What Is Japanese Lingzhi?

Also known as reishi, Japanese lingzhi is a type of fungus native to Asia. Japanese lingzhi is often used as medicine by herbalists and is available in a number of weight-loss supplements.

Identification

• The Japanese reishi is similar to a mushroom. The body of the mushroom, or the part that grows above the ground and the fibers that connect the mushrooms as they grow, are ground or eaten whole as medicine.

Function

• The chemicals within the Japanese lingzhi are believed by herbal practitioners to boost the immune system and slow the growth of tumors, according to RxList.com.

Uses

• In herbal medicine, Japanese lingzhi is used to treat hypertension, high cholesterol, viral infections, prostate cancer, heart disease, asthma, bronchitis, kidney disorders, liver disease, HIV, chronic fatigue syndrome and altitude sickness.

Expert Insight

• While many of the uses of Japanese lingzhi have not been evaluated in a laboratory setting, research has been done concerning its effectiveness in the treatment of cancer. A 2009 study of the mushroom conducted at the National Chung Hsing University showed that lingzhi reduced the appearance of invasive forms of cancer in laboratory animals.

Risks

• Side effects of Japanese lingzhi include dryness in the mouth or nose, itching, upset stomach, nosebleeds and bloody stools, reports RxList.com. Some people develop severe allergic reactions to lingzhi, according to the Physicians Desktop Reference.

Considerations

• Japanese lingzhi is not traditionally used to promote weight loss, according to RxList.com. The effectiveness of dietary supplements that contain Japanese lingzhi to help you lose weight cannot be established.