Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom is a natural product that may enhance immunity and response to chemo/radiotherapy, improve quality of life, and manage some side effects.
How can reishi mushroom help you? What the research says
We summarize the clinical evidence for each medical benefit here. We begin with our assessment of the strength of evidence within each category, followed by a brief summary of individual studies or reviews of several studies. In assessing the strength of evidence, we consider the study design, number of participants, and the size of the treatment effect (how much outcomes changed with treatment).
To see more details, click the plus sign to the right of any section.
Our assessments of evidence for each medical benefit fall into one of these categories:
- Strong evidence: consistent, significant effects in several large (or at least one very large) well designed clinical studies or at least two meta-analysesa statistical analysis that combines the results of two or more research studies; the results of smaller research studies addressing the same or similar questions can be analyzed as though they are one bigger, more powerful study of clinical studies of moderate or better quality (or one large meta-analysis) finding similar results
- Good evidence: significant effects in one large or several mid-sized and well-designed clinical studies ( randomized controlled trialsa study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects with an appropriate placebo or other strong comparison control or observational studies that control for confounds)
- Modest evidence: significant effects in at least three small but well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or one or more well-designed, mid-sized clinical studies of reasonably good quality (RCTs or observationala type of study in which individuals are observed or certain outcomes are measured, but no attempt is made to affect the outcome (for example, no treatment is given); an example is a study that records people’s diets, but doesn’t try to alter their diets, and looks for patterns of disease or other outcomes related to different foods studies), or several small studies aggregated into a meta-analysis
- Preliminary evidence: significant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect
- Weak evidence: one or more case studies, supported by animal evidence OR small treatment effects of limited clinical significance OR studies with no controls OR weak trends of effects
- Insufficient evidence: preclinical evidence only OR clinical studies with such poor or unclear methodology that no conclusion can be drawn OR conflicting findings across clinical studies with no preponderance of evidence in one direction; conflicting evidence occurs when studies find conflicting effects (positive effect vs no effect or negative effect) with the same treatment and the same general study population (same cancer type, for example)
Learn more about how we research and rate therapies and practices in How We Rate Therapies ›
Preclinical evidence is summarized in Are you a health professional? ›
Improving treatment outcomes
Is reishi mushroom linked to improved survival? Is it linked to less cancer growth or metastasis? Does it enhance the anticancer action of other treatments or therapies? We present the evidence.
Reishi mushrooms didn’t seem to help people with cancer live longer when used on their own. Some people responded better to chemotherapy or radiation therapy when taking reishi, but the studies weren’t well designed and more research is needed.
Preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of a better response to chemo/radiotherapy among people with cancer as a whole treated with reishi mushrooms
- Greater tumor response to chemo/radiotherapy among people treated with reishi mushrooms compared to chemo/radiotherapy alone in a meta-analysisa statistical analysis that combines the results of two or more research studies; the results of smaller research studies addressing the same or similar questions can be analyzed as though they are one bigger, more powerful study of 5 RCTsrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects of very low quality1Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, Chan GC. Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016 Apr 5;4:CD007731; Santesso N, Wieland LS. A summary of a Cochrane review: Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom) for the treatment of cancer. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2016 Oct;8(5):619-620.
No evidence of an effectoverall, one or more studies did not demonstrate that a treatment or intervention led to an expected outcome; this does not always mean that there is no effect in clinical practice, but that the studies may have been underpowered (too few participants) or poorly designed. Larger, well-designed studies provide more confidence in making assessments. on long‐term survival among people treated only with reishi in a combined analysis of studies
- No evidence of an effect on long‐term survival among people with cancer treated only with reishi mushrooms in a meta-analysis of 5 RCTs2Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, Chan GC. Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016 Apr 5;4:CD007731.
In a small study, people with advanced lung cancer using reishi polysaccharides were more likely to achieve stable disease.
