Reishi Mushroom

Also known as: Ganoderma lucidum, Lingzhi, Reishi, Ganoderma

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Medicinal mushroom with immune-modulating properties. Human evidence is very limited; most data is from animal studies.

What it does

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is a fungus used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine. Its active compounds — mainly polysaccharides and beta-glucans — appear to modulate immune...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

No established dose from provided studies
Found in

Host Defense Mushroom Powders, Charlotte's Web Quiet Sleep Mushroom Gummies, 310 Chocolate Icing Shake and 8 more

What the Science Says

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is a fungus used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine. Its active compounds — mainly polysaccharides and beta-glucans — appear to modulate immune activity, reduce inflammation markers, and support antioxidant defenses in animal studies. Human clinical evidence is sparse, and the one clinical trial in the provided data focused on Gulf War Illness with incomplete results reported.

What It Doesn't Do

Not proven to treat or prevent cancer in humans. No solid human evidence it boosts immunity in healthy people. Not a substitute for conventional medical treatment. Don't assume it's safe for children or people with autoimmune conditions — it may actually worsen autoimmune diseases.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Reduces inflammatory markers like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in animal models of arthritis.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established human dose

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 38967209

Supports antioxidant enzyme activity and reduces oxidative stress in rat cancer models.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 100 mg/kg/day (animal study only)

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 38290027

Beta-glucans in reishi may enhance immune function markers in animal studies.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established human dose

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 37670115

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown — no pharmacokinetic or bioavailability data provided in the available studies

Red Flags to Watch For

A case report documents acute neurotoxicity (seizures, hallucinations) in a child with a neurological disorder after taking a multi-mushroom supplement including reishi — do not give to children, especially those with neurological conditions
Reishi has strong immunostimulatory effects and may trigger or worsen autoimmune skin diseases such as lupus or psoriasis
Most supporting evidence comes from animal or in vitro studies — human clinical trials are nearly absent in the provided data
Widely marketed for cancer support, but no human trial evidence for anticancer effects is present in the provided studies
Over 1,000 registered supplement products exist despite very limited clinical evidence — popularity does not equal proven efficacy

What does Reishi Mushroom do?

Medicinal mushroom with immune-modulating properties. Human evidence is very limited; most data is from animal studies.

What is the effective dose of Reishi Mushroom?

No established dose from provided studies

Is Reishi Mushroom safe?

A case report documents acute neurotoxicity (seizures, hallucinations) in a child with a neurological disorder after taking a multi-mushroom supplement including reishi — do not give to children, especially those with neurological conditions

What doesn't Reishi Mushroom do?

Not proven to treat or prevent cancer in humans.

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25