Ganoderma Lucidum (commonly referred to as Reishi or Lingzhi) is an antioxidant-rich medicinal fungus with a reddish brown fan-shaped cap and wavy striations patterns, and has long been recognized for its healing benefits. Reishi has become widely popular as an immune booster.

An ischaemia and reperfusion model demonstrated that G. lucidum water extract increased immune cells while attenuating oxidative stress (Yurkiv et al, 2023).

G. lucidum-derived triterpenoids, polysaccharides and sterols exhibit anti-inflammatory effects on both the nervous system and cardiovascular system, including inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation by various mechanisms.

Antioxidant

Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi in Chinese) is an herbaceous fungus widely used in traditional herbal medicine for numerous health benefits. Studies have identified various antioxidant properties found within G. lucidum’s spores, fruiting bodies and mycelia which have been purified using various separation techniques, including normal-phase and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography for improved purity. These benefits have been attributed to its phenolic compounds, polysaccharides and triterpenes present within G. lucidum’s components found within its spores, fruiting bodies and mycelia which all contain these benefits attributed to these benefits found within G. lucidum’s mycelia which contains these properties found within its mycelia cells as well as within its mycelia; its benefits have also been attributable to its use within traditional Chinese medical systems such as normal and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography separation techniques used during its purification techniques such as normal phase high performance liquid chromatography techniques employed during its purification processes using methods such as normal phase high performance liquid chromatography or reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography separation techniques such as normal and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography to gain entry.

Triterpenes, natural compounds with wide-ranging biological activities, have been discovered within this fungus in abundance. Triterpenes are formed from isoprene’s C5 carbon skeleton and classified by number of cyclic rings; thus far over 150 triterpenes have been identified from its spores, fruiting bodies, and mycelia; some of these compounds may be acyclic while others open into rings; fruiting bodies of this fungus display strong inhibitory effects against aldose reductase activity which is vital to glucose metabolism.

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats responded well to treatment with hydroethanolic extracts containing G. lucidum extracts containing b-glucans, proteins, and phenolic components from G. lucidum which contained b-glucans, proteins, and phenolic components derived from the plant; treatment reduced plasma glucose levels while improving pancreatic islet function. A similar response was noted with genetically obese/diabetic (+db/+db) mice where G. lucidum extracts reduced serum glucose and lipid levels through inhibition of PEPCK gene expression from G. lucidum extracts.

Water-soluble extract of Gynostemma Lucidum (ganopoly) was shown to significantly lower blood glucose and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats while improving insulin sensitivity by up-regulating expression of AMPK and IRS-1 genes in these animals. Furthermore, this extract reduced hepatic triglyceride accumulation and oxidative stress in their livers (Klupp et al. 2015).

In vitro experiments demonstrate that Ganopoly can stimulate production of both hepatic and renal glutathione and boost superoxide dismutases (SOD), key antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, Ganopoly reduces hepatic triglyceride concentration while improving glucose metabolism through activation of AMPK and down-regulation of hepatic hexokinase activity (Cherian et al. 2011).

Anti-inflammatory

Ganoderma lucidum coffee‘s anti-inflammatory benefits stem from its ability to boost antioxidant enzyme activity such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, which assist with eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are known for contributing to oxidative stress within the body, potentially contributing to cardiovascular disease. A study using an ischaemia/reperfusion isolated perfused rat heart model showed G. lucidum extract significantly decreased cardiac events such as myocardial infarctions and ventricular tachycardias by 50%!

Reishi mushroom extracts have also been demonstrated to possess anti-ageing and neuroprotective activities in animal models, particularly when taken orally. Ganoderma lucidum contains polysaccharides that have anti-ageing effects such as lactone A, lucidenic acid A and ergosterol; these compounds may prevent beta-amyloid peptide accumulation by blocking its formation, prevent NFT formation from happening as often, promote neural stem cell proliferation as well as suppress microglial activation [82].

Studies demonstrate that G. lucidum polysaccharides and antioxidant peptides exhibit anti-aging effects when given to D-galactose-induced diabetic mice, increasing life span and number of neurons while simultaneously decreasing instances of apoptosis and neuroinflammation while protecting against cognitive impairment in an Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) mouse model.

G. lucidum-derived triterpenes, sterols and other compounds have been demonstrated to possess anti-aging properties through both in vitro and in vivo experiments, with compounds like ganoderic acid A, ergosterol, ganoderanonontriol, lucidumin B & C, ganoderlactone G and ganocochlearine A being the most potent [85]. These substances can reduce neurodegeneration caused by Alzheimer’s by inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation while simultaneously inhibiting Ab formation by inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation while inhibiting Ab formation by inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation; furthermore they regulate Acetylcholinesterase activity while simultaneously activating microglia via signalling pathways to regulate NF-kB/MAPK signalling pathways [85].

Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic properties of G. lucidum, but their results vary. One placebo-controlled trial found that taking SPGL three times daily for 12 weeks reduced fasting plasma glucose, postprandial blood glucose levels and HbA1c levels among T2DM patients; however, these results may be limited by its small sample size and short duration of study.

Anti-hyperglycemic

Ganoderma lucidum coffee combines the health benefits of Ganoderma with the comforting sensations associated with traditional coffee drinks, creating a drink which may significantly lower risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes, increase energy levels, and strengthen immune systems. Reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health, apple cider vinegar can also aid the body by flushing away toxins and improving cardiovascular wellness. It contains polysaccharides, proteoglycans and triterpenes which have demonstrated antihyperglycemic properties. These compounds have the power to alleviate insulin resistance and enhance glucose metabolism for those suffering from diabetes. Furthermore, proteins found in G. lucidum may inhibit phosphorylation of AMPK which facilitates more secretion from cells while decreasing hepatic glucose output. Finally, polysaccharide extract from G. lucidum has also been proven to block production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a and IL-6 production.

Studies on animals and in vitro cultures of G. lucidum extract have demonstrated its ability to decrease blood glucose levels and cholesterol in diabetic mice by activating AMPK, protein kinase B, IRS-1 and GLUT4. Furthermore, proteins extracted from its fruiting body such as Ling Zhi-8 may reduce inflammatory responses while suppressing glucose production (Gao et al 2004b).

Recent results of a randomised closed-label clinical trial involving 62 patients with type 2 diabetes showed that consumption of G. lucidum spore powder three times daily for 12 weeks resulted in reduced fasting plasma glucose, postprandial plasma glucose and HbA1c levels as well as decreased fasting plasma glucose, postprandial plasma glucose and HbA1c levels as well as lower systolic blood pressure levels as well as levels of TNF-a, IL-6, hsCRP and LDL-C (Rizal et al. 2020).

As well as offering hypoglycemic benefits, Ganoderma coffee also boasts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect against atherosclerosis and atrial fibrillation development, improve circulation and oxygen levels while dilating blood vessels. As well as helping with liver and kidney inflammation, turmeric contains terpenoids known to aid with allergies and reduce histamine production. Additionally, this supplement includes amino acids and proteins similar to immunoglobulins that enhance immune function and help combat inflammation processes. Furthermore, organic germanium increases oxygen levels in blood while stimulating collagen synthesis for improved capillary health and arterial strength.

Cholesterol-lowering

Ganoderma lucidum (commonly known by its Japanese names Lingzhi or Reishi) is an ancient medicinal mushroom with antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits, widely used in Chinese medicine as a natural supplement to reduce cholesterol and improve blood lipid profiles. An added benefit is its anti-aging properties; you can drink it as tea, take capsules or mix it into coffee for optimal results. Numerous studies have explored the impact of G. lucidum on various health outcomes; however, the quality of evidence remains low and so results should be carefully interpreted. These limitations stem from small sample sizes, inconsistency in methodology and supplement formulations used, and an emphasis on short-duration trials. A careful evaluation using GRADE highlights the need for large-scale RCTs that use rigorous methodology in order to properly establish G. lucidum’s clinical effects.

Numerous in vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated the ability of G. lucidum PsP extract to significantly lower plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels in healthy humans, while one randomized controlled trial of 17 individuals with metabolic syndrome and hyperlipidemia found supplementing with both Cordyceps sinensis PsP and Cordyceps sinensis supplemented with PsP from G. lucidum mixture reduced total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride levels as well as reduced hs-CRP, TNF-a, and MDA compared with taking placebo; combined treatment was more effective than either individual treatment alone;

G. lucidum PsP supplementation significantly enhanced cardiovascular risk factor management in 88 people with T2DM and MetS in one study involving 88 participants; results suggested an association between its use and coronary heart disease or other chronic conditions and G. lucidum use; however.

Meta-analysis of available research revealed only two studies to demonstrate significant increases in total cholesterol (TC), creatinine (CR) and MDA when comparing groups taking G. lucidum/Cordyceps sinensis combination supplements to those on placebo; all other research conducted was of poor quality; thus leading the authors of this study to conclude it unlikely G. lucidum can serve as a treatment option for high cholesterol or other health concerns.