From the Guidelines
Reishi mushrooms have limited scientific evidence supporting their use in treating chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and their effectiveness is uncertain. According to the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 1, herbal treatment, including reishi mushrooms, does not show significantly more adverse events than placebo, but the quality of the evidence for local treatment is low. The paper states that of five RCTs evaluating herbal treatment, a large DBPCT showed overall no effect, although a post-hoc sensitivity analysis showed a significant benefit in major symptom score at 12 weeks of treatment over placebo in patients with a diagnosis of CRS for >1 year and a baseline MSS >9.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the use of reishi mushrooms for CRS include:
- The evidence for the effectiveness of reishi mushrooms in treating CRS is limited and of low quality 1
- Reishi mushrooms may have potential benefits in boosting immune function and reducing inflammation, but more research is needed to confirm this 1
- The use of reishi mushrooms may be associated with mild side effects, such as digestive discomfort, dry mouth, and rash, and may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and immunosuppressants 1
It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using reishi mushrooms, especially for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those with bleeding disorders or upcoming surgeries. The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 1 does not recommend the use of herbal medicine, including reishi mushrooms, for CRS due to the limited and low-quality evidence. Other studies, such as the 2022 American College of Rheumatology guideline for exercise, rehabilitation, diet, and additional integrative interventions for rheumatoid arthritis 2, and the Perioperative Pain and Addiction Interdisciplinary Network (PAIN) consensus recommendations for perioperative management of cannabis and cannabinoid-based medicine users 3, do not provide relevant information on the use of reishi mushrooms for CRS.
From the Research
Reishi Mushrooms Evidence
- The Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, has been found to have various health benefits, including nutritional, cosmeceutical, and medical treatments 4.
- The mushroom contains polysaccharides, alkaloids, triterpenoids, sterols, proteins, nucleosides, and nucleotides, which contribute to its pharmacological potential 4.
- Studies have shown that Reishi mushrooms may have beneficial effects on various health conditions, including: + Diabetes 4, 5 + Inflammation 4 + Epilepsy 4 + Neurodegeneration 4 + Cancer 4, 6, 7 + Anxiety 4 + Sedation 4 + Cardiac diseases 4, 5 + Depression 4, 6 + Hepatic diseases 4 + Immune disorders 4
- A cross-sectional survey of cancer patients found that more than half of the participants reported improvements in symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, poor appetite, and depression after taking Reishi mushrooms 6.
- However, some studies have also reported adverse effects associated with Reishi mushroom use, including dry mouth, constipation, insomnia, pruritus, and vertigo 6, 5.
- The evidence for the use of Reishi mushrooms in the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors is limited, and a systematic review found that the current evidence does not support its use for this purpose 5.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits and risks associated with Reishi mushroom use, and to determine its safety and efficacy in various populations 4, 6, 5.