About Ganoderma Lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum is a lovely variety of mushroom that ranges from red, white and yellow when young, though the yellow and white shades fade as the mushroom ages. That leaves the mature mushroom a rusty red in color. Also known as Reishi, this mushroom is valued in Asian cultures for its medicinal qualities. There is some evidence that Ganoderma lucidum does have antioxidant qualities which may make it beneficial for improving the immune system.

Geography

• Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms can be found in numerous geographical locations, but they are most prevalent in the eastern half of the United States. These mushrooms can be found growing wild in forests with fallen hardwood trees and around decaying stumps. They grow in community as well as alone. Other varieties of the Ganoderma mushroom include the tsugae, which tends to grow on conifers, the oregonense, which inhabits the Pacific Northwest and can grow up to a meter in diameter, and the curtisii, which is found from the Atlantic seaboard to the Great Plains.

Features

• According to a report by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Ganoderma lucidum, referred to as the Reishi mushroom, contains complex sugars which show promise in the treatment of cancer. Laboratory experiments have shown these sugars to be effective in inhibiting the metastasis of cancer cells while enhancing the immune system in laboratory animals.

Effects

• Reports from The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center note that Reishi mushrooms contain sterols and triterpenes, both of which have medical applications. These substances may be effective in lowering blood pressure and slowing the clotting of the blood. They also provide an antihistamine effect.

Warning

• Numerous claims have been made regarding the efficacy of ganoderma lucidum mushrooms which have not been supported by sufficient scientific research. While some individuals claim to use these mushrooms or extracts from them to treat fatigue, high cholesterol, viral infections, and to increase strength and stamina, there are no medical research studies which support such use.

Function

• Some clinical studies do suggest ganoderma lucidum mushrooms may enhance specific parts of the immune system, lower blood pressure, and improve the blood system's anti-oxidant ability. Ganoderma lucidum also shows great promise in the treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in older men, although more extensive studies are needed.