For centuries, Ganoderma lucidum, also known as the Reishi mushroom, has been a symbol of longevity and wellness in traditional Chinese medicine. Often referred to as the "Mushroom of Immortality," it has been used to strengthen the immune system, reduce stress, and support overall health.
The first written record of Reishi's medicinal use dates back more than 2,000 years in ancient China. The earliest known documentation appears in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), compiled during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD).
This ancient text classifies Reishi as a "superior herb" (shang yao), meaning it was highly valued for promoting longevity, vitality, and overall well-being. While folklore has long praised its healing properties, modern science is beginning to confirm its benefits by exploring the actual effects of this fascinating fungus.
A 2024 clinical study has provided compelling evidence that Reishi mushroom can support immune function, particularly in older adults. The study examined whether taking Ganoderma lucidum extract could improve immune performance in older women. Let’s explore what the researchers found—and why this could be a game-changer for natural health enthusiasts.
Why This Study Matters
As we age, our immune system naturally weakens, making us more susceptible to infections, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune disorders. This gradual decline is known as immunosenescence. Scientists set out to determine whether Reishi mushroom could counteract these age-related immune changes and help restore balance.
To test this, researchers gave a group of older women a daily dose of Ganoderma lucidum extract for eight weeks to evaluate improvements in immune function and reductions in inflammation.
How the Study Was Done
The researchers designed a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial—meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew who received the actual supplement. Sixty women between the ages of 60 and 80 participated, though only 39 completed the study due to personal reasons. One group received a daily 2,000 mg dose of Ganoderma lucidum dry extract; the other received a placebo made from cornstarch.
Throughout the eight-week study, researchers monitored immune markers by analyzing blood samples and measuring immune cell activity.
What Kind of Reishi Mushroom Was Used?
The study used a dry extract from the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum, the above-ground part of the mushroom, by a water extraction method. This extract contained a high amount of beta-glucans, water-soluble polysaccharides known to regulate and support immune system activity.
Reishi Ganoderma lucidum extract can also be processed from spores or mycelium (the underground root-like structure), and the fruiting body. There are some differences in the types and amounts of active compounds found in each part of Reishi. Different extraction methods yield different beneficial compounds.
- Water extraction isolates water-soluble nutrients and polysaccharides such as beta-glucans.
- Alcohol extraction (ethanol or methanol) isolates triterpenes such as ganoderic acids, known for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver-protective properties.
- Dual-extraction combines both methods, yielding a broader spectrum of benefits—but is more expensive to produce.
What Happened to the Participants?
After eight weeks of supplementation, the women in the Reishi group showed several positive changes in immune function. Key findings included:
1. Increased T Cell Activity
T cells are essential for fighting infections. When researchers stimulated participants’ immune cells in the lab, those in the Reishi group showed a higher rate of T cell proliferation, suggesting a revitalized immune response.
2. More Anti-Inflammatory Cells, Less Harmful Inflammation
Inflammation is a major factor in age-related diseases like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. Reishi supplementation led to higher levels of:
● Interleukin-10 (IL-10): A cytokine that calms the immune system and limits excessive inflammation.
● Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-beta): A protein that regulates immune responses and aids tissue repair.
Additionally, there was a decrease in Th17 cells, which are known to promote autoimmune inflammation. This indicates that Reishi helps reduce harmful inflammatory responses.
3. Improved Immune Regulation
The Reishi group also showed increased levels of:
● FOXP3: A gene involved in producing regulatory T cells (Tregs), which prevent the immune system from attacking the body’s own tissues.
● Th2 cells: These help maintain a balanced immune response.
Interestingly, while some inflammatory markers (like IL-6 and TNF-alpha) rose slightly, the increase in IL-10 was far greater. This suggests that Reishi helps modulate the immune system rather than overstimulating it.
4. No Changes in Body Composition or Metabolism
The study found no significant differences in weight, BMI, or metabolic markers between the groups. This indicates that Reishi’s benefits were specific to immune modulation and not related to general metabolism.
Why These Changes Matter
This study shows that Reishi mushroom doesn’t just boost the immune system—it fine-tunes it. This is essential for aging adults: too much immune activity leads to chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases, while too little makes the body vulnerable to infections.
By increasing beneficial markers (IL-10, TGF-beta, FOXP3) and reducing harmful inflammation (Th17 cells), Ganoderma lucidum functions as a natural immune modulator, promoting balance rather than intensity.
These findings are especially relevant for older adults, whose immune systems often become unbalanced. If the extract contains> 50% beta-glucans, a daily dose of 2,000 mg of Reishi extract may help restore healthier immune responses and reduce the risk of age-related conditions. Depending on the beta-glucan percentage in a Reishi mushroom product, you need to consider adjusting the daily dosage.
The Future of Reishi Research
While this study focused on older women, future research could explore how Reishi impacts:
- Younger individuals
- Those with autoimmune diseases
- People recovering from infections
- Vaccine response effectiveness
As interest in natural health grows, it's encouraging to see ancient herbal remedies gaining scientific validation. Reishi’s potential for enhancing immunity, reducing inflammation, and supporting long-term wellness makes it a standout supplement.
Final Thoughts
Reishi mushrooms have been revered for millennia, and now modern science is confirming what traditional medicine has long believed: they have powerful health benefits.
Whether you're looking to support your immune system, reduce inflammation, or promote longevity, Reishi may be a valuable addition to your wellness routine.
If you're curious about trying Reishi, choose a high-quality extract with a high amount of polysaccharides (beta-glucans) to get the most immune health benefits. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
Nature has long provided us with powerful healing tools—sometimes science just needs to rediscover them.
Reference
Iser-Bem, P. N., Lobato, T. B., Alecrim-Zeza, A. L., dos Santos de Oliveira, L. C., Passos, M. E. P., Manuel, R., Diniz, V. L. S., Correa, I. S., de Oliveira, S. P., da Silva, E. B., de Almeida, M. M., Dias, B. B., Gritte, R. B., Levada-Pires, A. C., Masi, L. N., Hatanaka, E., Pithon-Curi, T. C., Hirabara, S. M., Fabi, J. P., & Gorjao, R. (2024). Ganoderma lucidum dry extract supplementation modulates T lymphocyte function in older women. British Journal of Nutrition, 132, 130–140. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114524001144