Reishi

Different mushrooms with complementary effects

Reishi for calm/immune, cordyceps for energy

⟡ Turkey Tail

Both support immune function

Comprehensive mushroom immune support

⟡ Agarikon

Both support immune function

Broad-spectrum immune and antiviral support

⟡ Astragalus

Traditional combination for immune and longevity

Comprehensive TCM-based immune support

⟡ Chaga

Both are immune-supporting mushrooms

Comprehensive immune and adaptogenic support

Top studies from 39+ peer-reviewed papers

📚systematic-reviewn=469

Weiner JD et al. • Lupus science & medicine (2025)

“We identified 227 herbal supplements with immunostimulatory properties, of which 15 were most strongly supported by the evidence.”

Key Findings:

We identified 227 herbal supplements with immunostimulatory properties, of which 15 were most strongly supported by the evidence.
This article may serve as a reference to help clinicians counsel patients with autoimmune skin diseases on the risks associated with use of specific herbal supplements.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

📚systematic-review

Ahmad R et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2021)

“Yet, a gap in research exists for Reishi, which is discussed in detail in the forthcoming sections.”

Key Findings:

In particular, quality clinical data are intensely needed to support pharmacological activities for human use.
Reishi possesses many valuable pharmacological activities, and the number of patents and clinical trials is increasing for Reishi.
Yet, a gap in research exists for Reishi, which is discussed in detail in the forthcoming sections.

📚meta-analysis

González A et al. • Nutrients (2020)

“Ex vivo studies conducted in human blood cells show the radioprotective effect of β-glucan of aqueous extract of G. lucidum, nevertheless, its implementation as radioprotector to humans is in need of further clinical research studies.”

Key Findings:

From a total number of 1109 records identified, 15 full text articles were eligible, none of them were clinical trials.
In vivo studies reveal the efficiency of G. lucidum aqueous extracts of polysaccharides and triterpenes in mice exposed to γ-rays.
In plasmid, they can reduce radiation damage as an increment of the open circular form, as well as increase the DNA extension, as shown in vitro studies.
Ex vivo studies conducted in human blood cells show the radioprotective effect of β-glucan of aqueous extract of G. lucidum, nevertheless, its implementation as radioprotector to humans is in need of further clinical research studies.

📚systematic-review

Zhang Y et al. • Progress in molecular biology and translational science (2019)

“In this study, we will review the biological activities and preclinical studies of GSP in China based on literatures searches from CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (Chongqing VIP...”

Key Findings:

In this study, we will review the biological activities and preclinical studies of GSP in China based on literatures searches from CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (Chongqing VIP Chinese Scientific Journals Database), Wanfang database, and PubMed database.
Both basic and preclinical studies showed that GSP has antitumor, antioxidant, anticytopenia, and unique mushroom-poison detoxification properties that are different from that of GLPS.
Our goal is to provide a molecular picture that would allow in-depth evaluation of GSP as one of few glycan-based drugs that has been used as an immunomodulatory adjunctive drug during cancer therapy.

📚meta-analysisn=398

Compare with Others Find Based on Your Goals

Klupp NL et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2015)

“Evidence from a small number of randomised controlled trials does not support the use of G lucidum for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.”

Key Findings:

We found no improvement for fasting plasma glucose (WMD 0.30 mmol/L; 95% CI -0.95 mmol/L to 1.55 mmol/L).
There were no statistically significant differences between groups for blood pressure or triglycerides.
Participants who took G lucidum for four months were 1.67 times (RR 1.67 95% CI 0.86 to 3.24) more likely to experience an adverse event than those who took placebo but these were not serious side effects.

View all 39+ studies

What would you like to do next?

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Reishi

mushroom

Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi)

Beta-glucan and triterpene-rich mushroom with calming properties that supports immune function, sleep quality, and stress resilience.

immunitysleepmentalmushroomadaptogenimmunecalming

39+ studies

Evidence

Reviewed 19 days ago

moderate

Safety

1-3g dried mushroom or 500-1500mg extract

Dose

4-8 weeks

Time to Effect

Dual-extract (water + alcohol) capsules or powder

Best Form

Mechanisms of Action

🛡️

Immune Modulation

Activates and balances immune function

⚖️

Adaptogenic/Calming

Supports stress resilience with calming effects

Biological PathwayBeta

How Reishi works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.

Supplement

Molecular Target

Biological Process

Health Outcome

Strong

Moderate

Emerging

strong

moderate

emerging

Tap node to isolate • Pinch to zoom • Tap edge for research

Recommended Dose

1-3g dried mushroom or 500-1500mg extract

500mg3000mg

Optimal Timing

Evening (for sleep)
With or without food

Can be taken without food

Available Forms

Form	Type
💊Dual-extract (water + alcohol) capsules or powder	Recommended
💊Hot water extract	Alternative
🧪Spore powder	Alternative

Dual extraction captures both water-soluble beta-glucans and alcohol-soluble triterpenes. Look for fruiting body extracts.

Duration

Minimum: 4 weeks

Optimal: 8 weeks

Cycling: Not required

Note: Calming effects make evening dosing ideal. Can be taken any time for immune support.

