- Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as reishi or lingzhi, is a medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine.
- Belonging to the family Ganodermataceae, it is a large, woody, bracket fungus that typically grows at the base of hardwood trees. Its fruiting body is kidney-shaped to fan-shaped, with a distinctive reddish-brown, varnished surface that gives it a lacquered appearance. While not widely consumed as a food due to its tough, bitter, and cork-like texture, G. lucidum is primarily valued for its bioactive compounds and extensive medicinal applications.
- Chemically, Ganoderma lucidum is a rich source of diverse secondary metabolites. The most studied groups are triterpenoids (known as ganoderic acids) and polysaccharides (especially β-glucans). Triterpenoids contribute to its bitter taste and are associated with anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities. Polysaccharides, particularly β-(1→3)- and β-(1→6)-linked glucans, are recognized for their immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. In addition, reishi contains proteins, sterols, nucleosides, and peptides, all of which contribute to its pharmacological profile.
- Medicinally, G. lucidum has been revered for over 2,000 years as a “mushroom of immortality” and a tonic for longevity, vitality, and spiritual potency. Modern scientific research has validated many of these traditional claims, showing that reishi exhibits immunomodulatory, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. The polysaccharides act as biological response modifiers (BRMs), stimulating macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, while triterpenoids exert direct cytotoxic effects against tumor cells, reduce inflammation, and protect the liver. Collectively, these mechanisms make G. lucidum a promising agent in both disease prevention and adjunctive therapy.
- In oncology, extracts of Ganoderma lucidum have been studied as adjuvant therapies to conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Clinical studies suggest that reishi supplementation may improve immune function, reduce treatment side effects, and enhance patient quality of life. Although not considered a stand-alone cancer treatment, its role as a supportive therapy is increasingly recognized in integrative medicine.
- Beyond cancer, Ganoderma lucidum has applications in managing chronic conditions. It has been reported to help regulate blood glucose and lipid metabolism, reduce oxidative stress, and improve cardiovascular health. Its adaptogenic properties are said to help the body cope with stress, fatigue, and age-related decline. Reishi has also been explored for its potential in liver protection, respiratory health, and neurological disorders, reflecting its wide-ranging impact on physiological systems.
- Economically, Ganoderma lucidum holds great significance as one of the most widely marketed functional mushrooms worldwide. Cultivation techniques, including log-based and substrate-based methods, have been optimized to meet global demand for reishi-based supplements, teas, tinctures, and extracts. Its cultural and spiritual importance in East Asia has also contributed to its enduring reputation as a symbol of health and longevity.
