Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi Mushroom – “The Immortal Mushroom”


Often called “The Immortal Mushroom” in traditional Eastern medicine, Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) has long symbolised vitality, balance, and longevity. This deep heritage inspired our own Immortal Mushroom branding — built around the idea of supporting long-term health and resilience through natural science. Below is a research-based overview of Reishi’s potential benefits, focusing on immune support, inflammation control, stress and sleep balance, and possible anti-cancer properties.





Immune Support



Reishi contains beta-glucans (complex polysaccharides) and triterpenes that appear to modulate the immune system. These compounds may enhance white blood cell activity, improve natural killer (NK) cell function, and balance immune response.


  • A controlled trial using β-1,3;1,6-D-glucan from Ganoderma lucidum showed increases in T-lymphocyte counts (CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺) and NK cell activity versus placebo.
    Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/12/3/659
  • The U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) notes Reishi’s broad immunomodulatory potential from its active polysaccharides and triterpenes.
    Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/
  • A systematic review of medicinal mushrooms found that Reishi may improve certain immune markers, though large clinical trials are still lacking.
    Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6353236/



Summary: Reishi appears to strengthen immune defense by supporting T-cell and NK-cell function. Evidence in humans is promising but still limited; more clinical trials are needed to confirm consistent benefits.





Inflammation Support



Reishi has shown potential to regulate inflammatory pathways, possibly through its triterpenes and polysaccharides that reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules.


  • NCBI’s herbal medicine profile highlights G. lucidum polysaccharides as exhibiting clear anti-inflammatory properties.
    Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/
  • A 2009 laboratory study found that triterpenes from Reishi inhibited inflammatory signaling in immune cells stimulated with bacterial endotoxins.
    Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19651243/
  • A 2022 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology reported that Reishi extracts may down-regulate cytokines such as IL-6, IL-23, and chemokines like CXCL8, reducing inflammatory signaling.
    Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.934982/full



Summary: Strong mechanistic evidence supports Reishi’s anti-inflammatory potential, but human evidence remains early. It may be a supportive tool in maintaining a balanced inflammatory response, especially when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.





Stress Reduction and Restful Sleep



Reishi is often described as an adaptogen — a natural substance that may help the body adapt to stress, reduce fatigue, and promote relaxation.


  • A 2021 animal study found that Reishi extract shortened the time it took mice to fall asleep and increased sleep duration, likely by influencing serotonin levels in the brain and gut microbiota.
    Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-92913-6
  • Another study found that Reishi improved endurance and reduced fatigue over a 14-day treatment in mice.
    Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11103526/
  • Reviews note Reishi’s potential effects on anxiety, mood, and sleep quality, but human trials remain limited.
    Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763424000162
  • WebMD summarises its traditional use for reducing stress, improving sleep, and easing fatigue.
    Source: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/reishi-mushroom-uses-and-risks



Summary: Preclinical data suggest Reishi may promote calmness, reduce stress, and support better sleep through adaptogenic and serotonin-linked effects. Human research is still preliminary, so results should be viewed as supportive rather than conclusive.





Possible Cancer-Related Benefits



Reishi is among the most studied mushrooms for its potential anti-cancer properties. Research shows effects in laboratory and animal studies, but clinical outcomes in humans remain uncertain.


  • Laboratory studies have shown Reishi extracts can inhibit tumor growth by suppressing mTOR/AKT signaling pathways in breast cancer models.
    Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3585368/
  • A 2023 review found that Reishi polysaccharides may induce cancer cell apoptosis (cell death) and reduce proliferation across several tumor types.
    Source: https://cancerci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12935-023-03146-8
  • A Cochrane Review concluded there is insufficient evidence to recommend Reishi as a cancer treatment, though it may improve immune response and quality of life when used alongside standard therapy.
    Source: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/mushrooms-in-cancer-treatment
  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center notes Reishi may enhance immune function in cancer patients but should never replace conventional treatment.
    Source: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom



Summary: Reishi shows clear anti-tumor activity in lab settings and may support immune function in cancer care. However, no strong evidence supports its use as a substitute for standard medical treatment. It may be considered as a complementary option under medical supervision.





Safety and Usage Notes



  • Reishi may lower blood pressure and affect blood clotting; avoid combining with anticoagulants without medical advice.
    Source: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/reishi-mushroom-uses-and-risks
  • Human studies use varying doses and extracts, making direct comparisons difficult.
  • Effects can differ depending on quality, extraction method, and individual health conditions.






Final Summary



Known as “The Immortal Mushroom,” Reishi continues to attract scientific interest for its potential to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, ease stress, promote restful sleep, and complement overall health. Early findings are encouraging, but human research remains limited — meaning Reishi is best viewed as a supportive natural aid, not a medical cure.