Medicinal mushroom of traditional Chinese medicine, supplement. AEMPS does not register as medicine
ATC code: A11JA-REISHI (Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum))
Brand names – supplements
Host Defense Reishi, Real Mushrooms Reishi, Now Reishi, Solgar Reishi
Supplements are not tested in clinical trials and are not registered as medications.
Reishi fruit body and mycelium contain polysaccharides (beta-D-glucans), triterpenes (ganoderic acids A-Z), sterols (ergosterol) and nucleotides (adenosine). In animal models reishi polysaccharides modulate immune response (increase NK cell and macrophage activity); triterpenes show hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic and hepatoprotective effects in vitro. Cochrane 2016 reviewed 5 RCTs in 373 cancer patients: data on reishi effect on tumour response as monotherapy are insufficient; immune effect is minor; combined with chemotherapy quality of life and physical status may improve. AEMPS does not register reishi as a medicine.
The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.
Not recommended
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum, lingzhi) is a medicinal mushroom marketed in supplements for slowing ageing and longevity. There is no convincing benefit for this use: the evidence base showing any effect on lifespan or age-related changes is missing. What actually supports healthy ageing is different – regular physical activity, sleep, a diet with vegetables and enough protein, not smoking, and keeping blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol in check.
Not recommended
Reishi is Asia's top-selling medicinal mushroom with a 2000-year tradition as the «mushroom of immortality». In modern marketing – a «natural immunomodulator». Evidence base in healthy people for cold and respiratory viral infection prevention is weak: small RCTs recorded cytokine profile and NK cell activity changes without confirmed clinically meaningful frequency reduction. AAFP and SEIMC for the common cold recommend symptomatic therapy (paracetamol for fever, fluids, rest); reishi is not in international guidelines.
Not recommended
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum, lingzhi) is a medicinal mushroom sold as a supplement for calmer, deeper sleep and less anxiety. There's no solid evidence that it helps with insomnia – this use isn't backed by clinical data. For sleep that actually improves, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and good sleep habits work best, and persistent problems are worth discussing with a doctor.
Not recommended
Reishi is sold as a «natural anti-cancer product» promising prevention and treatment of malignancies. Cochrane 2016 (Jin) reviewed 5 RCTs in 373 cancer patients: reishi as monotherapy showed no clinically meaningful tumour response. As chemotherapy adjunct it may improve quality of life and immune response; authors recommend «not as first-line or substitute for standard treatment». MSKCC monograph 2023 notes lack of convincing RCTs in cancer. If reishi was recommended for cancer as a substitute for standard therapy (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy) or for «recurrence prevention», consider seeking a second opinion from an oncologist.
Not recommended
Reishi is sold for «natural blood pressure reduction» on the vasodilation and in vitro ACE inhibition hypothesis. No quality RCTs in hypertensive patients with office and ambulatory BP, cardiovascular event or all-cause mortality endpoints. 2024 for hypertension lists ACE-I/ARB combined with dihydropyridine CCBs or thiazide-like diuretic first-line; reishi is not in guidelines. If reishi was recommended for hypertension instead of supervised antihypertensive therapy and risk factor control, consider seeking a second opinion from a cardiologist.
Opens the checker prefilled with this drug. Pick the second one from your regimen.
No RCT data in pregnancy. AEMPS does not register. Avoid in pregnancy.
No data on milk transfer. Lactating women should avoid.
Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum, lingzhi) is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Immune support and respiratory infection care (evidence tier D), Insomnia and sleep disorders (evidence tier D), Anti-aging and longevity (evidence tier D). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum, lingzhi) (≥ 1 in 100): Nausea, dry mouth, Skin itch and rash, Blood in urine (rare), Loose stools. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
FDA category N. No RCT data in pregnancy. AEMPS does not register. Avoid in pregnancy.
No data on milk transfer. Lactating women should avoid.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum, lingzhi) is contraindicated in: Pregnancy and lactation; Children under 18; Warfarin and other anticoagulant therapy (bleeding risk via platelet aggregation inhibition); Antihypertensive therapy (potential additive hypotension); Immunosuppressive therapy (theoretical immune stimulation may reduce effect). Full list in the Safety section.