Eastern medicine makes use of many different herbs and fungi. Reishi mushroom is particularly popular in this regard.
Reishiis an herbal mushroom known to have miraculous medicinal properties and health benefits. Myths about the rejuvenating qualities of this mushroom are common.
It has several potential health benefits such as boosting the immune system and fighting cancer. However, its security has also started to be questioned.
What is Reishi Mushroom?
Ganoderma lucidum and also known as lingzhi reishi mushroomIs a mushroom that grows in various hot and humid regions in Asia.
For many years, this mushroom has been used in Eastern medicine. There are several molecules inside the fungus, such as triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans that may be responsible for their health effects.
While the mushroom itself can be eaten fresh, powdered forms of the mushroom or extracts containing these specific molecules are also commonly used. These different forms have been tested in cell, animal and human studies.
What Are the Benefits of Reishi Mushroom?
Strengthens the immune system
Reishi mushroomOne of the most important effects of the disease is that it strengthens the immune system. Test tube studies, while some details are still unclear reishican affect genes in white blood cells, which are critical parts of the immune system.
These studies also found that some forms of reishi can alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells.
Studies in cancer patients have shown that some of the molecules found in the fungus can increase the activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells.
Natural killer cells fight infections and cancer in the body.
In another study, reishihas been found to be able to increase the number of other white blood cells (lymphocytes) in patients with colorectal cancer.
Reishi mushroomAlthough most of the immune system benefits of the disease are seen in those who are sick, some evidence has shown that it can also help healthy people.
In one study, the fungus improved lymphocyte function, which helps fight infections and cancer in athletes exposed to stressful conditions.
However, other research in healthy adults has shown that reishi extract showed no improvement in immune function or inflammation 4 weeks after administration.
Generally, reishiIt is clear that the disease affects white blood cells and immune function.
It has anti-cancer properties
Many people consume this mushroom because of its potential cancer-fighting properties. One study of more than 4,000 breast cancer survivors found that about 59% reishi mushroom revealed that he used it.
Additionally, various test-tube studies have shown that it can lead to the death of cancer cells. Still, the results of these studies do not equal efficacy in animals or humans.
Some research, reishiIt has been studied that may be beneficial for prostate cancer due to its effects on testosterone hormone.
Although a case study showed that the molecules found in this fungus reversed prostate cancer in humans, a larger follow-up study did not support these findings.
Reishi mushroom It has been studied for its role in preventing or fighting colorectal cancer.
Some research, reishi found that one year of treatment with the drug reduced the number and size of tumors in the large intestine.
What's more, a detailed report of multiple studies has shown that the fungus can beneficially affect cancer patients.
These benefits include increasing the activity of the body's white blood cells, which helps fight cancer and improves the quality of life in cancer patients.
However, the researchers, reishiIt states that it should be applied together with traditional treatment instead.
Moreover, reishi mushroom and most cancer studies are not of high quality. Therefore, much more research is needed.
Can fight fatigue and depression
ReishiIts effects on the immune system are widely emphasized, but there are other potential advantages as well. These reduce fatigue and depressionas well as improving the improved quality of life.
One study looked at its effects on 132 people with neurasthenia, a condition associated with pain, dizziness, headache, and irritability.
Researchers found that fatigue was reduced and improved after 8 weeks of supplement use.
In another study, in a group of 48 breast cancer survivors, reishi powder It was found that fatigue decreased and quality of life improved 4 weeks after taking it.
What's more, the people in the study experienced less anxiety and depression.
Detoxifies and strengthens the liver
Reishi mushroomis a potential liver regenerator according to some research. Various studies have shown that the wild variant of this herb has powerful ingredients that can detoxify the liver.
This puts an end to free radical activities and at the same time paves the way for cell renewal. It is also known that this mushroom plays a vital role in the efficient synthesis of fatty acids and bile and promotes rapid detoxification of chemicals.
The gandosterone found in this mushroom is a powerful anti-hepatotoxic agent useful in promoting faster recovery in chronic hepatitis cases.
