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.
Typical use: 1-3 g/day dual-extract fruiting body (water + alcohol); spore-oil products variable — OTC.
What this is
The classic 'shen' tonic mushroom of TCM. The hepatotoxicity case reports (Wanmuchun-type) are the meaningful safety note — choose reputable brands with COA and avoid mystery 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
Dose & route
1-3 g/day dual-extract fruiting body (water + alcohol); spore-oil products variable
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26755593/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15095907/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31373722/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) work?
- 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.
- Is Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) safe?
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has a med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)?
- 1-3 g/day dual-extract fruiting body (water + alcohol); spore-oil products variable
- 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.