"Mushroom of Immortality" may not be a literally accurate nickname since nobody has ever been known to live forever. But Ganoderma extract has for a fact been revered and utilized for its healing and life-extending properties since before the birth of Christ.
Buddhists call it Ling Chi, and many an artistic rendition of this beautiful and therapeutic mushroom can be found in Buddhist shrines and temples. In Tibet, it has long been used to cope with high-altitude sickness and infections. [25]
Unlike the healers of old, contemporary health professionals may now point to modern research and attribute the life extending properties of Ganoderma to its anti-oxidants, which are at an exceptionally high level and help to protect against one of the major cause of aging, free radical damage. [34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41]
Or might the magic of Ganoderma extract instead be attributed to the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of its triterpenoid compounds? [42, 43, 44, 45] Anything from allergies, asthma and atherosclerosis [46] to arthritis, [47, 48, 49, 50, 51] bronchitis and the common cold involve an inflammatory response. Studies with promising results have also been performed that involved inflammation of the brain [52] and prostate. [53]
Now, inflammation is of course also part of a natural and well functioning immune system. So it bears mention that Ganoderma extract is an immune system "adaptagen", which means that whereas it will slow down an overactive immune response, it will likewise improve an underactive immune system. In other words, it helps the immune system to "adapt." [48, 54, 55] Case in point, one study showed Ganoderma extract as having a dampening effect on HIV replication in lymphocytes. [56]
Lung and heart functions are also important as we age. Research on Ganoderma extract has indicated that it may help increase the oxygen absorbing capacity of the lungs [57], blood profusion of the heart muscle, and decrease blood pressure. [58] In other words, its an energizing tonic, which may be why it has also been demonstrated as having an effect in cases of chronic fatigue. [59, 60]
Ganoderma extract appears ripe with tumor preventing compounds. Several Oriental studies have shown it to have an inhibiting effect on the growth of tumor cells of the lungs, cervix, prostate, liver, and on sarcomas and leukemia. [61, 62, 63, 64, 65] Other research points to this effect possibly being secondary to stimulating the body's own cancer fighting mechanisms by increasing the activity of T-lymphocytes, and interleukin-1 and 6. [66, 67]
Two Chinese studies have shown Ganoderma extract to have liver protective effects in cases of post-hepatic cirrhosis [69] and chronic hepatitis [68].
One study showed it to have a restorative effect on certain functions of the spleen. [34] A variety of skin disorders have been treated with powdered Ganoderma, [70] including rashes from poison ivy and oak, although this claim still may need to be conclusively verified. [25]
In his book Mycelium Running, medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists the following areas where research has shown Ganoderma extract to have a beneficial effect: Candida; Diabetes (Blood Sugar); Cardiovascular Health; Cholesterol; Kidney Health; Respiratory Conditions; Nerve Tonic; Stress. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.
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