Reishi - Ganoderma lucidum
Used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
Rich in beta-glucans and triterpenes.
Lo que dice la ciencia
Sistema inmune
Los polisacáridos del Reishi, especialmente el GL-PS, son objeto de investigación en relación con la modulación de la respuesta inmunitaria. Estudios publicados en el Journal of Ethnopharmacology y Phytomedicine han analizado su interacción con células inmunes in vitro e in vivo en modelos animales.
Estrés oxidativo
Los ácidos ganodéricos — triterpenos exclusivos del cuerpo fructífero — han sido investigados por su actividad antioxidante en Food Chemistry y Molecules. Su concentración es significativamente mayor en el cuerpo fructífero que en el micelio.
Adaptógenos
Clasificado como adaptógeno en la medicina tradicional china, el Reishi es objeto de investigación moderna sobre la respuesta al estrés fisiológico y marcadores de cortisol en modelos animales.
Investigaciones realizadas principalmente en modelos in vitro y animales. No implican eficacia clínica probada en humanos.
History and Tradition
Reishi – known in China as Lingzhi, meaning "spiritual immortality herb" – is documented in the first great compendium of Chinese medicine, the Shennong Bencao Jing, written over 2,000 years ago. It was described as a superior tonic, reserved for emperors and Taoist monks for its supposed ability to prolong life and calm the mind.
In Japan, it was equally revered. The term Reishi (霊芝) combines the characters for "spirit" and "sacred herb." For centuries, its rarity in nature – it grows at the base of very specific oak and plum trees – made it a symbol of longevity and good fortune, depicted in paintings, sculptures, and imperial textiles.
Today, academic institutions in China, Japan, the United States, and Europe are actively researching its bioactive compounds, especially the triterpenes and polysaccharides of the fruiting body.
Composition and Compounds
Triterpenes
The fruiting body contains over 140 different types of triterpenes, including ganoderic acids. These are responsible for Reishi's characteristic bitter taste and are the subject of extensive scientific research.
Beta-glucans
Long-chain polysaccharides found in the fungal cell wall. Reishi beta-glucans, especially GL-PS, are widely studied at universities in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Their concentration is significantly higher in the fruiting body than in the mycelium.
Adenosine and other compounds
Reishi also contains adenosine, sterols like ergosterol (a precursor to vitamin D), bioactive proteins such as LZ-8, and a wide variety of essential minerals and amino acids. The combination of all these compounds is unique among known functional mushrooms.
How to consume
Dry or as a decoction
Traditionally, Reishi was boiled in water for hours to obtain a concentrated infusion. The dried fruiting body can be used to prepare teas or broths. Its taste is bitter and intense, characteristic of its high triterpene content.
Powder
Fruiting body powder allows Reishi to be incorporated into smoothies, coffees or soups. It is important to verify that the powder comes exclusively from the fruiting body and not from mycelium grown on grains, whose concentration of active compounds is significantly lower.
Standardized extract
The form with the highest concentration of active compounds. A quality extract specifies the percentage of beta-glucans and triterpenes, obtained through dual hydroalcoholic extraction of the fruiting body. It is the form that allows for more precise and consistent dosing.
This content is for informational and historical purposes only. Reishi is a food supplement. It does not replace a balanced diet or medical treatment. References to traditional uses do not constitute health claims authorized by the EFSA. Consult your doctor before incorporating any supplement into your routine.