Weak evidenceone or more case studies, supported by animal evidence OR small treatment effects of limited clinical significance OR studies with no controls OR weak trends of effects (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of modest anticancer responses among people with advanced lung cancer treated with reishi polysaccharides
- Higher incidence of stable disease among people with advanced lung cancer undergoing no other anticancer treatment and treated with reishi polysaccharides compared to placebo in a small RCTrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects without a clear statement of significance3Gao Y, Dai X, Chen G, Ye J, Zhou S. A randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study of Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.:Fr.) lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) polysaccharides (Ganopoly) in patients with advanced lung cancer. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2003;5:14.
People with cervical cancer treated with reishi capsules had better tumor control after chemotherapy in a small study.
Preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of higher tumor control and lower markers of cancer growth and progression after chemotherapy among people with cervical cancer treated with reishi capsules
- Higher tumor control and lower markers of cancer growth and progression after neoadjuvant chemotherapy among people with HPV-positive cervical cancer treated with reishi capsules compared to chemotherapy alone in a mid-sized controlled triala study design in which people are assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatment; assignment is not random, and so this is not as strong a study design as a randomized controlled trial, but still stronger than an uncontrolled trial4Yan FF. Effect of Ganoderma capsule on expressions of CD105 protein and miR-21 in cervical cancer tumor tissue associated with HPV infection. Chinese Journal of Biochemical Pharmaceutics. 2017;37(03):131–4.
In a small study, reishi mushrooms didn’t seem to affect prostate-specific antigenprostate-specific antigen (PSA): a protein produced by both normal and malignant cells of the prostate gland; the blood level of PSA is often elevated in men with prostate cancer (PSA) levels in men with prostate cancer. This suggests that reishi was not influencing the cancer.
No evidence of an effectoverall, one or more studies did not demonstrate that a treatment or intervention led to an expected outcome; this does not always mean that there is no effect in clinical practice, but that the studies may have been underpowered (too few participants) or poorly designed. Larger, well-designed studies provide more confidence in making assessments. on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels among men with prostate cancer treated with reishi mushrooms in a preliminary trial
- No response of PSA among people with biochemical failure after radical treatment for non-metastasized prostate cancer treated with reishi mushrooms in a small uncontrolled triala study in which a therapy is used, but without a comparison group against which to judge outcomes; an uncontrolled trial is considered a weak study design5Yoshimura K, Kamoto T et al. Medical mushrooms used for biochemical failure after radical treatment for prostate cancer: an open-label study. International Journal of Urology: Official Journal of the Japanese Urological Association. 2010 Jun;17(6):548-54.
In a few studies, people with cancer who used herbal mixtures containing reishi mushrooms responded better to their conventional treatments, and in some cases, lived longer. But it’s unclear whether the effect was from reishi mushrooms or from other ingredients in the mixtures or the combination of ingredients.
Qikui decoction containing Radix Astragali preparata, Solanum nigrum, radix Codonopsis, Ganoderma lucidum, Rhizoma polygonati preparata, Fructus ligustri lucidi, Caulis spatholobi, Polyporus umbellatus, fried coix seed, sun Euphorbia herb, Hedyotis diffusa, Pseudobulbus cremastraeseu pleiones, Curcuma zedoary, and Radix Glycyrrhizae preparata: preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of higher overall response rate during chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin among people with advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma treated with Qikui decoction
- Higher overall response rate during chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin among people with advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma treated with Qikui decoction compared to chemotherapy alone in a mid-sized RCTrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects6Xu J, Xiao N, He H, Zhou X. Clinical efficacy and prognostic influence of Qikui decoction in adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma. International Journal of Pharmacology. 2022;18:906-914.
Tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin prescription containing Chinese actinidia root, Ganoderma lucidum, Astragali radix, Radix heterophylla, Poria cocos, Rhizoma dioscoreae, Rhizoma pinelliae, pericarpium Citri reticulatae, Angelica sinensis, Oldenlandia diffusa, atractylodes, Radix rehmanniae recen, glossy privet fruit, arisaema cum bile, peach kernel, and raw liquorice: preliminary evidence of lower tumor marker index during treatment with oxaliplatin + capecitabine after surgery among people with colorectal cancer treated with tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin prescription
- Lower tumor marker index during treatment with oxaliplatin + capecitabine after surgery among people with colorectal cancer treated with tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin prescription for 2 weeks compared to chemotherapy alone in a small RCT7Xiao C, Cao B, Wu X, Li M. Effect of tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin prescription for reducing phlegm on CEA and CA50 in postoperative patients with colorectal cancer. Acta Medica Mediterranea. 2020;36:711-716.
