Ganoderma lucidum

Description: This mushroom is characterized by its brownish-red color with black and orange stripes. Reishi mushrooms contain all of the essential amino acids (there are eight with 1 as a possibility but not confirmed), unsaturated fatty acids, and potent in vitamins (especially B3, B5, C & D) and minerals (especially calcium, phosphorous & iron).

Parts Used: whole fruiting body

Common Use: The reishi mushroom helps with all aspects of cancer therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Reishi does this because it contains polysaccharides (complex sugars) and ergosterols that stimulate immune functions. In some cases it has the reverse effect and slows down the immune functions. For example, the amount of histamine released in association with an allergic reaction is reduced with use of the reishi mushroom. Altitude sickness may also be prevented by this herb.

Origin: British Columbia

Active Substances: ganoderic acids (triterpenes), polysaccharides, ergosterols

Standard: Triterpenes >=4% by HPLC, Polysaccharides >=10% by phenol-sulfuric method and photospectrometer.

Pharmacology:

Active Properties:

Directions For Use:150-350 mg (10g dried Reishi makes 1g extract) taken between meals. Before taking any herbal product, you are advised to consult with a trained health care professional.

Processing:

Bio-Enhancing:Recommended to take with other herbs such as ginseng, Echinacea, or St. John's Wort.

Toxicity, Cautions, Contra-Indications:If not made into an extract it can lead to loosing of stools, dry mouth, or a skin rash. To prevent this always use an extract. Before taking any herbal product, you are advised to consult with a trained health care professional.

Scientific References:Balch, J. and Balch, P., (1997) Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group. Castleman, M., (1991) The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press. Chopra, D., (1993) Alternative Medicine. Fife, Washington: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc. Flynn, R. and Roest, M., (1995) Your Guide to Standardized Herbal Products. Prescott, Arizona: One World Press. Murray, M., (1996) Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Unites States of America: Prima Publishing. Murray, M. and Pizzorno, J., (1998) Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. United States of America: Prima Publishing. Null, G., (1998) The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. New York, New York: Kensington Publishing Corp. Werbach, M., (1993) Nutritional Influences of Illness. Tarzana, California: Third Line Press.

Historical Uses:Reishi Mushroom Extract has historically been used for problems such as poor digestion, difficulty concentrating, weaknesses of the lung and spiritual malaise.

Analysis:Standardization 4% triterpenes 10% Polysaccharides, Moisture 4.8%, Protein 23.6%, Lipids 6.1%, Carbohydrates 45.1%, Ash 20.4%, Phosphorous 78.7mg/g, Potassium 43.1mg/g, Magnesium 9.08mg/g, lead 5.0mcg/g, Microbiological total plate count <=7,000CFU/g.