The Reishi, also known by the scientific name Ganoderma lucidum, is a mushroom used in various Asian traditions for centuries. It now attracts the interest of scientific research, which explores its properties and potential benefits.

In this article, we highlight the results of scientific studies on Reishi and its potential interest in a varied and balanced diet.

A millennial story

The Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), also called "Lingzhi" in China, is a mushroom known and used for over 2,000 years in Asia. It is often referred to as the "mushroom of immortality" due to its central place in Chinese and Japanese medical traditions. It was once reserved for emperors and ruling classes, who considered it an elixir promoting longevity.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi was used to balance the body and strengthen its vitality. Its historical uses included supporting the immune system, managing stress, and improving overall resilience.

Composition and active principles

Reishi contains a wide variety of bioactive compounds, including:

• Polysaccharides (including beta-glucans), which are studied for their influence on the immune system.

• Triterpenes (ganoderic acids), which have antioxidant properties and are being studied for their effects on overall well-being.

• Sterols and peptides, which contribute to the mushroom's unique composition.

What benefits within the European regulatory framework?

In Europe, health claims on dietary supplements are strictly regulated by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). Currently, no specific health claim has been officially approved for Reishi. However, its compounds, notably the beta-glucans derived from mushrooms, are recognized for their contribution to maintaining natural defenses.

Incorporating Reishi into a balanced diet

Reishi is available in various forms: powder, extract, infusion, or dietary supplement. It is often consumed as a decoction or added to food preparations. Its naturally bitter taste is a sign of the presence of triterpenes, one of its main bioactive compounds.

Conclusion

Reishi continues to be the subject of extensive research aimed at better understanding its properties and its role in the body's balance. Its use is part of a holistic approach to well-being, complementing a varied and balanced diet.

Reishi production at Mycosphere

Our quality commitment:

We produce our mushrooms 100% organically and all our products are certified "BE-BIO-01, Agriculture Belgium" by CERTISYS.

Our mushrooms are dehydrated at low temperature to best preserve their quality. 100% natural product, raw, vegan, additive-free, lactose-free, and gluten-free.

Products in Belgium, we control the entire production process: from spores to harvest and packaging.

How to consume our reishi?

A simple and ancestral recipe: the infusion

• Ingredients :
  • 5-10 g of dried reishi
  • 1 liter of water
• Preparation :
  1. Rinse the reishi pieces with cold water.
  2. Boil the water in a saucepan.
  3. Add the reishi pieces and let simmer over low heat for 1 to 2 hours.
  4. Strain the infusion before drinking.
  5. You can add honey or lemon to soften the taste.
• Usage: Drink the hot or cold infusion throughout the day.

Scientific References and Online Resources

1. 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.
2. Hsu, S. C., et al. (2009). Ganoderma lucidum extracts inhibit growth and induce actin polymerization in bladder cancer cells. Molecular Carcinogenesis.
3. Liu, C., et al. (2017). Anti-inflammatory activity of Ganoderma lucidum in ulcerative colitis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
4. Wachtel-Galor, S., et al. (2004). Antioxidant properties of Ganoderma lucidum in aged mice. Phytotherapy Research.
5. Chen, H. S., et al. (2009). Hypotensive and hypolipidemic effects of Ganoderma lucidum in spontaneously hypertensive rats. American Journal of Chinese Medicine.
6. Lai, C. S., et al. (2012). Neuroprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides in an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
7. 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.

À propos de l’auteur

Quentin Gobert
Fondateur de La Mycosphère

Passionate about the fungal world and a committed entrepreneur, Quentin shares his knowledge and expertise through articles and consulting. With the Mycosphere, he aims to raise public awareness about the importance of mushrooms in our ecosystems and to promote innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

Découvrir notre projet