Praised for its pharmaceutical value, Reishi extracts have adaptogenic qualities, helping the body maintain a state of homeostasis and boost the immune system under stress. This includes regulating the endocrine system, immune system, cardiovascular system, and central nervous system.
What is Reishi?
Ganoderma Lucidum, also known as Reishi, Ling Zhi and "The Mushroom of Immortality", has been used in Chinese holistic medicine for thousands of years to combat inflammation, disease, and stress (1). While Reishi mushrooms can be eaten raw, their tough woody texture makes them more suitable for consumption in the form of tea or powdered extracts.
Reishi extracts produced from the fruiting body of the mushroom are generally 10-30 times higher in these substances than extracts from mycelium and myceliated brown rice and oats.
Immune System Benefits
Like the other extracts that we use in our NeuRoast adaptogen blend, Reishi extracts are high in bio-available beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenes (2). Beta-glucans are plant sterols that act as precursors for hormones in the body, while polysaccharides fight cancer cell growth and triterpenes regulate the body's response to allergens.
Cancer-Fighting Benefits
Consuming Reishi extracts have been shown to suppress cell adhesion and cell migration of highly invasive breast and prostate cancer cells, suggesting that supplementing Reishi extracts after undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy could help prevent the resurgence of cancer growth (3).
A study conducted by the Department of Clinical Pharmacy in China found that reishi may help increase the number of other white blood cells in patients with colorectal cancer (4).
Another study conducted by the Department of Endoscopy in Japan in 2010 reported that a water-soluble extract of Ganoderma lucidum decreased the number and size of tumors in the large intestine (5).
A 2011 study conducted by the Department of Internal Medicine in China reported that Ganoderma lucidum improves cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy (6).
We use 150 mg of Reishi in our superfood mushroom blend, present in all of our mushroom coffee products, to improve mental clarity, overall wellness, and to combat symptoms of stress like inflammation, cortisol and compromised immune system function.