Heart health effects
A 26-week study of 12 people, reishi mushroomshowed that it can increase "good" HDL cholesterol and reduce triglycerides.
However, other research in healthy adults has shown no improvement in these heart disease risk factors.
What's more, a large analysis has shown no beneficial effects for heart health after looking at five different studies of about 400 people. Researchers found that consuming reishi mushroom for up to 16 weeks did not improve cholesterol.
Generally, reishi mushroom and more research is needed in terms of heart health.
Blood sugar control
Few studies, reishi mushroommolecules found in animals blood sugarIt has shown that it can decrease.
Some preliminary studies in humans have reported similar findings.
Antioxidant status
Antioxidantsare molecules that can prevent damage to cells. Because of this important function, there is considerable interest in foods and supplements that can increase the antioxidant status in the body.
Most of the people, reishi mushroomIt claims to be effective for this purpose.
However, several studies have shown no change in the level of two important antioxidant enzymes in the blood after consuming the mushroom for 4 to 12 weeks.
Reishi Mushroom Benefits For The Skin
Slows down premature aging
Reishi mushroomLing Zhi 8 protein and ganodermic acid are rich anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic agents. Both ingredients work in harmony, strengthening the immune system and promoting blood circulation.
A stronger immune system facilitates free radical activities, which means wrinkles, fine lines and inflammation are reduced.
Improved blood circulation improves skin elasticity and tone, slows down the aging process, and helps to have cleaner and younger looking skin.
Facilitates skin problems
Various studies on this fungus show that it has the ability to treat a variety of external skin issues such as wounds, sunburn, rashes, and insect bites.
Benefits of Reishi Mushroom for Hair
Slows down hair loss
When mixed with other anti-hair loss herbs reishi mushroomacts as a restorative tonic for the hair. It relieves stress levels and fights free radicals, which are the main culprits behind hair loss.
Supports hair growth
This mushroom has anti-inflammatory properties and also improves blood circulation. All these actions work in a coordinated manner and allow the formation of a stronger hair follicle. It revitalizes the hair strands and paves the way for hair growth.
Preserves the color of the hair
This medicinal mushroom type, which prevents the hair from losing its natural color and shine, combats premature graying.
How to Use Reishi Mushroom?
Unlike some foods or supplements, reishi mushroomThe dosage of can vary depending on the type used. The highest dose is taken when the mushroom itself is consumed. In this case, doses can range from 25 to 100 grams, depending on the size of the mushroom.
Commonly, a dried extract of the mushroom is used. In this case, the dose is approximately 10 times less than when the mushroom itself was consumed.
For example, 50 grams reishi mushroomIt itself is comparable to about 5 grams of mushroom extract. Doses of mushroom extract typically range from about 1.5 to 9 grams per day.
Additionally, some supplements only use certain parts of the extract. In these cases, recommended doses may be much lower than the values reported above.
It is very important to know which type you are using, as the recommended dosage can vary widely depending on which form of the mushroom is used.
What Are the Harms of Reishi Mushroom?
Despite its popularity, reishi mushroomThere are also studies questioning the safety of.
Some research, reishi mushroomHe found that those who took the 4 for XNUMX months were almost twice as likely to experience a side effect than those who took a placebo.
These effects increased the risk of stomach upset or digestive distress. No adverse effects on liver health have been reported.
Other research, reishi mushroom extractshowed no harmful effects on liver and kidneys in healthy adults four weeks after ingestion.
Contrary to these reports, significant liver problems were reported in two case studies. In case studies, both people had reishi mushroomIt has used it without any problem, but it has had negative effects after it has changed to a powder form.
Reishi mushroom It is also important to note that many studies on safety do not report safety data, so generally limited information is available.
Probably reishi mushroomThere are several groups of people who should avoid. These are women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with blood disorders, undergoing surgery, or have low blood pressure.
As a result;
Reishi mushroom It is a popular mushroom used in Eastern medicine.
It strengthens the immune system by increasing white blood cells. This fungus can also improve the quality of life in some cancer patients, as well as reduce the size and number of tumors in certain types of cancer.
In some cases, it can also be effective in reducing fatigue or depression.
