Ganoderma lucidum has been discovered to possess numerous health-promoting benefits, such as anticancer, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects.

Ganoderma lucidum extracts contain polysaccharides with immunomodulatory, anticancer and hypoglycemic activities as well as strong antioxidant effects capable of terminating or preventing chain reactions by providing electrons or hydrogen to free radicals.

1. Energy

Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an aid in health promotion, longevity and cancer treatments. Packed full of beta-glucans – known to strengthen immunity against tumor growth – antioxidants polysaccharides and triterpenoids this mushroom provides plenty of energy boosts, mental clarity improvements and stress reduction benefits – it makes a delicious cup of Reishi tea the perfect way to combat stress!

Ganoderma lucidum contains many bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, ergosterols, coumarins, organic acids, mannitol, fatty acids, alkaloids and water-soluble proteins. Of particular note are its polysaccharides and triterpenoids; these have antitumor, immunomodulatory and antiviral activities.

Studies conducted in vitro have demonstrated the anticancer properties of Ganoderma Lucidum by showing its ability to limit cell proliferation and colony formation through down-regulating oncogene c-myc expression in human cancer cells (Seo et al, 2015). Additional research indicates that G. lucidum methanol extract can improve glucose metabolism while inhibiting a-glucosidase activity in T2DM patients, thanks to the lanostane-type triterpenoid Ganoderic acid Df (Fatmawati et al, 2011a).

Triterpenoids are organic compounds composed of isoprene units derived from isoprene units. With a C30 carbon structure and several subgroups to choose from depending on their chemical structures, triterpenoids play an integral part of Ganoderma lucidum’s bitter taste; specifically these triterpenoids include ganoderic acids, lucidenic acids and ganoderiols that make up its triterpenoids (Abdullah et al, 2012; Wachtel-Galor et al, 2011). Triterpenoids also play an integral part in biological effects such as antihypertension as well as antiacetylcholinesterase activities (Abdullah et al, 2012; Wachtel-Galor et al, 2011).

Ganoderma lucidum contains b-glucan that has been shown to protect pancreatic islets against streptozotocin-induced diabetes by inhibiting glycosidic bonds of sugar monomers. Furthermore, this species also possesses antiviral activity and has shown anti-inflammatory potential.

2. Weight Loss

Ganoderma lucidum, commonly referred to as the “mushroom of immortality” or reishi mushroom in Chinese medicine, has long been revered as an effective means for improving health, prolonging life and increasing vitality. Packed with polysaccharides and beta-glucans that stimulate immune response while helping stop tumor growth as well as reduce blood pressure levels significantly, Ganoderma lucidum’s legendary medicinal benefits include improving overall wellbeing while prolonging lifespan and increasing vitality.

Reishi tea offers many health benefits beyond weight loss, including increased immunity, blood sugar regulation and improvement in heart health. When combined with other beneficial functional mushrooms or herbs such as cordyceps or lemongrass it provides even greater overall wellness benefits.

This unique mushroom has long been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine as an herbal tonic to help promote balance in both body and mind. In fact, its name can be found listed as a spiritual potency promoter in Shennong Ben Cao Jing, one of China’s famous “bible of medicinal plants.”

Researchers have isolated numerous chemical compounds with pharmaceutical uses from G. lucidum’s mycelia and fruiting bodies, such as triterpenoids, polysaccharides (b-glucan), peptides, alkaloids, proteins, fatty acids and other components with mycophagic activity that exhibit antihistaminic, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic and antihistaminic activities in addition to possessing antitumor, immunomodulatory and antigiogenic properties.

Studies with 84 adults suffering from metabolic syndrome who were given either reishi or cordyceps for 16 weeks found that it significantly reduced triglycerides and cholesterol levels while simultaneously maintaining normal fasting glucose and HbA1c levels. Reishi extracts also significantly increased CD3 and CD4 lymphocyte counts in healthy subjects while placebos caused significant decreases. Neither serious side effects were reported from either study; animal models have demonstrated its efficacy at protecting livers against carbon tetrachloride or galactosamine hepatotoxicity while providing favorable safety profiles;

3. Immune System Support

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is one of the best-known medicinal mushrooms and is often referred to as the “Mushroom of Immortality” or “Longevity.” Used as an immune tonic and restorative tonic for adrenal gland support, Reishi can provide significant help for stress and frequent illness sufferers by decreasing histamine response to environmental triggers thereby supporting natural immune defense mechanisms within their bodies.