Kangliuzengxiao decoction (Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Ganoderma lucidum, Atractylodes chinensis, Ligustrum lucidum, Coptis chinensis, Astragalus mongholicus, and Polygonatum sibiricum) and Feiyanning decoction (Ganoderma lucidum, Cornus offcinalis, Polygonatum sibiricum, Epimedium davidii Franch, comb, Pseudobulbus cremastrae seu Ppleiones, toad skin, Paris polyphylla Smith, Chinese sage herb, Ligustrum lucidum, Astragalus mongholicus, and rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae): preliminary evidence of better survival after chemotherapy among people with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer treated with qi-nourishing essence-replenishing Chinese herbal medication
- Better survival after vinorelbine plus cisplatin (NP) chemotherapy among people with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer treated with qi-nourishing essence-replenishing Chinese herbal medication (Kangliu Zengxiao decoction and modified Feiyanning decoction, during and after chemotherapy respectively) compared to symptom-oriented Chinese herbs medication in a mid-sized RCT8Gong Y, Xu Z et al. Treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with Qi-nourishing essence-replenishing Chinese herbal medicine combined with chemotherapy. Biological Procedures Online. 2018 Apr 1;20:9.
- A weak trendan apparent change due to a therapy, close to but not achieving full statistical significance (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently toward higher disease control rate and very weak trends toward higher response and better survival during chemotherapy among people with stage 3 or 4 non-small-cell lung cancer treated with Chinese herbal medicines Kangliuzengxiao decoction during chemotherapy and Feiyanning decoction after chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone in a mid-sized RCT9Xu ZY, Jin CJ et al. Treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with Chinese herbal medicine by stages combined with chemotherapy. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. 2011 Jul;137(7):1117-22.
Shengbai decoction containing Panax ginseng C. A. Mey, radix Astragali seuhedysari, Rehmannia glutinosa, radix Angelica sinensis, Paeonia lactiflora Pall, and Rhizoma ligustici: preliminary evidence of lower rate of chemotherapy dose reduction, higher rate of completion of adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection, and higher 3-year overall survival among people with stomach cancer treated with Shengbai decoction during chemotherapy
- Lower rate of chemotherapy dose reduction, higher rate of completion of adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection, and higher 3-year overall survival among people with stomach (gastric) cancer treated with Shengbai decoction during chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone in a mid-sized controlled triala study design in which people are assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatment; assignment is not random, and so this is not as strong a study design as a randomized controlled trial, but still stronger than an uncontrolled trial10Yao L, Feng W, Tao Y, Tang C. Effect of Shengbai decoction on chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression and survival of gastric cancer patients after radical resection: a retrospective study. Medical Science Monitor. 2022 Feb 21;28:e935936.
Optimizing your body terrain
Does reishi mushroom promote an environment within your body that is less supportive of cancer development, growth, or spread? We present the evidence.
See Optimizing Your Body Terrain ›
Find medical professionals who specialize in managing body terrain factors: Finding Integrative Oncologists and Other Practitioners ›
We also recommend that you share with your doctor the information here about how reishi mushroom might affect these terrain factors if you have any imbalances.
People using reishi mushrooms didn’t show changes in body weight in a small study.
