Rankings / Immune & Inflammation
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Immune & Inflammation · Medicinal mushroom / beta-glucan
Tier C
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) as C (4.6/10) based on weak-moderate evidence, low-moderate benefit magnitude, and a med-risk safety profile.
The classic 'shen' tonic mushroom of TCM.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 1-3 g/day dual-extract fruiting body (water + alcohol); spore-oil products variable — OTC; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
The classic 'shen' tonic mushroom of TCM. Hepatotoxicity case reports are the principal safety signal; product composition and contaminant testing vary especially for unverified powders. Effect size on sleep/immune is real but modest. Standardization across products is poor.
Mechanism
Triterpenes (ganoderic acids) and polysaccharides (beta-glucans); Dectin-1/TLR2 activation; modulates NK cell activity; weak ACE-inhibitory and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitory effects in vitro
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
1-3 g/day dual-extract fruiting body (water + alcohol); spore-oil products variable
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)'s effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) as Weak-Moderate and the benefit magnitude as low-moderate, producing an overall grade of C (4.6/10). The classic 'shen' tonic mushroom of TCM.
- What safety findings are reported for Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)?
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has a med risk profile in the database. Med (hepatotoxicity case reports with concentrated extracts and powders; rare; bleeding/anticoagulant interaction signal at high doses) Legal status: OTC.
- What doses or routes are reported for Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)?
- 1-3 g/day dual-extract fruiting body (water + alcohol); spore-oil products variable This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) work?
- Triterpenes (ganoderic acids) and polysaccharides (beta-glucans); Dectin-1/TLR2 activation; modulates NK cell activity; weak ACE-inhibitory and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitory effects in vitro
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.