Ganoderma lucidum contains various chemical constituents, including polysaccharides, triterpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, proteins, unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins. Of these substances, polysaccharides and triterpenes have shown to possess therapeutic potential against diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

G. lucidum polysaccharides boost innate immune responses and increase production of T cells, NK cells, macrophages, and B cells. Furthermore, these polysaccharides exhibit anticancer properties by inducing cytotoxic activity against cancerous cells while simultaneously inducing apoptosis through various mechanisms.

Additionally, G. lucidum fruiting body extracts contain phenolic compounds which have been demonstrated to prevent oxidative stress by blocking the formation of superoxide radicals and other pro-oxidants, thus protecting against brain oxidative damage.

Studies reveal the fungus’s therapeutic potential against AD through its anti-dementia effects. Promising mechanisms include inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation, ab formation, microglia activation and neuronal apoptosis as well as by regulating NF-kB/MAPK signalling pathways through such actions as GLA, GAB ergosterol lucidumin B C and deacetyl ganoderic acid F; additionally it reduces levels of phosphorylated MAPK/JNK as well as expression of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6 and interferon-y.

4. Heart Health

Ganoderma lucidum, more commonly known as Reishi mushroom or Lingzhi mushroom, has long been used for its health-promoting properties. Studies have revealed its ability to lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks and delay atherosclerosis progression by lowering lipids and blood pressure – this anti-atherogenic effect being due to polysaccharides, triterpenes and other bioactive compounds present within its composition.

Reishi mushrooms contain water-soluble polysaccharides that include (1-3)-a/b-glucans, (1-6)-d-glucans, a-d-mannans and glycoproteins as major constituents. These polysaccharides have antioxidant effects due to their ability to stop chain reactions by either donating hydrogen or combining electrons with free radicals; furthermore they reduce malondialdehyde levels while simultaneously increasing activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities within cells.

Reishi mushrooms’ anti-diabetic effects are due to their impact on glucose metabolism in liver, skeletal muscles and pancreatic beta cells. Reishi’s -d-glucans have been found to prevent activation of protein kinases Akt and AMPK; as a result of this reduction of fasting glucose levels as well as postprandial plasma glucose area under curve reduction and decrease HbA1c (Wang et al. 2008).

G. lucidum polysaccharides showed significant reductions in atherosclerotic lesion area and foam cell formation through increasing expression of Hep in endothelium cells, in a carotid artery-ligation model of mouse. Furthermore, an injection product originally known as Ji 731 Injection but later changed to Ji Sheng Injection has gone through Phase I to III clinical trials, currently used in China to treat myopathy (Wachtel-Galor et al. 2011).

5. Anti-Inflammatory

Ganoderma lucidum’s antioxidant benefits can be attributed to its polysaccharides, glycoproteins, triterpenes, amino acids and phenolic compounds; these constituents show powerful 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging properties as well as strong chelating and antioxidative activities that can also positively influence glutathione peroxidase activity, an enzyme responsible for neutralizing free radicals and preventing lipid peroxidation.

G. lucidum contains beta-glucans that stimulate white blood cells to produce cytokines and strengthen immune function, helping prevent and treat illnesses including viral infections such as coronavirus. A water extract of G. lucidum was shown to significantly decrease body weight of genetically obese mice while improving glucose metabolism through possible inhibition of PEPCK gene expression; other studies indicate its ability to significantly decrease serum cholesterol and LDL in patients suffering chronic atherosclerosis through reductions in production of fatty acid particles and lipoprotein particles.

Studies suggest that G. lucidum contains polysaccharides such as lucidenic acid and 12-acetyl ganoderic acid F that can effectively inhibit tumor growth and apoptosis through modulating immune cell functions, suppressing inflammation responses, impeding tumor cell adhesion and blocking angiogenesis. These agents may also increase macrophage phagocytosis and inhibit cancer cell proliferation while increasing their sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs – all leading to the death of cancerous cells without impacting on healthy tissue or cells. Ganoderma lucidum can be purchased in capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, tinctures and powdered forms to use as a dietary supplement with health-promoting properties. Tea bags also may be made available to add healthful properties into teatime routine. Cultivation takes place without using chemicals, pesticides or hormones and uses recycled materials like paddy husks, rubber tree wastes and brown rice flour as nutrients for cultivation. This makes it a sustainable source of antioxidants which may be a suitable replacement to synthetic supplements or pharmaceutical drugs.