Everything You Need to Know About Ganoderma Lucidum
Ganoderma lucidum, a type of fungus, has been used as a natural medicine for over 2000 years in Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea.
Research shows that Ganoderma lucidum is rich in hundreds of phytochemicals, including polysaccharides, glycoproteins, amino acids, and terpenoids. These components have a positive impact on health. This fungus has been proven to possess antioxidant, immune - supporting, and anti - inflammatory properties. Taking supplements of this medicinal mushroom may be beneficial to the human body in multiple ways.
Potential Health Benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum
For a long time, Ganoderma lucidum has been used in traditional Asian medical systems to treat diseases such as cancer and diabetes. However, there is limited human research on the health effects of Ganoderma lucidum supplements. Currently, most of the research linking Ganoderma lucidum to health benefits has been conducted on animals, and many human - based studies are outdated. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Ganoderma lucidum supplements for humans, especially for those with health problems such as cancer.
Nevertheless, limited research indicates that Ganoderma lucidum supplements may offer some health benefits.
Potential Anticancer Properties
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other Asian traditional medical systems, Ganoderma lucidum is often used as a natural therapy for treating cancer. Some studies suggest that Ganoderma lucidum supplements may be beneficial to patients with certain types of cancer. However, most of these studies are rather old and were carried out among Asian populations. Therefore, it is still unclear whether Ganoderma lucidum would have the same effects on non - Asian cancer patients.
Most of the studies on the effects of Ganoderma lucidum on cancer used standardized concentrated extracts of Ganoderma lucidum, such as Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP). These polysaccharides extracted from Ganoderma lucidum are different from most of the Ganoderma lucidum supplements sold in the United States.
In an earlier study, 198 colorectal cancer patients took 1.5 grams of concentrated Ganoderma lucidum extract daily for 12 months. As a result, the growth of precancerous lesions in the colon was inhibited. At the same time, the growth of precancerous lesions in the participants who did not receive any treatment increased.
Some small - scale studies have found that Ganoderma lucidum treatment can enhance the blood antioxidant capacity and improve the immune response in patients with other types of cancer, including breast and lung cancer.
Ganoderma lucidum contains compounds such as β - glucan and polysaccharides, which have anti - tumor and immune - stimulating properties. Some of these compounds (such as GLP) may enhance the body's anti - cancer ability by improving the function of immune cells, such as natural killer cells (NK), against various cancers.
Although these results are encouraging, more research is needed to understand how the use of different Ganoderma lucidum products can help cancer patients.
Potential to Alleviate Male Urinary Tract Symptoms
Limited research suggests that Ganoderma lucidum may be beneficial to men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). LUTS refer to urinary symptoms such as urinary retention, incomplete bladder emptying, and weak urine flow. The most common cause of LUTS is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a disease that causes non - cancerous enlargement of the prostate.
Ganoderma lucidum has anti - inflammatory effects and may help relieve LUTS. For example, an early study involving 50 men with LUTS found that compared with the placebo group, the LUTS symptoms of men who received 6 milligrams (mg) and 60 mg of Ganoderma lucidum extract for eight weeks were significantly alleviated.
In the same year, another study by the same researcher found that compared with placebo treatment, using 6 mg of Ganoderma lucidum extract daily for 12 weeks could significantly improve LUTS symptoms.
Although these findings are encouraging, more research is still needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Other Potential Benefits
Ganoderma lucidum is promoted as a natural way to reduce risk factors for heart disease, such as high triglycerides, blood sugar, and cholesterol. While some earlier studies found that Ganoderma lucidum could effectively reduce these risk factors, recent studies have found it ineffective.
For example, a study of 84 patients with type 2 diabetes found that compared with the placebo, using 3 grams of Ganoderma lucidum extract daily for 16 weeks had no effect on the blood sugar control marker glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) or fasting blood glucose.
Although many animal studies have shown that Ganoderma lucidum has powerful anti - inflammatory, antioxidant, and cognitive - health - supporting properties, there is not enough human evidence to confirm these potential benefits.
How to Take Ganoderma Lucidum
Ganoderma lucidum is a large, dark - colored mushroom with a shiny surface. It is most commonly found at the base and stumps of deciduous trees such as maple, elm, oak, willow, and pagoda trees in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and both North and South America.
