Reishi Mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi Mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) Elixir of Immortality.

Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as “Ling Zhi” in China, “Mannen-take” in Japan and “Young Zhi” in Korea, is one of the most famous medicinal mushrooms in the world. Reishi has been prized as the “Mushroom of Immortality” for thousands of years. During the last two decades, researchers have found various bioactive constituents in Reishi which have a wide range of actions, including boosting immune function; anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects; cardiovascular support; lowering blood pressure and serum cholesterol; and heart protection. Research also demonstrated Reishi’s possible usefulness for allergies, bronchitis, cancer, HIV, inflammation, liver and radiation protection.

Bioactive Constituents:
Beta-glucan, Heteroglucan, proteoglycan, Triterpenoids, Steroids, Germanium, Triterpenes, Nucleotides

Bioactivities:
• Anti-tumor: Enhances immune system / Increases IL-2, IL-6, TNF-alpha and Interferon production / Induces cancer cell apoptosis / Cytotoxicity
• Anti-viral: Inhibits cytopathic effects of HSV and VSV / Inhibits HIV-1 protease
• Anti-inflammatory: Suppresses expression of COX-2 mRNA.
• Anti-hypertension: Inhibits ACE (angiotensin-1 converting enzyme)
• Anti-diabetes: Adjusts insulin sensitivity
• Anti-hyperlipemia: Inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis
• Hepatoprotection: Lowers GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) / Improves chronic hepatitis
• Anti-thrombogenicity: Inhibits platelet aggregation
• Anti-allergy: Inhibits histamine release
• Cardiovascular tonic: Increases blood flow of coronary artery

References:
(1) T. Mizuno et al, Nippon Nogeikagaku Kaishi, 58(9):871 (1984); 59(11):1143 (1985)
(2) T. Kikuchi et al, Chem. Pharm. Bull., 33:2624 & 2629 (1985); 34:3695, 4018 & 4030 (1986)
(3) A. Morigiwa et al, Chem. Pharm. Bull., 34(7):3025 (1986)
(4) Y. Kabir et al, J. Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol., 34:433 (1988)
(5) H. Kikino et al, Planta Medica, 4:339 (1985); 55:358 (1989)
(6) T. Mizuno et al, Food Review International, 11(1), 151 (1995)
(7) M. Hattori, Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium on Ganoderma lucidum in Japan, 128 (1997)
(8) W. B. Stavinoha, Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium on Ganoderma lucidum in Japan, 99 (1997)
(9) H. W. Kim et al, International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 1(2):121 (1999)
(10) R. Y. Chen et al, International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 1(2):147 (1999)
(11) Q. H. Zheng et al, International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 1(3):207 (1999)