6 Benefits of Reishi Mushroom nz (Plus Side Effects and Dosage)
Eastern medicine makes use of many different plants and fungi. Interestingly, the reishi mushroom nz 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 nz.
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What Is the Reishi Mushroom nz?
The reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia (1Trusted Source).
For many years, this fungus has been a staple in Eastern medicine (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).
Within the turkey tail mushroom nz, there are several molecules, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides and peptidoglycans, that may be responsible for its health effects (3Trusted Source).
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 enoki mushroom nz. The first three are backed by stronger evidence, while support for the others is less conclusive.
1. Boost the Immune System
One of the most important effects of the oyster mushroom nz is that it can boost your immune system (4Trusted Source).
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 (5Trusted Source).
Research in cancer patients has shown that some of the molecules found in the magic mushroom nz can increase the activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells (6Trusted Source).
Another study found that reishi can increase the number of other white blood cells (lymphocytes) in those with colorectal cancer (2Trusted Source).
Although most immune system benefits of reishi mushroom nz 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 (8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source).
However, other research in healthy adults showed no improvement in immune function or inflammation after 4 weeks of taking reishi extract (10Trusted Source).
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.
SUMMARY
magic mushroom nz 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.
2. Anti-Cancer Properties
Many people consume this fungus due to its potential cancer-fighting properties (11, 12Trusted Source).
In fact, one study of over 4,000 breast cancer survivors found that around 59% consumed reishi mushroom (13Trusted Source).
Additionally, several test-tube studies have shown that it can lead to the death of cancer cells (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source).
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 testosterone (17, 18Trusted Source).
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 (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source).
death cap mushroom nz has also been studied for its role in preventing or fighting colorectal cancer (2Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).
Some research showed that one year of treatment with reishi decreased the number and size of tumors in the large intestine (21Trusted Source).
What’s more, a detailed report of multiple studies indicated that the lion’s mane mushroom nz can beneficially affect cancer patients (22Trusted Source).
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 (22Trusted Source).
What’s more, many of the studies of reishi mushroom nz and cancer were not high-quality. Because of this, much more research is needed (11, 23Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
Although magic mushroom nz 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.
3. Could Fight Fatigue and Depression
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 (24Trusted Source).
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 (25Trusted Source).
What’s more, the people in the study also experienced less anxiety and depression.
While reishi mushroom nz may hold promise for people with certain diseases or illnesses, it is not clear if it would benefit those who are otherwise healthy.
SUMMARY
Some preliminary studies have shown that oyster mushroom nz could decrease anxiety and depression as well as improve quality of life in those with certain medical conditions.
4–6. Other Potential Benefits
In addition to its effects on the immune system and quality of life, reishi mushroom nz 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 (26Trusted Source).
However, other research in healthy adults showed no improvement in these heart disease risk factors (10Trusted Source).
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 (27Trusted Source).
Overall, more research is needed in regard to enoki mushroom nz and heart health.
5. Blood Sugar Control
Several studies have indicated that molecules found in the reishi mushroom can decrease blood sugar in animals (28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source).
However, the majority of research has not supported this benefit. After evaluating hundreds of participants, researchers found no benefits for fasting blood sugar (27Trusted Source).
Mixed results were seen for blood sugar after meals. In some cases, reishi mushroom nz lowered blood sugar, but in other cases, it was worse than a placebo.
Again, more research is needed here as well.
6. Antioxidant Status
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 nz 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 (10Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
A small amount of research has shown that chaga mushroom nz 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.
Dosage Recommendations Vary Based on the Form Used
Unlike some foods or supplements, the dose of lion’s mane mushroom nz can vary substantially based on which type is used (12Trusted Source).
The highest doses are seen when someone consumes the mushroom itself. In these cases, doses may range from 25 to 100 grams, depending on the size of the mushroom.
Commonly, a dried extract of the mushroom is used instead. In these cases, the dose is approximately 10 times less than when the turkey tail mushroom nz itself is consumed (10Trusted Source).
For example, 50 grams of chaga mushroom nz itself may be comparable to approximately 5 grams of the mushroom extract. Doses of the mushroom extract vary but typically range from approximately 1.5 to 9 grams per day (27Trusted Source).
Additionally, some supplements use only certain portions of the extract. In these cases, the recommended doses may be much lower than the values reported above.
