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Reishi – The “mushroom of immortality” and its modern effect on body and mind
Origin of the Reishi mushroom
The Reishi mushroom ( Ganoderma lucidum ), also known as "Ling Zhi" (translated: "divine mushroom of immortality"), is a traditional medicinal mushroom used in Chinese and Japanese medicine. It prefers to grow on dead wood, especially of deciduous trees such as oaks, in warm, humid regions of Asia. Reishi has been valued as a medicinal remedy for over 2,000 years, particularly for promoting longevity, vitality, and general well-being. Today, it is cultivated worldwide, primarily in China, Japan, and Korea.
Ingredients of the Reishi mushroom
Reishi is rich in bioactive compounds that may offer numerous health benefits. Key ingredients include:
- Triterpenes (ganoderic acids): Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Support the immune system and potentially protect the liver.
- Polysaccharides (beta-glucans): Stimulate the immune system and act as prebiotics. They exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antioxidants: Protect cells from oxidative stress, including free radicals.
- Sterols: Cholesterol-like compounds that have anti-inflammatory and hormone-regulating properties.
- Proteins and peptides: Bioactive proteins promote cell health and immune regulation.
- Minerals: Reishi contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron and zinc.
- Vitamins: B vitamins, especially riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid.
General effects of the Reishi mushroom
Reishi has traditionally been valued for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body balance stress and promote well-being. According to health claims regulations, the following benefits can be cited:
- Immune system support: Polysaccharides and triterpenes can help support the natural immune system by promoting the activity of macrophages and natural killer cells.
- Promotes relaxation and stress reduction: Reishi is traditionally used for its calming properties and can contribute to relaxation, especially in stressful situations
- Antioxidant properties: Reishi contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Liver health: Certain triterpenes from Reishi exhibit potentially liver-protective properties that may contribute to normal liver function.
- Respiratory support: Traditionally, Reishi has been used to support respiratory function, especially in cases of irritation or minor discomfort.
Effect of the Reishi mushroom on the intestines
Reishi has a specific effect on intestinal health, particularly through its polysaccharides and beta-glucans. The following aspects are particularly noteworthy:
- Promotes a healthy intestinal flora: The polysaccharides can have a prebiotic effect and promote the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium .
- Support of the intestinal mucosa: Through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Reishi can help promote the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and protect it from irritation.
- Regulation of digestion: Reishi is traditionally used to support normal bowel function and relieve minor discomforts such as flatulence or constipation.
- Protection against oxidative damage: The antioxidants in Reishi can protect the intestinal mucosa from oxidative stress and reduce inflammatory processes in the digestive tract.
- Anti-inflammatory effects in intestinal diseases: The triterpenes and polysaccharides could potentially help reduce inflammatory reactions in the intestine, which can be supportive in diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome or chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. ulcerative colitis).
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References
- Boh, B., Berovic, M., Zhang, J., & Zhi-Bin, L. (2007). Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds . Biotechnology Annual Review, 13, 265–301.
- Paterson, R.R.M. (2006). Ganoderma – A therapeutic fungal biofactory . Phytochemistry, 67(18), 1985–2001.
- Water, S. P. (2005). Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) in cancer treatment and prevention . Integrative Cancer Therapies, 4(4), 358–364.
- Zhou, L., Zhang, Y., & Gapter, L. (2008). Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of Ganoderma lucidum . Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 116(2), 207-214.
- Cuiling Guo 1, Dandan Guo 1, Liu Fang 1, Tingting Sang 1, Jianjun Wu 1, Chengjie Guo 1, Yujie Wang 1, Ying Wang 1, Chaojie Chen 1, Jiajun Chen 1, Rong Chen 1, Xingya Wang 2. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide modulates gut microbiota and immune cell function to inhibit inflammation and tumorigenesis in colon, 2021 Sep 1:267:118231. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118231. Epub 2021 May 20.