No evidence of an effectoverall, one or more studies did not demonstrate that a treatment or intervention led to an expected outcome; this does not always mean that there is no effect in clinical practice, but that the studies may have been underpowered (too few participants) or poorly designed. Larger, well-designed studies provide more confidence in making assessments. on body mass indexa number comparing body weight relative to height, which is a rough indicator of healthy weight, underweight, or overweight; a healthy weight is between 18.5 and 25. among people treated with reishi mushrooms
- No evidence of an effect on body mass index among people with borderline elevations of blood pressure and/or cholesterol treated with 1.44 grams of reishi mushrooms for 12 weeks compared to placeboa pill, medicine, or procedure—thought to be both harmless and ineffective—prescribed for the psychological benefit to the patient or as a sham treatment in a study to allow a comparison to a therapy of interest in a small RCTrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects11Chu TT, Benzie IF et al. Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. British Journal of Nutrition. 2012 Apr;107(7):1017-27.
People with type 2 diabetes using reishi mushrooms showed lower blood sugar or insulin resistancea condition in which cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don’t respond well to insulin and can’t efficiently take up glucose from your blood for energy in two small studies.
Preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of lower blood sugar or insulin resistance among people with type 2 diabetes treated with reishi mushrooms.
- Lower plasma insulin and homeostasis model assessment—insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) among people with borderline elevations of blood pressure and/or cholesterol treated with 1.44 grams of reishi mushrooms for 12 weeks compared to placeboa pill, medicine, or procedure—thought to be both harmless and ineffective—prescribed for the psychological benefit to the patient or as a sham treatment in a study to allow a comparison to a therapy of interest in a small RCTrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects12Chu TT, Benzie IF et al. Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. British Journal of Nutrition. 2012 Apr;107(7):1017-27.
- No evidence of an effectoverall, one or more studies did not demonstrate that a treatment or intervention led to an expected outcome; this does not always mean that there is no effect in clinical practice, but that the studies may have been underpowered (too few participants) or poorly designed. Larger, well-designed studies provide more confidence in making assessments. on blood glucose (HbA1ca form of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, that is bound to sugar (glycated hemoglobin). Levels of HbA1c in the blood indicate the average level of blood sugar during the prior two to three months.) among people with type 2 diabetes treated with reishi for 12 to 16 weeks in an analysis of three RCTs, nor for fasting plasma glucose, and inconsistent results for blood glucose following a meal in one small RCT13Klupp NL, Chang D et al. Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015;2015(2):CD007259.
- Lower HbA1c, fasting insulin, blood glucose, and insulin after eating among people with type 2 diabetes treated with 1800 mg Ganopoly—polysaccharide fractions extracted from reishi mushrooms—3 times a day for 12 weeks compared to placebo in a small RCT14Gao Y, Lan J, Dai X, Ye J, Zhou S. A phase I/II study of Ling Zhi mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (W. Curt.: Fr.) Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) extract in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2004;6(1):8.
Many studies have found that people with cancer using reishi mushrooms have stronger immune function.
Increased immune system activation is not always beneficial, so your oncology team needs to determine whether immune activation would be favorable in your situation.
Good evidencesignificant effects in one large or several mid-sized and well-designed clinical studies (randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with an appropriate placebo or other strong comparison control or observational studies that control for confounds) (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of higher markers of immune function among people with cancer treated with reishi mushrooms
- Some higher markers immune function, but no evidence of an effectoverall, one or more studies did not demonstrate that a treatment or intervention led to an expected outcome; this does not always mean that there is no effect in clinical practice, but that the studies may have been underpowered (too few participants) or poorly designed. Larger, well-designed studies provide more confidence in making assessments. on others among people with cancer treated with reishi mushrooms compared to controls in a meta-analysisa statistical analysis that combines the results of two or more research studies; the results of smaller research studies addressing the same or similar questions can be analyzed as though they are one bigger, more powerful study of 23 RCTsrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects15Zhong L, Yan P, Lam WC, Yao L, Bian Z. Coriolus versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum related natural products as an adjunct therapy for cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2019 Jul 3;10:703.
- Markers of immune stimulation (higher levels of IFN-γ and lower levels of TNF-α and IL-8) during 4 cycles of chemotherapy among people with breast cancer treated with 100 g reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) capsules twice a day compared to chemotherapy alone in a small controlled triala study design in which people are assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatment; assignment is not random, and so this is not as strong a study design as a randomized controlled trial, but still stronger than an uncontrolled trial16Mohammed Ali NAK, Saeed HA, Othman RT. Immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory effect of Ganoderma lucidum on breast cancer patients. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Biology. 2018;3(2):51-57.