Because the suggested dose can vary widely based on which form of the mushroom is used, it is very important to know which type you are taking.
SUMMARY
The dose of reishi mushroom varies based on the form of the fungus, so it is important to know which form you are using. Consuming the mushroom itself provides higher doses, while extracts provide lower doses.
Possible Side Effects and Dangers
Despite its popularity, there are those who have questioned the safety of oyster mushroom nz.
Some research found that those who took enoki mushroom nz for 4 months were almost two times as likely to experience a side effect as those taking a placebo (22Trusted Source).
However, these effects were minor and included a slightly increased risk of upset stomach or digestive distress. No adverse effects on liver health were reported.
Other research also indicated that four weeks of taking reishi mushroom extract did not produce any detrimental effects on the liver or kidneys in healthy adults (10Trusted Source).
In contrast to these reports, significant liver problems have been reported in two case studies (34Trusted Source, 35Trusted Source).
Both of the people in the case studies had previously used reishi mushroom without problems but experienced adverse effects after switching to a powdered form.
This makes it difficult to know for certain if the death cap mushroom nz itself was responsible for the observed liver damage or if there were problems with the powdered extract.
It is also important to note that many studies of oyster mushroom nz have not reported safety data, so limited information is available overall (22Trusted Source).
Nevertheless, there are several groups of people who should probably avoid chaga mushroom nz.
These include those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a blood disorder, will be undergoing surgery or have low blood pressure (36).
SUMMARY
Some studies of lion’s mane mushroom nz have not provided safety information, but others have reported that several months of taking it is likely safe. Nonetheless, several cases of severe liver damage have been associated with reishi extract.
The Bottom Line
Reishi mushroom nz is a popular fungus used in Eastern medicine.
It may boost the immune system through its effects on white blood cells, particularly in people who are ill, such as those with cancer.
This fungus may also be able to decrease the size and number of tumors in certain types of cancer, as well as improve quality of life for some cancer patients.
Most human research has shown that it does not improve cholesterol, blood sugar or antioxidants, but it may be effective at reducing fatigue or depression in some cases.
What is reishi mushroom used for?
enoki mushroom nz (Ganoderma lucidum) High Potency Organic Extract. Reishi or Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum), is one of the best known and most well-studied medicinal mushrooms. It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for at least 5000 years. It is known in China as Lingzhi and is often described as “The Mushroom of Immortality”.
What is the best chaga mushroom nz?
Lions Mane is one of the best known, but Reishi, CordyCeps, and Turkeytail mushroom powder products are also commonly used in NZ. The blue mushroom nz is another type that is increasingly popular in NZ, whether as a mushroom extract, blend, or to make mushroom coffee.
Is reishi organically grown?
Shaman’s Garden Reishi extract is organically grown and our suppliers are excellent manufacturers who specialize in medicinal mushroom cultivation and extraction, working according to GMP, HACCP, ISO22000, USDA Organic and Kosher standards.
How many grams of Reishi mushrooms are in a dose?
For example, 50 grams of reishi mushroom itself may be comparable to approximately 5 grams of the mushroom extract. Doses of the mushroom extract vary but typically range from approximately 1.5 to 9 grams per day ( 27 ). Additionally, some supplements use only certain portions of the extract.
What are the health benefits of reishi mushroom nz?
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is a bitter-tasting fungus with no proven health benefits. It is thought to have some effects on the immune system.purple mushroom nz is used for Alzheimer disease, cancer, diabetes, cold sores, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
What does a purple mushroom nz look like?
blue mushroom nz. Medically reviewed on Aug 12, 2018. The purple mushroom nz is a purplish-brown fungus with a long stalk, brown spores, and a fan-shaped cap with a shiny, varnish-coated appearance. Reishi grows on decaying wood or tree stumps, preferring the Japanese plum tree but also found on oak.
Does reishi extract have any side effects?
Nonetheless, several cases of severe liver damage have been associated with reishi extract. Reishi mushroom is a popular fungus used in Eastern medicine. It may boost the immune system through its effects on white blood cells, particularly in people who are ill, such as those with cancer.
What is the Japanese name for reishi?
A Japanese name for the reishi is mannentake, meaning “10,000-year-old turkey tail mushroom nz.” Reishi’s use is documented in the oldest Chinese medical text, which is more than 2,000 years old. Cultivation of reishi began in the 1980s.