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Língzhi, or Reishi, is the name for one form of the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum, and its close relative Ganoderma tsugae. Ganoderma lucidum is very popular in Asia, where it has been used for over 4,000 years as a medicinal mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine. It is one of the earliest known and used medicinal mushrooms in human history.

In Chinese, the word lingzhi means "herb of spiritual potency" and has also been described as the mushroom of immortality. Because of its presumed health benefits and apparent absence of side-effects, it has attained a reputation in the East as the ultimate herbal nutritional supplement.

The Reishi Mushroom produces a group of triterpenes called ganoderic acids which have a molecular structure similar to steroid hormones. Reishi also contains other compounds many of which are typically found in fungal materials including polysaccharides such as beta-glucan, coumarin, mannitol, and alkaloids.


Lingzhi may possess anti-tumor, immunomodulatory and immunotherapeutic activities, supported by studies on polysaccharides, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds isolated from fruiting bodies and mycelia of this fungus (reviewed by R. R. Paterson and Lindequist et al.). It has also been found to inhibit platelet aggregation, and to lower blood pressure (via inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme), cholesterol and blood sugar.

Laboratory studies have shown anti-neoplastic effects of fungal extracts or isolated compounds against some types of cancer. In an animal model, Ganoderma has been reported to prevent cancer metastasis, with potency comparable to Lentinan from Shiitake mushrooms.

The mechanisms by which Reishi Mushroom may affect cancer are unknown and they may target different stages of cancer development: inhibition of angiogenesis (formation of new, tumor-induced blood vessels, created to supply nutrients to the tumor) mediated by cytokines, cytoxicity, inhibiting migration of the cancer cells and metastasis, and inducing and enhancing apoptosis of tumor cells.

Additional studies indicate that ganoderic acid has some protective effects against liver injury by viruses and other toxic agents in mice, suggesting a potential benefit of this compound in the treatment of liver diseases in humans, and Ganderma-produced sterols inhibit lanosterol 14a-demethylase activity in the biosynthesis of cholesterol (Appl. Environ. Microbiol., July 2005). Compounds found in Reishi Mushroom inhibit 5-alpha reductase activity in the biosynthesis of dihydrotestosterone (Bioorg Med Chem. 2006 Dec 15;14(24):8654-60. Epub 2006 Sep 8.). Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a mediator of prostate growth. Therefore, inhibiting DHT may aid in the prevention or reversal of prostrate enlargement.

Besides effects on mammalian physiology, Reishi is reported to have anti-bacterial and anti-viral activities. As reported in Peptides. 2006 Jan;27, Ganodermin, a protein found in Reishi Mushrooms, inhibited the mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum and Physalospora piricola.

Due to its bitter taste, Reishi Mushroom is traditionally prepared as a hot water extract. Thinly sliced or pulverized Reishi (either fresh or dried) is added to a pot of boiling water, the water is then brought to a simmer, and the pot is covered; the lingzhi is then simmered for two hours. The resulting liquid should be fairly bitter in taste, with the more active red lingzhi more bitter than the black. The process may be repeated. Alternatively, it can be used as an ingredient in a formula decoction or used to make an extract (in liquid, capsule, or powder form). The more active red forms of lingzhi are far too bitter to be consumed in a soup.

Shen Nong's Herbal Classic, a 2000-year old medicinal Chinese text states "The taste is bitter, its energy neutral, it has no toxicity. It cures the accumulation of pathogenic factors in the chest. It is good for the Qi of the head, including mental activities... Long term consumption will lighten the body; you will never become old. It lengthens years."

Bencao Gangmu ("Great Pharmacopoeia"), a Chinese medical book published in the 16th century, also indicates a possible link between modern research and folk knowledge when describing the Lingzhi mushroom: "It positively affects the Qi of the heart, repairing the chest area and benefiting those with a knotted and tight chest. Taken over a long period of time agility of the body will not cease, and the years are lengthened..."

Depictions of Reishi mushroom as a symbol for health are shown in many places of the Chinese Emperors residences in the Forbidden City as well as the Summer Palace. Also, the Chinese goddess of healing Guan Yin is sometimes depicted holding a Lingzhi mushroom.







All information is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose or personally treat any medical condition or disease or prescribe any medication. If you have a medical condition you are urged to contact your personal health care provider. Statements on this website have not necessarily been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.