Ganoderma lucidum, popularly known as the "Mushroom of Immortality," appears to possess a wider range of therapeutic properties than any other medicinal mushroom known. In a chart by medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets, Ganoderma extract is listed as therapeutic in 16 out of 17 areas of health.
Buddhists call it Ling Chi, and many an artistic rendition of this beautiful and therapeutic mushroom can be found in Buddhist shrines and temples. In Tibet, it has long been used to cope with high-altitude sickness and infections. [25]
In spite of Ganoderma's ancient history, only contemporary healers might attribute its life extending properties to an exceptionally high level of antioxidants [34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41], which help protect against free radical damage, one of the major causes of aging.
Or might the magic of Ganoderma extract instead be attributed to the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of its triterpenoid compounds? [42, 43, 44, 45] Anything from allergies, asthma and atherosclerosis [46] to arthritis, [47, 48, 49, 50, 51] bronchitis and the common cold involve an inflammatory response. Studies with promising results have also been performed that involved inflammation of the brain [52] and prostate. [53]
Now, inflammation is of course also part of a natural and well functioning immune system. So it bears mention that Ganoderma extract is an immune system "adaptagen", which means that whereas it will slow down an overactive immune response, it will likewise improve an underactive immune system. In other words, it helps the immune system to "adapt." [48, 54, 55] Case in point, one study showed Ganoderma extract as having a dampening effect on HIV replication in lymphocytes. [56]
Other bodily functions that are important as we age are our lung and heart functions. Research indicates that Ganoderma extract has a positive influence on the oxygen absorption in our lungs [57], and also helps decrease blood pressure and increase blood profusion through the heart [58], which may explain why Ganoderma has been indicated to help in cases of chronic fatigue syndrome. [59, 60]
Like several other medicinal mushrooms, Ganoderma also contains anti-tumor compounds. Research on Ganoderma extract has yielded positive results on cancers of the cervix, prostate, liver, lungs, bone and blood. [61, 62, 63, 64, 65] Two studies indicate that this effect is secondary, by way of stimulating the body's own immune system and cancer fighting mechanisms. [66, 67]
In addition to these general systematic benefits, Ganoderma extract also seems to aid specific organs. Two Chinese studies have shown promising results in aiding the liver, both in cases of chronic hepatitis [68] and post-hepatic cirrhosis. [69]
One study showed it to have a restorative effect on certain functions of the spleen. [34] A variety of skin disorders have been treated with powdered Ganoderma, [70] including rashes from poison ivy and oak, although this claim still may need to be conclusively verified. [25]
Paul Stamets lists the following additional therapeutic areas of potential use for Ganoderma extract: Candida; Diabetes / Hyperglycemia; Cholesterol; Kidney Function; Respiratory System; Nerves; and Stress. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
Buddhists call it Ling Chi, and many an artistic rendition of this beautiful and therapeutic mushroom can be found in Buddhist shrines and temples. In Tibet, it has long been used to cope with high-altitude sickness and infections. [25]
In spite of Ganoderma's ancient history, only contemporary healers might attribute its life extending properties to an exceptionally high level of antioxidants [34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41], which help protect against free radical damage, one of the major causes of aging.
Or might the magic of Ganoderma extract instead be attributed to the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of its triterpenoid compounds? [42, 43, 44, 45] Anything from allergies, asthma and atherosclerosis [46] to arthritis, [47, 48, 49, 50, 51] bronchitis and the common cold involve an inflammatory response. Studies with promising results have also been performed that involved inflammation of the brain [52] and prostate. [53]
Now, inflammation is of course also part of a natural and well functioning immune system. So it bears mention that Ganoderma extract is an immune system "adaptagen", which means that whereas it will slow down an overactive immune response, it will likewise improve an underactive immune system. In other words, it helps the immune system to "adapt." [48, 54, 55] Case in point, one study showed Ganoderma extract as having a dampening effect on HIV replication in lymphocytes. [56]
Other bodily functions that are important as we age are our lung and heart functions. Research indicates that Ganoderma extract has a positive influence on the oxygen absorption in our lungs [57], and also helps decrease blood pressure and increase blood profusion through the heart [58], which may explain why Ganoderma has been indicated to help in cases of chronic fatigue syndrome. [59, 60]
Like several other medicinal mushrooms, Ganoderma also contains anti-tumor compounds. Research on Ganoderma extract has yielded positive results on cancers of the cervix, prostate, liver, lungs, bone and blood. [61, 62, 63, 64, 65] Two studies indicate that this effect is secondary, by way of stimulating the body's own immune system and cancer fighting mechanisms. [66, 67]
In addition to these general systematic benefits, Ganoderma extract also seems to aid specific organs. Two Chinese studies have shown promising results in aiding the liver, both in cases of chronic hepatitis [68] and post-hepatic cirrhosis. [69]
One study showed it to have a restorative effect on certain functions of the spleen. [34] A variety of skin disorders have been treated with powdered Ganoderma, [70] including rashes from poison ivy and oak, although this claim still may need to be conclusively verified. [25]
Paul Stamets lists the following additional therapeutic areas of potential use for Ganoderma extract: Candida; Diabetes / Hyperglycemia; Cholesterol; Kidney Function; Respiratory System; Nerves; and Stress. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
About the Author:
Dr. Rafael has worked in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. His current focus is medicinal mushrooms, including Ganoderma lucidum extract, in cooperation with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For research references to this article, please go to the Extract of Ganoderma page. Click on any number indicating a reference.
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