🛡️

Immune Support

Enhanced immune function

⏱️ 4-8 weeks

60% of users notice thispositive

😴

Better Sleep

Improved sleep quality and calmness

⏱️ 2-4 weeks

55% of users notice thispositive

😌

Stress Resilience

Better stress adaptation

⏱️ 4-8 weeks

50% of users notice thispositive

ModerateMax safe dose: Up to 3g dried equivalent/day typically used

🔴

Pregnant/nursing

Insufficient data; avoid

🟡

Autoimmune conditions

Use with caution — may stimulate immune system

Who Should NOT Take This

Bleeding disorders
Before surgery
Autoimmune conditions (use with caution)

Drug Interactions

Blood thinnersmoderate

May increase bleeding risk

Immunosuppressantsmoderate

May counteract immunosuppressive effects

Blood pressure medicationsmild

May have additive blood pressure lowering

mycophenolatesevere

Possible reduced effectiveness, rejection risk

Possible Side Effects

GI upset

milduncommon

Tip: Take with food

Dizziness

mildrare

Tip: Reduce dose

Dry mouth/throat

milduncommon

Tip: Stay hydrated

Warnings

May affect blood clotting — stop before surgery
Quality varies greatly — choose reputable brands
Rare liver toxicity reported with some products

⟡ Cordyceps

Different mushrooms with complementary effects

Reishi for calm/immune, cordyceps for energy

⟡ Turkey Tail

Both support immune function

Comprehensive mushroom immune support

⟡ Agarikon

Both support immune function

Broad-spectrum immune and antiviral support

⟡ Astragalus

Traditional combination for immune and longevity

Comprehensive TCM-based immune support

⟡ Chaga

Both are immune-supporting mushrooms

Comprehensive immune and adaptogenic support

Top studies from 39+ peer-reviewed papers

📚systematic-reviewn=469

Weiner JD et al. • Lupus science & medicine (2025)

“We identified 227 herbal supplements with immunostimulatory properties, of which 15 were most strongly supported by the evidence.”

Key Findings:

We identified 227 herbal supplements with immunostimulatory properties, of which 15 were most strongly supported by the evidence.
This article may serve as a reference to help clinicians counsel patients with autoimmune skin diseases on the risks associated with use of specific herbal supplements.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

📚systematic-review

Ahmad R et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2021)

“Yet, a gap in research exists for Reishi, which is discussed in detail in the forthcoming sections.”

Key Findings:

In particular, quality clinical data are intensely needed to support pharmacological activities for human use.
Reishi possesses many valuable pharmacological activities, and the number of patents and clinical trials is increasing for Reishi.
Yet, a gap in research exists for Reishi, which is discussed in detail in the forthcoming sections.

📚meta-analysis

González A et al. • Nutrients (2020)

“Ex vivo studies conducted in human blood cells show the radioprotective effect of β-glucan of aqueous extract of G. lucidum, nevertheless, its implementation as radioprotector to humans is in need of further clinical research studies.”

Key Findings:

From a total number of 1109 records identified, 15 full text articles were eligible, none of them were clinical trials.
In vivo studies reveal the efficiency of G. lucidum aqueous extracts of polysaccharides and triterpenes in mice exposed to γ-rays.
In plasmid, they can reduce radiation damage as an increment of the open circular form, as well as increase the DNA extension, as shown in vitro studies.
Ex vivo studies conducted in human blood cells show the radioprotective effect of β-glucan of aqueous extract of G. lucidum, nevertheless, its implementation as radioprotector to humans is in need of further clinical research studies.

📚systematic-review

Zhang Y et al. • Progress in molecular biology and translational science (2019)

“In this study, we will review the biological activities and preclinical studies of GSP in China based on literatures searches from CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (Chongqing VIP...”

Key Findings:

In this study, we will review the biological activities and preclinical studies of GSP in China based on literatures searches from CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (Chongqing VIP Chinese Scientific Journals Database), Wanfang database, and PubMed database.
Both basic and preclinical studies showed that GSP has antitumor, antioxidant, anticytopenia, and unique mushroom-poison detoxification properties that are different from that of GLPS.
Our goal is to provide a molecular picture that would allow in-depth evaluation of GSP as one of few glycan-based drugs that has been used as an immunomodulatory adjunctive drug during cancer therapy.

📚meta-analysisn=398

Compare with Others Find Based on Your Goals

Klupp NL et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2015)

“Evidence from a small number of randomised controlled trials does not support the use of G lucidum for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.”

Key Findings:

We found no improvement for fasting plasma glucose (WMD 0.30 mmol/L; 95% CI -0.95 mmol/L to 1.55 mmol/L).
There were no statistically significant differences between groups for blood pressure or triglycerides.
Participants who took G lucidum for four months were 1.67 times (RR 1.67 95% CI 0.86 to 3.24) more likely to experience an adverse event than those who took placebo but these were not serious side effects.

View all 39+ studies

What would you like to do next?

Related Supplements

Mg8.5

Magnesium

Supports 300+ enzymatic reactions — critical for sleep, stress response, muscle function, and cognitive health.

Lth9.0

L-Theanine

9/10

Tea-derived amino acid that boosts alpha brain waves for calm, focused alertness — synergizes with caffeine to reduce jitteriness.

Htp8.5

5-HTP