During the past 50 years, Asian
countries have conducted an abundance of research on the medicinal
value of several edible mushrooms. Their claims include reduction
of blood pressure and cholesterol, enhancement of the immune system,
cancer therapy, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, treatment
of anaphylactic shock, anti-HIV properties, increase of oxygen
utilization, and antioxidant properties (Chen and Miles, 1996).
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Lentinula edodes (Shiitake), Hericium
erinaceum (Lions Mane), Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom),
and Grifola frondosa (Maitake) are just a few of the cultivated
mushroom species that have been analyzed for medicinal value.
In the United States (US), the phytopharmaceutical value of
these mushrooms has only recently been recognized and clinical
trials have been established to determine the medicinal characteristics
of these mushrooms (Kimmons, 2003; Underwood, 2003). Shiitake
mushrooms are the most common specialty mushrooms grown in the
US. The principal medicinal component, a polysaccharide, has been
identified as lentinan. However, reishi, maitake, oyster, and
lions mane are also reported to have significant medicinal value.
Over the next year each edition of this newsletter will document
clinical trials or research recommendations for the use and effectiveness
of various mushrooms. While the recommendations given by researchers
are assumed to be accurate, you should always check with a physician
before using any food supplements as alternatives to prescribed
medications. Today's mushroom is Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi).
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) is documented to have medicinal
value but its extract is considered as a nutriceutical. The medicinally
effective component of mushrooms may vary depending upon what
is to be treated. The actual level of these components in a measured
volume of mushroom may also vary depending on how the mushroom
was grown and the extraction process. It is important to know
what dose works best for an ailment if it is intended to afford
a cure or to alleviate certain sickness. Because the toxic, lethal
and effective dosages are yet to be determined, the usual dosage
given is generally based on personal experience with patients
suffering from different illnesses (Soo, 2004).
In a recent study by Teow Sun Soo at the MARA Institute of
Technology in Malaysia, Reishi was used in small clinical (12
to 48 human subjects per trial) trials to determine its effectiveness
against various ailments. Each capsule contains 500 mg of reishi
extract. The following discussion includes the recommendations
made by Soo as a result of his research (Soo, 2004).
The reishi extract has been shown to be effective in completely
curing migraine headaches. It is believed that oxygen shortage
in the brain (hypoxia) is at the core of the pathogenesis of a
migraine attack. Once a certain threshold of oxygen deprivation
is reached, the migraine attack bursts out. The usual dose is
3 capsules, 3 times a day, before meals.
As an anti-inflammatory agent, the extract is effective in
substantially alleviating the problems and pain related to rheumatism
or osteoarthritis and gout. The patients should see significant
effects within a week. The dosage is 3 capsules, 3 times daily,
In treating hypertension or hypotension the extract has been
shown to be highly effective in a very large number of cases treated.
In the more successful cases blood pressure is back to normal
within 2 months and in some cases within 2 weeks. The recommended
dosage is 1 capsule 3 times daily for five days, increasing to
2 capsules 3 times daily for one week and then to 3 capsules 3
times daily. It is very important that hypertension patients start
with only 1 capsule as a higher dose might increase the blood
pressure of the patient. Positive results should be obtained within
30 days. Once the desired fall in blood pressure has been achieved,
the daily dose can generally be reduced. For maintenance therapy
2 capsules, 2 times daily are usually sufficient.
The extract has been found effective in reducing and in some
cases eliminating asthma attack. The recommended dosage begins
with 1 capsule 3 times daily for five days, increasing to 2 capsules
3 times a day for 1 week and then to 3 capsules, 3 times daily.
It is important that the patient starts with a low dose as a higher
dose might initially trigger an asthma attack.
The extract is effective in reducing blood sugar level and
the amounts of insulin required for diabetic patients. The effectiveness
of the treatment is reduced the longer the patient has been a
diabetic. For non-insulin dependent patients it is possible to
have a better cure. Patients should see significant effects within
1 to 2 months. The usual dose recommended is 3 or 4 capsules,
3 times daily depending on the severity of the condition.
The extract is effective in regaining stamina and energy or
debility due to prolonged illness especially for cancer patients
after undergoing radio and/or chemotherapy. They are able to eat
and sleep well. The dosage is 2 capsules 3 times daily.
