Check out this answer from Consensus:
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) offers several potential health benefits, including improved diabetes management, enhanced poultry performance, and antioxidant properties. However, it also poses risks, particularly for individuals with specific health conditions like Gulf War Illness. Further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and limitations of reishi mushroom, ensuring its safe and effective use in both human and animal health.
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia, for its purported health benefits. Modern research has begun to explore these claims, investigating the mushroom’s effects on various health conditions and its potential risks. This article reviews the current scientific understanding of the uses and risks associated with reishi mushroom.
Uses of Reishi Mushroom
1. Potential Benefits for Diabetes Management
Reishi mushroom has shown promise in managing diabetes. A study on streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats demonstrated that Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) significantly reduced blood glucose levels and improved insulin production. Additionally, GLE improved liver and kidney functions in diabetic rats, suggesting its potential as a complementary treatment for diabetes3.
2. Effects on Poultry Performance
Several studies have investigated the impact of reishi mushroom on poultry. Adding Ganoderma lucidum to broiler diets improved productive performance, including increased body weight, feed conversion ratio, and weight gain rate. Moreover, it reduced belly fat and improved meat quality by decreasing fat oxidation indicators2 5 7. These findings suggest that reishi mushroom could be beneficial in animal husbandry to enhance growth and meat quality.
3. Antioxidant Properties
Reishi mushroom has been studied for its antioxidant properties. In a study on rabbit meat, Ganoderma lucidum supplementation improved the fatty acid composition and increased the concentration of certain tocopherols, although it did not effectively prevent meat oxidation4. This indicates that while reishi mushroom may enhance some aspects of meat quality, its antioxidant effects may be limited.
4. Reproductive Health
Research on the effects of reishi mushroom on the reproductive system of rats found no adverse effects on the genital systems of both male and female rats. This suggests that reishi mushroom is safe for reproductive health in these animal models8.
Risks of Reishi Mushroom
1. Exacerbation of Symptoms in Gulf War Illness
A clinical trial investigating the effects of reishi mushroom on Gulf War Illness (GWI) found that higher doses of reishi mushroom actually increased symptom severity in participants. This highlights a potential risk for individuals with certain chronic conditions, indicating that reishi mushroom may not be suitable for everyone1.
2. Limited Efficacy in Vitamin D Bioavailability
A study on prediabetic adults consuming vitamin D2-enriched mushrooms found that the bioavailability of vitamin D2 from reishi mushrooms was lower than expected, especially after cooking. This suggests that reishi mushroom may not be an effective source of vitamin D for individuals with deficiencies6.