All about Reishi: properties and application

The Reishi, also called Ling Zhi or shiny lacquer mushroom, is a mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments.

The Reishi is also becoming increasingly popular in western medicine, as its effect and application is supported by scientific evidence.

Properties:

Reishi contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenes, steroids, proteins and peptides, which have various health-promoting properties.

Polysaccharides, the best-studied group of compounds in Reishi, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and can therefore be used to contribute to the improvement of physical and mental health. Triterpenes in Reishi also have immunomodulatory and antitumour properties, while steroids in Reishi extract have a calming effect and can therefore be helpful for stress and anxiety.

Overall, Reishi contains a variety of compounds that can work synergistically to improve health and well-being.

What quality criteria in terms of organic cultivation and the extraction method

The quality and safety requirements for food supplements can be found on our quality page.

1.Immune system boost: 

Reishi contains compounds that can strengthen the immune system and improve the body’s defenses against infection and disease. Reishi contains polysaccharides, triterpenes and other compounds known as immune modulators that can help boost the regulate and strengthen the immune system. 

Studies have shown that taking reishi extract can increase the activity of certain immune cells such as natural killer cells, which are responsible for fighting off viruses and cancer cells in the body. There is also evidence that reishi extract can relieve the symptoms of allergies and asthma by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules in the body.

2. Anti-inflammatory effect:

Reishi is said to be able to help relieve inflammation in the body through anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Reishi contains various bioactive compounds, including triterpenes, polysaccharides and steroids, which can have an anti-inflammatory effect. Inflammations are normally a natural response of the body to injury or infection. 

However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to tissue damage and various diseases. Reishi can help reduce inflammation and thus relieve the symptoms of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergies and other inflammatory diseases. It is believed that the anti-inflammatory effect of Reishi occurs through the inhibition of certain enzymes involved in the inflammatory response. This has as result a support of the immune system

3. Antioxidant effect:

Reishi contains antioxidants that can help reduce cell damage and lower the risk of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Reishi contains a variety of antioxidants, including polysaccharides, triterpenes and sterols, which can help neutralise free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cell damage. As a result, the risk of various diseases such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease can be increased. By neutralising free radicals, the antioxidants in reishi can help reduce cell and tissue damage. Thus, they can reduce the risk of such diseases. In addition, the antioxidants in reishi can help strengthen the immune system and slow down the ageing process.

4. Anti-cancer effect:

Reishi contains compounds that are considered effective anti-cancer agents in that they can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and promote tumour degradation.

There is evidence that Reishi extract may actually have an antitumour effect.

Several studies have shown that Reishi extract can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and promote tumour shrinkage. The exact mechanisms by which the Reishi has this effect are not yet fully understood and require further research. Possible mechanisms of action include the inhibition of inflammation, the promotion of apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and the support of the immune system in the fighting cancer cells. However, Reishi extract is not a panacea for cancer and should not be considered a substitute for conventional cancer therapies.

5. Stress and anxiety reduction:

Reishi can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood.

Reishi contains compounds known as adaptogens that can help the body deal with stress. These adaptogens can modulate the body’s stress response by reducing the production of stress hormones such as cortisol. They can also help improve mood and reduce anxiety by increasing the levels of serotonin and regulate dopamine levels in the brain. There are some studies that suggest that Reishi- extract can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression. However further studies are needed to confirm this effect. However, Reishi extract should not be used as a substitute for appropriate medical treatment of anxiety or depression states can be considered.

6. Improving sleep quality:

Reishi is often used to improve sleep quality and can help with sleep disorders.

Reishi can help improve sleep quality and relieve sleep disorders. Reishi contains compounds known as adaptogens that can help the body deal with stress. By reducing stress and improving mood, they can also help promote sleep. Reishi also contains compounds that stimulate the release of can promote melatonin. This is a hormone responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle in the body. Some studies suggest that reishi extract can help improve sleep quality and treat sleep disorders such as insomnia. However, further research is needed to confirm this effect.

7. Improving liver function:

Reishi can help improve liver function and help with liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Reishi can help improve liver function and alleviate liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. Reishi contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, these can help protect liver cells from free radical damage and inflammation. In addition, Reishi contains compounds that can increase the production of liver enzymes that are involved in detoxifying the body help. There are some studies suggesting that Reishi extract may improve liver function in people with liver disease, although further research is needed to confirm this effect.

On our quality page you can find out which quality criteria are met in order to achieve the improvements described.

Scientific findings:

In the meantime, many studies have been conducted on the effect of Reishi. In the process, many various aspects of the health-promoting effects of this vital mushroom. Some of the most important studies are:

These studies show that Reishi is a promising supplement to conventional medical treatment can be. In addition, further research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of Reishi for the prevention and treatment of various to investigate diseases.

Intake:

Reishi can be taken in the form of supplements, teas or as an extract. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations and to obtain Reishi only from reputable sources.

This is important because medicinal mushrooms are a valuable natural source.

They can help maintain health without interacting with other medicines. However, certain quality criteria must be ensured with regard to organic cultivation and the extraction method. Important information about quality and safety in food supplements can be found on our quality page.

Reishi – the solution for everything?

All in all, the Reishi seems to be a promising supplement to conventional medical therapy for various health problems.

Important: Depending on the area of application, it naturally takes different lengths of time until an effect is noticeable. This can take from a few hours (energy booster) to several months (anti-aging). So how long do I have to take the Reishi to notice a noticeable effect?

You can find a good overview of what happens in the body when taking Reishi, among other things, for a longer period of time here as a PDF.

However, it is important to note that Reishi is not suitable for everyone. People taking blood-thinning medication should avoid reishi as it can affect blood clotting.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take reishi as its effect on the health of the foetus or baby is not known.

For a safe and appropriate intake of Reishi, always consult your doctor or pharmacist beforehand.