From the Research
Health Benefits of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) and Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms
The health benefits of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) and Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) mushrooms are numerous and have been studied in various research papers. Some of the key benefits include:
- Cancer prevention: Reishi mushrooms have been shown to have anticancer and cancer preventive activity 1
- Immuno-modulatory activity: A medicinal mushroom formulation consisting of Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake has been found to have synergistic immuno-modulatory activity in human macrophages 2
- Increased B-cells: Supplementation with a soluble β-glucan exported from Shiitake medicinal mushroom has been found to increase the number of circulating B-cells in healthy elderly subjects 3
- Improved lipid and antioxidant profiles: Shiitake bars have been found to reduce triglycerides and improve oxidative stress biomarkers in individuals with borderline high cholesterol 4
- Symptom improvements: Reishi mushroom use has been found to improve symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, poor appetite, and depression in cancer patients 5
Specific Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms have been found to have several specific benefits, including:
- Anticancer activity: Reishi mushrooms have been shown to have anticancer and cancer preventive activity 1
- Immuno-modulatory activity: Reishi mushrooms have been found to have immuno-modulatory activity in human macrophages 2
- Symptom improvements: Reishi mushroom use has been found to improve symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, poor appetite, and depression in cancer patients 5
Specific Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms have been found to have several specific benefits, including:
- Increased B-cells: Supplementation with a soluble β-glucan exported from Shiitake medicinal mushroom has been found to increase the number of circulating B-cells in healthy elderly subjects 3
- Improved lipid and antioxidant profiles: Shiitake bars have been found to reduce triglycerides and improve oxidative stress biomarkers in individuals with borderline high cholesterol 4
- Immuno-modulatory activity: Shiitake mushrooms have been found to have immuno-modulatory activity in human macrophages 2