Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Also known as: Ganoderma lucidum, Lingzhi, Ling Zhi, Mannentake, Ganoderma lingzhi, reishi extract
Reishi is a woody polypore used for centuries in East Asian herbal traditions and now sold mainly as a hot-water or dual extract of the fruiting body. Its bitter triterpenoids (ganoderic acids) and beta-glucan polysaccharides are the compounds formulators standardize to. Human trials have examined reishi-derived beta-glucan for immune markers in healthy adults and reishi supplementation for perceived stress in college students. It appears in calm, sleep, and immune-support blends. Because triterpenes are ethanol-soluble and polysaccharides are water-soluble, the extraction method determines which compounds a given extract actually delivers.
Research summary
Beta-glucans are studied for interaction with immune cell receptors such as dectin-1; triterpenoids are studied for effects on the nervous system and inflammatory signaling.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 1,000–1,500 mg | — | — |
Range reflects a concentrated fruiting-body extract taken once or twice daily, often in the evening in calm or sleep formulas. Reishi is intensely bitter, so extracts are easier to dose in capsules than in flavored powders. Allow several weeks of continuous use; acute effects are not expected. Trial doses vary by extract type and are not directly comparable across studies.
Standardization: ≥20% beta-glucans; triterpenes reported separately (commonly 2–6%)
Source material: fruiting body
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Very bitter; challenging in gummies and flavored powders without strong masking. Mycelium-on-grain powders are common and much less bitter but lower in triterpenes.
Formulation notes
Reishi is reported to have mild antiplatelet activity and may add to the effect of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs; flag for users on these medications. Powdered reishi can dominate the flavor of a blend.
- Notable drug interactions
Sources
- Evaluation of Immune Modulation by β-1,3; 1,6 D-Glucan Derived from Ganoderma lucidum in Healthy Adult Volunteers, A Randomized Controlled Trial. (Chen 2023)PubMed
- Efficacy of Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes) Supplementation on Psychological Stress and Selective Fitness Profile Parameters in Female College Students in West Bengal, India. (Mitra 2024)PubMed
- Examine.com — ReishiExamine
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