Lingzhi / reishi mushroom
Ganoderma lingzhi
Other names: 灵芝 / 靈芝 língzhī; mannentake, Lingzhi / reishi mushroom
Photo credit: TecheOldFox (Mushroom Observer)
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Generally low for standard extracts short-term. Rare reports of liver injury associated with powdered (vs extract) reishi products; GI upset, dry mouth, dizziness, nosebleed reported.
Contraindications: Bleeding disorders and perioperative period (antiplatelet potential); pregnancy/breastfeeding data limited; caution on immunosuppressants (immunomodulation theory).
Interactions: Theoretical additive effect with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs; possible additive effect with antihypertensive and antidiabetic agents.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Data limited.
Evidence level
Supported by clinical trials in humans.
Preparations
powder/capsules · fruiting body
Part used: fruiting body
decoction · fruiting body
Part used: fruiting body
Traditional use: qi-tonic that calms the spirit, supports heart/lung, longevity
Proposed mechanism: ganoderic-acid triterpenoids, beta-glucan polysaccharides
hot-water/alcohol extract · fruiting body
Part used: fruiting body
Traditional use: glycemic/lipid/immune markers (low certainty)
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
Functional-food extract; ganoderic-acid triterpenoids, immunomodulatory beta-glucan polysaccharides; not a macronutrient source.
Healing traditions
Sources (5)
- Ganoderma lucidum / Lingzhi mushroom (Wikipedia), English, accessed 2026, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingzhi_mushroom
- Reishi Mushroom (LiverTox, NCBI Bookshelf NBK548292), English, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548292/
- Jafari et al., The Nutritional Significance of Ganoderma lucidum on Human Health: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Food Sci Nutr 2025, PMC12160064
- Ren et al., A Review of Bioactive Components and Pharmacological Effects of Ganoderma lucidum, Food Sci Nutr 2025, PMC12256279
- Pozzobon et al., Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Ganoderma lucidum Triterpenes, Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2026, PMC12845357