I was encouraged to do some research on the health benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum on my own. There is a wealth of independent information on Ganoderma Lucidum. Below are several links about Ganoderma Lucidum, along with a brief summary describing reported benefits.
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides a Clinical Summary of Ganoderma Lucidum. Also known as Ling zhi, ling chi, lin zi or the mushroom of immortality. the Reishi mushroom is used as an immune stimulant by patients with HIV or cancer. Reishi increased plasma antioxidant capacity and enhanced the immune responses in advance-stage cancer patients. Some of it’s purported uses include Fatigue, High cholesterol, HIV, AIDS, Hypertension, Immunostimulation, Inflammation, Strength, Stamina, and Viral Infections http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11571.cfm?RecordID=425&tab=HC
Status of Ganoderma Lucidum in United States: Ganoderma Lucidum as an Anti-inflammatory Agent Dr. William B. Stavinoka and Neera Satsangi of The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio cites ancient reports where Ganoderma Lucidum was praised for its effect of increasing memory and preventing forgetfulness in old age reported in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing vol. 1 as early as 456-536 AD. Their research paper suggests that Ganoderma Lucidum may play a possible role in mitigating two devastating diseases Alzheimers and cardiovascular Disease. http://www.kyotan.com/lectures/lectures/Lecture4.html
Ganoderma Lucidum: How A Mushroom Heralds An Important Breakthrough In The Fight Against Cancer Dedicated to uncovering and researching the most urgent advances in modern underground medicine the Healthierlife.co.uk writes the Chinese mushroom Ling Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum) has long been held in high esteem in China as a potent natural remedy which is also thought to be capable of bestowing longevity. One study carried out at the Department of Medical Biochemistry, Ehime University in Japan, have revealed that it can help prevent the spread of cancer, especially of the prostate, breast, liver and spleen. Ganoderma also encourages the death of cancerous cells According to Japanese researchers, Ganoderma contains natural chemicals called triterpenoids, which possess an important anti-cancer action. They are able to inhibit the blood supply to cancerous cells - preventing oxygen and other nutrients from feeding them. http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/article/2869/ganoderma-lucidum.html
Cholesterol-lowering properties of Ganoderma lucidum in vitro, ex vivo, and in hamsters and minipigs Lipids in Health and Disease, Volume 3 has a research article that studied cholesterol lowering properties of Ganoderma Lucidum (Gl), and concludes Gl has potential to reduce LDL cholesterol in vivo through various mechanisms in animal models and the renewed interest in mushroom medicinal properties and species. http://www.lipidworld.com/content/3/1/2
Ganoderma lucidum, Reishi or Ling Zhi, a fungus used in oriental medicine. Dr.. Thomas J. Volk, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Fungus of the Month for March 2005 was Ganoderma Lucidum. The molecular make up has yet to be determined conclusively, several biologically active compounds from Ganoderma. Lucidum have been differentiated. These include adenosine, said to have an analgesic effect, R,S-ganodermic and ganasterone that have an antihepatoxic effect, and glucans and polysaccharides that are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties of Ganoderma. Lucidum. No large scale unbiased human trials have yet been performed, and the FDA does not yet approve use of Reishi as medical treatment. In order to gain FDA approval, purified compounds from Ganoderma. Lucidum would have to go through an intensive amount of screening in cell lines and animals; much of this pre-clinical testing has already been performed. http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/mar2005.html
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) Mushrooms, Certified Organic
Neurological benefits: A Japanese study showed that long-term application of Reishi promoted deep, slow-wave sleep in insomniacs. It has also been used to treat neurasthenia, a condition common in chronic fatigue syndrome. Cardiovascular benefits: During the 1980's Japanese scientists identified over 100 ganoderic acids (triterpenes) in Reishi mushrooms. Numerous studies in Japan, Russia and China have demonstrated marked cholesterol lowering abilities of these substances in humans, as well as other circulatory benefits. Ganoderic acids in Reishi extracts have also been found to be highly effective as anti-inflammatory agents, and in the treatment of severe liver problems. The Pauling institute has also done extensive work, with considerable success, using Reishi in combination with Vitamin C to treat cancer.
Reishi's traditional usage has always been in extract form, either as a water or alcohol extract. This is because the tough chitinous cell walls of the mushroom make it largely indigestible, even when ground to a find powder. An extract is the ideal way to consume reishi. Garuda's red reishi mushroom extract is derived from a high potency strain of reishi mushrooms, especially selected for their high level of active triterpenes. http://www.garudaint.com/product.php?id=61
Information on Reishi
o The Secrets of The King of Herb-Red Reishi A 20 minute video discussing the methods of cultivation, extraction and medicinal benefits of Red Reishi, Ganoderma Lucidum.
o "Red Reishi - How An Ancient Herbal Treasure Can Benefit Your Health Today" Information Booklet This book provides an in-depth introduction on the history and the medicinal value of the red reishi species. Reishi mushrooms have been widely used by Chinese Traditional Medicine practitioners for ages as an alternative approach to health and treatment modalities…A growing number of Western medical doctors and researchers are now working to better understand herbal therapies such as red reishi consumption so that they can help you make informed health care decisions.
o Studies on Bioactive Substances and Medicinal Effects of REISHI, Ganoderma lucidum in Japan Skizuuoka University, Dr.Takashi Mizuno. < Complex Medicine (Zenkiseilgaku)> , a System of Healing Heart, Brain and Body, Based on the < Johon> (Highest Quality) as well as < Chuhon> (Medium Quality Foods) Closer to the Highest Quality Originated in Shinnohonzokyo (Medical Herbs Pharmacopeia) Including Staq-horunshaped Reishi (Ganoderma), etc. "In the ancient times, those who understood the rationales of healthy life knew an astronomical, calendar lessons, harmonizing to the seasonal temperament of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, and also realized the limit in eating and drinking, making a rule in getting up and going to bed, and did not unnecessarily exhort themselves physically as well as mentally, and thus they could live a harmonized life in body and mind in an appropriate balance. Therefore, they could all live up to 100 years old. This was in the era of Emperor Shinno in BC 3000." http://www.reishi.com/
o holisticonline.com Herb data, Ganoderma lucidum, Reishi Mushroom, Ling chih, ling zhi, Reishi contains several constituents, including sterols, coumarin, mannitol, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids called ganoderic acids. Ganoderic acids seem to help lower blood pressure as well as decrease low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels. These specific triterpenoids also help to reduce blood platelets from sticking together—an important factor in lowering the risk for coronary artery disease. While human research demonstrates some efficacy for the herb in treating altitude sickness and chronic hepatitis B, these uses still need to be confirmed. http://www.holistic-online.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h326.htm
o Reishi Mushrooms "The Medicine of Kings" The "Medicine of Kings", Reishi is widely used for different purposes. It is used for symptomatic relief of arthritis and of menopausal anxiety. It is also used in treating allergic asthma, hypertension, hypothyroidism, bronchitis, insomnia, general anxiety and stress, and cardiovascular problems. Reishi also is often the main ingredient in herbal formulas for immune dysfunction syndromes, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Chinese medical texts traditionally call for using 1.5 to 9 grams of dry mushroom per day which approximates to 150 to 900 mg of concentrated Reishi extract. For serious problems like cancer, Dr. Morishige adjusted the dosage from 2 to 10 grams of Reishi extract per day.(1,5)
o http://intelegen.com/nutrients/reishi.htm