Ganoderma lucidum supplements come in various forms, including capsules, liquids, and powders. Besides supplements, Ganoderma lucidum is also available in tea form and is used in foods such as energy bars and coffee creamers.
Although there are supplements containing only Ganoderma lucidum, it is often mixed with other ingredients, such as medicinal mushrooms and herbs. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully read the ingredient label of the supplement.
Dosage
The dosage of Ganoderma lucidum varies depending on its form. The general dosage of Ganoderma lucidum is 1400 - 5400 milligrams per day, while the dosage of Ganoderma lucidum extract is relatively smaller, for example, 3 - 6 milligrams. Ganoderma lucidum supplements are usually taken in divided doses.
Since dosage recommendations vary, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before taking Ganoderma lucidum supplements.
Research shows that the dosage of Ganoderma lucidum supplements sold in the United States is inconsistent, and the actual amount of Ganoderma lucidum may not match what is indicated on the label. Therefore, look for products that have been tested for quality, accuracy, and safety by a third - party.
When purchasing supplements, ensure that the product has been tested by a third - party. Unlike drugs, supplements are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means their quality and safety can vary. Third - party testing can confirm that the supplement contains the ingredients listed on the label and is free from harmful contaminants.
Check if the product has a seal from well - known organizations such as NSF International, USP (United States Pharmacopeia), or ConsumerLab.
Is Ganoderma Lucidum Safe?
Generally, it is considered safe to use Ganoderma lucidum at the recommended dosage for up to one year.
Research indicates that Ganoderma lucidum products, such as Ganoderma lucidum extracts, are usually well - tolerated and do not pose adverse health risks.
However, some studies suggest that high - dose Ganoderma lucidum extracts may increase the level of the tumor marker CA72 - 4.
Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before taking Ganoderma lucidum supplements, especially if you have cancer.
In rare cases, people who have taken Ganoderma lucidum supplements for two months or longer may experience abnormal liver growth, hepatotoxicity, and liver failure. However, these are individual cases, and other health factors may be at play.
There is not enough evidence to show whether it is safe to use Ganoderma lucidum during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, it is best to avoid taking Ganoderma lucidum supplements during this period.
Potential Drug Interactions
Ganoderma lucidum may interact with some commonly used prescription drugs, such as:
Anticoagulants: Ganoderma lucidum may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking blood thinners such as warfarin.
Immunosuppressants: Since Ganoderma lucidum has been shown to affect the immune system, it may interact with immunosuppressive drugs.
Anticancer drugs: Ganoderma lucidum may interact with chemotherapy drugs. Therefore, if you are undergoing chemotherapy, avoid taking Ganoderma lucidum unless recommended and monitored by your healthcare provider.
In addition to the above drugs, Ganoderma lucidum may also interact with other drugs, such as those used to treat high blood sugar and high blood pressure. If you are interested in taking Ganoderma lucidum and are taking one or more drugs, you should consult your healthcare provider to ensure it is a safe choice for your specific health needs.
Can You Overdose?
There is not enough information to recommend an upper limit for Ganoderma lucidum, and it is unclear whether taking large doses of Ganoderma lucidum, especially long - term, is safe.
Follow the recommended dosage on the supplement label to avoid potential health risks associated with taking large amounts of Ganoderma lucidum. If you have questions about the safe dosage, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
Side Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum
Ganoderma lucidum supplements usually do not cause serious health problems, but some studies have reported mild side effects, including:
Gastrointestinal symptoms: Stomach discomfort
Nervous system symptoms: Dizziness
Digestive system symptoms: Nausea
General symptoms: Fatigue
Sleep problems: Insomnia
Skin symptoms: Rash
Oral symptoms: Dry mouth
Throat symptoms: Sore throat
If you experience any of these symptoms after taking Ganoderma lucidum supplements, stop taking the supplement. If your symptoms do not improve, contact your healthcare provider.
Quick Review
As a medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum has been used as a natural medicine for thousands of years.
Although Ganoderma lucidum is promoted as an alternative therapy for certain cancers, urinary tract symptoms, and high blood sugar, human research is limited, and there is not enough evidence to recommend Ganoderma lucidum as a supplement for any health condition.
If you are interested in using Ganoderma lucidum supplements, be sure to consult a qualified healthcare provider to ensure that Ganoderma lucidum is a safe and suitable choice for your health needs.
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