Revered in the Orient for two millennia as the "Mushroom of Immortality," Ganoderma has been demonstrated to have a therapeutic effect on 16 out of 17 areas of health in Paul Stamets' chart on medicinal mushrooms. That's more than any other mushroom species.
In Tibet, it goes by the name Ling Chi, and many Buddhist temples and shrines are adorned with artistic renderings of this beautiful fungus. Tibetans have a long tradition of using Ganoderma extract for infections as well as high-altitude sickness. [25]
Unlike the healers of old, contemporary health professionals may now point to modern research and attribute the life extending properties of Ganoderma to its anti-oxidants, which are at an exceptionally high level and help to protect against one of the major cause of aging, free radical damage. [34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41]
The anti-inflammatory properties of Ganoderma's triterpenoid compounds may be another contributing factor to its life-prolonging properties. [42, 43, 44, 45] Inflammation is, after all, involved in many of our most prevalent illnesses, from the common cold and bronchitis, allergies and asthma to arthritis [47, 48, 49, 50, 51] and atherosclerosis. [46] In fact, any part of the body may be susceptible to inflammation, from brain [52] to reproductive organs. [53]
Allergies and inflammations are the results of an exaggerated immune response. So it has surprised researchers to discover that while Ganoderma extract calms the out-of-control immune response in cases of inflammation, it actually improves a healthy immune response. [48, 54, 55] It's even demonstrated some inhibitory effect on the replication of HIV in mother and daughter lymphocytes. [56]
Another rejuvenating (anti-aging) effect of Ganoderma extract relates to its effect on the alveoli of the lungs and increased oxygen absorption, [57] as well as increased coronary flow and decreased blood pressure, [58] both of which contribute to an energizing and vitalizing effect. For this reason, two studies have shown promise in the use of Ganoderma with chronic fatigue. [59, 60]
Like several other medicinal mushrooms, Ganoderma also contains anti-tumor compounds. Research on Ganoderma extract has yielded positive results on cancers of the cervix, prostate, liver, lungs, bone and blood. [61, 62, 63, 64, 65] Two studies indicate that this effect is secondary, by way of stimulating the body's own immune system and cancer fighting mechanisms. [66, 67]
A couple of Chinese research articles have reported positive results from the use of Ganoderma extract on supporting the liver in cases of chronic hepatitis [68] as well as post-hepatic cirrhosis [69].
Another study showed Ganoderma extract having a restorative effect on spleen function. [34] Powdered Ganoderma has also been used to treat skin conditions [70], including but not limited to poison ivy rash [25] and poison oak.
Paul Stamets lists the following additional therapeutic areas of potential use for Ganoderma extract: Candida; Diabetes / Hyperglycemia; Cholesterol; Kidney Function; Respiratory System; Nerves; and Stress. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
In Tibet, it goes by the name Ling Chi, and many Buddhist temples and shrines are adorned with artistic renderings of this beautiful fungus. Tibetans have a long tradition of using Ganoderma extract for infections as well as high-altitude sickness. [25]
Unlike the healers of old, contemporary health professionals may now point to modern research and attribute the life extending properties of Ganoderma to its anti-oxidants, which are at an exceptionally high level and help to protect against one of the major cause of aging, free radical damage. [34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41]
The anti-inflammatory properties of Ganoderma's triterpenoid compounds may be another contributing factor to its life-prolonging properties. [42, 43, 44, 45] Inflammation is, after all, involved in many of our most prevalent illnesses, from the common cold and bronchitis, allergies and asthma to arthritis [47, 48, 49, 50, 51] and atherosclerosis. [46] In fact, any part of the body may be susceptible to inflammation, from brain [52] to reproductive organs. [53]
Allergies and inflammations are the results of an exaggerated immune response. So it has surprised researchers to discover that while Ganoderma extract calms the out-of-control immune response in cases of inflammation, it actually improves a healthy immune response. [48, 54, 55] It's even demonstrated some inhibitory effect on the replication of HIV in mother and daughter lymphocytes. [56]
Another rejuvenating (anti-aging) effect of Ganoderma extract relates to its effect on the alveoli of the lungs and increased oxygen absorption, [57] as well as increased coronary flow and decreased blood pressure, [58] both of which contribute to an energizing and vitalizing effect. For this reason, two studies have shown promise in the use of Ganoderma with chronic fatigue. [59, 60]
Like several other medicinal mushrooms, Ganoderma also contains anti-tumor compounds. Research on Ganoderma extract has yielded positive results on cancers of the cervix, prostate, liver, lungs, bone and blood. [61, 62, 63, 64, 65] Two studies indicate that this effect is secondary, by way of stimulating the body's own immune system and cancer fighting mechanisms. [66, 67]
A couple of Chinese research articles have reported positive results from the use of Ganoderma extract on supporting the liver in cases of chronic hepatitis [68] as well as post-hepatic cirrhosis [69].
Another study showed Ganoderma extract having a restorative effect on spleen function. [34] Powdered Ganoderma has also been used to treat skin conditions [70], including but not limited to poison ivy rash [25] and poison oak.
Paul Stamets lists the following additional therapeutic areas of potential use for Ganoderma extract: Candida; Diabetes / Hyperglycemia; Cholesterol; Kidney Function; Respiratory System; Nerves; and Stress. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
About the Author:
Dr. Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. His current focus is medicinal mushrooms, including Extract of Ganoderma lucidum, in cooperation with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For research references to this article, please go to the Ganoderma extract page. Click on any number to find its corresponding reference.
