Reishi, also known by the scientific name Ganoderma lucidum , is a mushroom that has been revered in traditional Asian medicine for millennia. Renowned for its many beneficial properties, Reishi has recently gained the attention of modern science, which is exploring its potential health effects .
In this article, we highlight the scientifically-backed benefits of Reishi and explain why this mushroom deserves a prominent place in your wellness routine.
1. Immunomodulatory Effects
Reishi is particularly recognized for its ability to strengthen the immune system. The polysaccharides it contains play a crucial role in stimulating the activity of immune cells, such as macrophages, T lymphocytes and NK (Natural Killer) cells.
- Study: "Immunomodulating activity of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides by regulating the function of monocytes-derived dendritic cells" (Zhang et al., 2017, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules). This study demonstrated that Reishi polysaccharides can modulate the activity of dendritic cells, essential for an effective immune response.
2. Anticancer Properties
The active compounds of Reishi, notably triterpenoids, have shown promising effects in the fight against cancer. These substances can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and prevent metastasis.
- Study: "Ganoderma lucidum extracts inhibit growth and induce actin polymerization in bladder cancer cells" (Hsu et al., 2009, Molecular Carcinogenesis). This research found that Reishi extracts can curb the growth of bladder cancer cells.
3. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Reishi's anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to its triterpenes, which can inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing chronic inflammation.
- Study: "Anti-inflammatory activity of Ganoderma lucidum in ulcerative colitis" (Liu et al., 2017, Journal of Ethnopharmacology). This study showed that Reishi can alleviate inflammation in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis.
4. Antioxidant Activity
Reishi is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, a key factor in aging and chronic disease.
- Study: "Antioxidant properties of Ganoderma lucidum in aged mice" (Wachtel-Galor et al., 2004, Phytotherapy Research). The results showed that Reishi has powerful antioxidant activity, helping to reduce oxidative damage in aged mice.
5. Cardiovascular Support
Reishi also provides benefits for cardiovascular health, including lowering blood pressure and improving lipid profile.
- Study: "Hypotensive and hypolipidemic effects of Ganoderma lucidum in spontaneously hypertensive rats" (Chen et al., 2009, American Journal of Chinese Medicine). This study demonstrated that Reishi can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels in hypertensive rats.
6. Neuroprotective Effects
Reishi could play a protective role against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, thanks to its neuroprotective properties.
- Study: "Neuroprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides in an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease" (Lai et al., 2012, Journal of Ethnopharmacology). The results showed that Reishi polysaccharides protect neurons from oxidative damage.
7. Improvement of General Well-being
Reishi is often used to improve general well-being, reduce fatigue and promote better sleep.
- Study: "Effects of Ganoderma lucidum on fatigue and quality of life in patients with neurasthenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study" (Tang et al ., 2005, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine). This study showed that Reishi can reduce fatigue and improve quality of life.
The production of Reishi at Mycosphere
Our quality commitment:
We produce our mushrooms 100% organically and all our products are certified " BE-BIO-01, Agriculture Belgique " by CERTISYS.
Our mushrooms are dehydrated at low temperature to best preserve their quality. 100% natural, raw, vegan product, additive-free, lactose-free and gluten-free.
Produced in Belgium, we control the entire production process: from spores to harvesting and packaging.
Produced in Belgium, 100% ORGANIC, traceable production from start to finish
The vast majority of food supplements and other mushroom-based products available on the market use mushrooms imported from China, which sometimes poses problems in terms of traceability on production methods.
At the Mycosphere, we control the entire production chain of our products, from spores to mushroom harvesting, drying and packaging.
We cultivate them on a 100% organic substrate that we produce based on beech wood and selected organic cereals from our region.
The reishi mycelium grows on a substrate that we manufacture to measure based on beech sawdust and organic cereals from our region. This substrate is first pasteurized to eliminate possible contaminants before being mixed with the selected reishi mycelium.
Its cultivation requires time and patience: it takes between 3 and 4 months between the reproduction of the mycelia and the harvest of the mushrooms. We control the humidity and air renewal in our cultivation rooms to guarantee maximum development and quality of fruiting bodies.
We then practice slow drying at low temperatures (<42°C.) in order to best preserve all their qualities.
How to consume our reishi?
A simple and ancestral recipe: infusion
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Ingredients :
- 5-10 g dried reishi
- 1 liter of water
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Preparation :
- Rinse the reishi pieces in cold water.
- Boil the water in a saucepan.
- Add the reishi pieces and simmer over low heat for 1 to 2 hours.
- Strain the infusion before drinking it.
- You can add honey or lemon to sweeten the taste.
- Usage: Drink the infusion hot or cold throughout the day.
Scientific References and Online Resources
- Zhang, H., et al. (2017). Immunomodulating activity of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides by regulating the function of monocytes-derived dendritic cells. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.
- Hsu, S. C., et al. (2009). Ganoderma lucidum extracts inhibit growth and induce actin polymerization in bladder cancer cells. Molecular Carcinogenesis.
- Liu, C., et al. (2017). Anti-inflammatory activity of Ganoderma lucidum in ulcerative colitis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
- Wachtel-Galor, S., et al. (2004). Antioxidant properties of Ganoderma lucidum in aged mice. Phytotherapy Research.
- Chen, H. S., et al. (2009). Hypotensive and hypolipidemic effects of Ganoderma lucidum in spontaneously hypertensive rats. American Journal of Chinese Medicine.
- Lai, C. S., et al. (2012). Neuroprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides in an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
- Tang, W., et al. (2005). Effects of Ganoderma lucidum on fatigue and quality of life in patients with neurasthenia. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
