. Clinical effects on hard endpoints (for example long‑term survival, major cardiovascular events) are not established and trial quality and outcome reporting are variable.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 3 indexed studies
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Overview
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom used traditionally for immune support and general health. Human trials and systematic reviews have examined its effects on immune function and on clinical outcomes in diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors and cancer, with mixed results and limited high-quality evidence.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Polysaccharides (notably β‑glucans) and triterpenes from Ganoderma lucidum are reported to interact with innate immune receptors and downstream signalling pathways such as TLR4/MyD88/NF‑κB, MAPK and the NLRP3 inflammasome, modulate macrophage and dendritic cell function, and influence T and B cell responses; these mechanisms have been described in mechanistic and preclinical literature and cited in recent systematic reviews.
Physiological Role
Modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, potential anti‑inflammatory actions and effects on metabolic markers such as blood glucose and lipids as reported in clinical trials and reviews.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Not an ergogenic or performance‑specific agent; relevance is principally to supporting immune function and potentially modulating cardiometabolic risk markers as studied in clinical trials.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- Not established; clinical trials and reviews report commonly 1.4–3 g/day of whole mushroom preparations or 2 g/day of dry extract.
- Optimal Range
- Not established; trials have used 1.4–3 g/day (whole extract) or 2000 mg/day (dry extract) for several weeks.
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established
- Timing
- Not established
- Best Format
- Standardised dry extract or whole mushroom extract preparations as used in trials
- Bioavailability
- Preparations vary (polysaccharide‑rich vs triterpene‑rich); activity and bioavailability likely depend on extraction method and standardisation.
- Absorption Considerations
- Not established
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Generally well tolerated in trials; adverse events poorly reported in many studies
Contraindications
- Not established from provided abstracts
Drug Interactions
- •Insufficient data reported in provided abstracts; theoretical interactions with immunomodulatory or anticoagulant drugs have been discussed elsewhere but are not reported in these abstracts
Who Should Avoid
- •People with severe immunological disorders or on immunosuppressants — insufficient data; consult a clinician
Monitoring
Clinical trials report heterogeneous outcome and safety reporting; monitor for adverse effects and interactions when used with other therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Reishi typically used or indicated?
Reishi is most commonly used for: Immune support, General wellbeing, Adjunctive support during cancer care or radiotherapy (investigational). Modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, potential anti‑inflammatory actions and effects on metabolic markers such as blood glucose and lipids as reported in clinical trials and reviews.
How does Reishi work?
Polysaccharides (notably β‑glucans) and triterpenes from Ganoderma lucidum are reported to interact with innate immune receptors and downstream signalling pathways such as TLR4/MyD88/NF‑κB, MAPK and the NLRP3 inflammasome, modulate macrophage and dendritic cell function, and influence T and B cell responses; these mechanisms have been described in mechanistic and preclinical literature and cited in recent systematic reviews.
What is the recommended dose of Reishi?
The optimal range is Not established; trials have used 1.4–3 g/day (whole extract) or 2000 mg/day (dry extract) for several weeks.. with a minimum effective dose of Not established; clinical trials and reviews report commonly 1.4–3 g/day of whole mushroom preparations or 2 g/day of dry extract.. Best taken: Not established. Upper / caution level: Not established.
What are the side effects of Reishi?
Reported side effects include: Generally well tolerated in trials; adverse events poorly reported in many studies. Monitoring: Clinical trials report heterogeneous outcome and safety reporting; monitor for adverse effects and interactions when used with other therapies.
Does Reishi interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Insufficient data reported in provided abstracts; theoretical interactions with immunomodulatory or anticoagulant drugs have been discussed elsewhere but are not reported in these abstracts. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Reishi?
Reishi is generally not recommended for: People with severe immunological disorders or on immunosuppressants — insufficient data; consult a clinician; and Not established from provided abstracts.
How strong is the evidence for Reishi?
Evidence level: Limited (overall score 50/100), based on 3 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (3)
Ganoderma lucidum dry extract supplementation modulates T lymphocyte function in older women.
Double‑blind randomised trial in older women assessing Ganoderma lucidum dry extract 2000 mg/day for 8 weeks on lymphocyte function and gene expression.
Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors.
Systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomised and controlled trials of Ganoderma lucidum for pharmacologically modifiable cardiovascular risk factors; included trials used 1.4–3 g/day over 12–16 weeks in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment.
Systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomised controlled trials of Ganoderma lucidum in patients with cancer assessing tumour response, immune function and quality of life.
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Research Overview
Limited EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/reishi
SuppIndex. (2026). Reishi: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/reishi
Based on 3 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Compatibility depends on product composition and therapeutic context; no robust human trial data on combined use with other supplements in the provided abstracts.