The extract is effective in clearing up a large variety of
skin allergic conditions either due to food or airborne allergens.
The dosage prescribed is 3 capsules, 3 times daily.
Ganoderma extract has been found to be useful in detoxifying
the kidney and improving its overall function. Patients receiving
hemodialysis should find that the duration and frequency of the
treatment could be reduced. The usual dosage is 3 or 4 capsules
3 times daily depending on the severity of the condition for as
long as required.
The extract has been shown to be effective in completely curing
insomnia within one month in a very large number of cases treated.
The usual dose is 3 capsules, 3 times daily.
The extract has been found to be effective as a hypocholesterolemic
agent. The usual dosage is 4 capsules, 3 times daily. Patients
should see results within a month.
The extract has been shown to be effective in relieving or
eliminating constipation problems. The recommended dosage is 3
capsules, 3 times daily. The patients should see results within
1 to 2 weeks.
The extract has been found to be effective in reducing and
also curing hemorrhoids depending on the severity of the case.
Patients should see results with 30 days. The usual dose is 3
or 4 capsules, 3 times daily depending on the severity of the
The extract has been shown effective in reducing or eliminating
excessive menstrual pain and irregularities. Treatment has to
be maintained for 2 or 3 cycles for it to be effective. The usual
dosage is 3 capsules 3 times daily. Patient needs to stop taking
the capsule during the actual period.
Ganoderma extract has been found effective in addressing a
variety of cardiovascular problems. It improves the circulatory
system with excess oxygen. It also eliminates the conditions of
angina pectoris and palpitation. The recommended dosage is 1 capsule
3 times daily for five days, increasing to 2 capsules, 3 times
daily for one week and then to 3 capsules 3 times daily. Patients
should starts with only 1 capsule per dose as a higher dose might
initially increase the blood pressure of the patient.
Ganoderma extract has been shown to be very effective in treating
Lupus erythematosis autoimmune disease. Patients should take 3
capsules 3 times daily.
The extract is highly effective in improving and in most cases
curing Hepatitis A, B, and C within a period of three months.
The recommended dosage is 4 capsules 3 times daily. Patients should
be cured within three months.
Ganoderma extract is effective in arresting epilepsy. Patients
should take 3 capsules 3 times daily and may expect to see results
after a week.
Ganoderma extract has also been found effective for both gastritus
and gastric ulcer. The usual dosage is 3 capsules, 3 times a day
after meals. Patients should see results in 3 to 4 weeks.
Ganoderma extract is useful for people leading a hectic life
with heavy schedule. The usual dosage is 2 capsules, 3 times daily
reducing to 1 capsule, 3 times daily for maintenance.
The experiences in fighting cancer are more inconsistent, however,
extract has been shown to be effective in regressing tumors. The
results depend on the type of cancer and the severity of the condition.
It is recommended that it be used in combination with the prescribed
therapy. The Ganoderma extract can be highly effective in substantially
reducing or eliminating the side effects of radio and chemotherapies
if it is taken preceding, together and after the treatments. It
can prevent side effects like hair loss, nausea, vomiting, sore
throat, loss of appetite and insomnia. The recommended dosage
is 6 capsules, 3 times daily as long as required.
Patients with impaired immunity have found Ganoderma extract
beneficial in boosting or modulating their immune system. The
usual dosage is 4 capsules, 3 times daily. Patients could expect
to see results in 1 to 2 months. Patients taking the extract for
the first time can be subject to temporary symptoms, which are
reflective of the efficacy of the nutriceutical in cleansing the
body systems. These may include sleepiness, abnormal sweating,
thirstiness, loose stool, frequent urination, bloating and possibly
Chen, A., Miles, P. (1996). Biomedial research and the application
of mushroom nutriceuticals from ganoderma lucidum mushroom biology
and mushroom production: Proceedings of the 2nd international
conference, June 9-12, 1996. University Park, PA: Pennsylvania
State University: World Society for Mushroom Biology and Mushroom
Products. P. 161-175.
Kimmons, T. (2003). Coauthor of effects of management on
the yield and high-molecular-weight polysaccharide content of
shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushrooms. Personal Communication.
Soo, Teow Sun. (2004). Effective
dosage of the extract of ganoderma lucidum in the treatment of
various ailments. Mushworld. Retrieved July 28, 2004.