This study provides a comprehensive review of Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) and its potential applications in medicine and nutrition covering research from 2015 to 2020. Reishi contains powerful bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, sterols, proteins, and nucleotides, which have shown promising effects in diabetes, neurodegeneration, inflammation, cancer, heart disease, anxiety, and immune disorders. While Reishi is widely used in health supplements and cosmeceuticals, further research is essential to fully unlock Reishi’s therapeutic potential.

This study highlights Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) as a powerful medicinal fungus with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and metabolic health benefits. Researchers have found that Reishi’s triterpenoids and polysaccharides can improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, and support weight management in animal studies, making it a promising natural aid for diabetes and obesity. Additionally, Reishi compounds have been shown to enhance immune cell activity. While more research is needed, Reishi continues to show potential as a functional supplement for immune and metabolic health.

This study highlights Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) as a potential natural therapy for blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Key compounds, such as ganoderic acid and polysaccharides, have been shown to stimulate the immune system, promote cancer cell death (apoptosis), and inhibit tumor growth. Research has demonstrated that Reishi extracts can damage cancerous cells without harming healthy ones, and studies in mice suggest that it enhances immune cell activity, including T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. These findings suggest that Reishi may have a role in supporting cancer treatment, particularly in hematological malignancies, though more clinical research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.

This study suggests that Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) may help the body fight brain tumors by strengthening the immune system. Researchers found that a special compound in Reishi, called GL-PS, helped activate key immune cells, making them more effective at attacking tumor cells. In rats with brain tumors, this immune boost slowed tumor growth and helped them live longer. These findings suggest that Reishi could be a useful natural supplement to support the immune system and improve the body’s ability to fight cancer, especially when used alongside other treatments.

This study suggests that Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) may help protect the liver from damage. Researchers tested Reishi-derived peptides (GLP) on mice with liver injury and found that those who received Reishi extract for two weeks had significantly lower liver damage markers and improved antioxidant levels, compared to untreated mice. The highest dose (180 mg/kg) showed the best protective effects, with liver function returning close to normal. These findings suggest that Reishi may support liver health by reducing oxidative stress, lowering inflammation, and protecting against liver cell damage, making it a potential natural remedy for liver conditions.

This study investigated Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) as a natural antioxidant and its potential benefits for heart health and DNA protection. In a 10-day clinical trial, participants who took Reishi supplements showed a significant increase in antioxidant capacity in both blood and urine, peaking 90 minutes after ingestion. Long-term supplementation also led to higher levels of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and improved antioxidant markers, while plasma lipids and uric acid levels trended downward, suggesting potential heart health benefits. No negative effects were observed, and while the results indicate Reishi may help protect against oxidative stress and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, more research is needed to confirm its long-term impact.

This study suggests that Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lingzhi) may help lower blood pressure naturally. Researchers created a Reishi extract and tested its effects on hypertensive rats. Within four hours, the rats' systolic blood pressure dropped significantly (by up to 19.5%), with effects lasting for eight hours. Scientists identified 11 bioactive peptides, four of which strongly inhibited ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme)—a key enzyme that regulates blood pressure. These findings suggest that Reishi-derived peptides could be used as a natural antihypertensive supplement or functional food ingredient to support cardiovascular health.

This study reveals serious quality inconsistencies in Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) supplements. Researchers tested 19 different Reishi products and found that only 5 (26.3%) contained the correct levels of bioactive compounds (triterpenes and polysaccharides) as stated on their labels. This suggests that many Reishi supplements on the market may be inaccurately labeled or of low quality, highlighting the need for stricter quality control and better consumer awareness. For those seeking the true benefits of Reishi, choosing a supplement from a trusted, high-quality source is essential.