- Higher absolute count of peripheral blood total lymphocytes among asymptomatic children aged 3 to 5 years old treated with yogurt enriched with β-glucans from reishi mushroom daily for 12 weeks compared to placeboa pill, medicine, or procedure—thought to be both harmless and ineffective—prescribed for the psychological benefit to the patient or as a sham treatment in a study to allow a comparison to a therapy of interest in an RCT17Henao SLD, Urrego SA, Cano AM, Higuita EA. Randomized clinical trial for the evaluation of immune modulation by yogurt enriched with β-glucans from lingzhi or reishi medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes), in children from Medellin, Colombia. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2018;20(8):705-716.
- Some higher immune function markers among people with cancer treated with reishi mushrooms compared to controls in a meta-analysis of 5 RCTs18Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, Chan GC. Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016 Apr 5;4:CD007731.
In a few small studies, people using reishi mushrooms had better antioxidant activity, which can help reduce oxidative stressan imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body in which antioxidant levels are lower than normal; this imbalance can cause harmful oxidation reactions in your body chemistry.
Preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of greater antioxidant activity among people without cancer treated with reishi supplements
- Higher total antioxidant capacity and activities of antioxidant enzymes among healthy people treated with 225 mg reishi mushroom capsules after lunch or dinner for 6 months compared to placeboa pill, medicine, or procedure—thought to be both harmless and ineffective—prescribed for the psychological benefit to the patient or as a sham treatment in a study to allow a comparison to a therapy of interest in a small controlled triala study design in which people are assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatment; assignment is not random, and so this is not as strong a study design as a randomized controlled trial, but still stronger than an uncontrolled trial19Chiu HF, Fu HY et al. Triterpenoids and polysaccharide peptides-enriched Ganoderma lucidum: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its antioxidation and hepatoprotective efficacy in healthy volunteers. Pharmaceutical Biology. 2017 Dec;55(1):1041-1046.
- Greater antioxidant activity among people without cancer treated with 4 weeks of reishi supplements compared to placebo in small RCTrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects20Wachtel-Galor S, Tomlinson B, Benzie IF. Ganoderma lucidum (“Lingzhi”), a Chinese medicinal mushroom: biomarker responses in a controlled human supplementation study. British Journal of Nutrition. 2004 Feb;91(2):263-9.
- Greater total antioxidant capacity and activity of antioxidant enzymes among healthy people treated with 6 months of reishi supplements compared to placebo in a small RCT21Chiu H, Fu H et al. Triterpenoids and polysaccharide peptides-enriched Ganoderma lucidum: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its antioxidation and hepatoprotective efficacy in healthy volunteers. Pharmaceutical Biology. 2017 Dec;55(1):1041-1046.
See more about antioxidant activity in the Expert commentary section of How do experts use reishi mushroom? ›
Managing side effects and promoting wellness
Is reishi mushroom linked to fewer or less severe side effects or symptoms? Is it linked to less toxicity from cancer treatment? Does it support your quality of life or promote general well-being? We present the evidence.
In a small study, people with advanced cancer who were treated with reishi mushrooms had fewer cancer-related symptoms overall.
Weak evidenceone or more case studies, supported by animal evidence OR small treatment effects of limited clinical significance OR studies with no controls OR weak trends of effects (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of fewer cancer-related symptoms as a whole among people with advanced cancer treated with reishi mushrooms
- Less fever, cough, weakness, insomnia, and sweating among people with advanced lung cancer treated with reishi mushrooms compared to placeboa pill, medicine, or procedure—thought to be both harmless and ineffective—prescribed for the psychological benefit to the patient or as a sham treatment in a study to allow a comparison to a therapy of interest in a small RCTrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects without clear statement of significance22Gao Y, Dai X, Chen G, Ye J, Zhou S. A randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study of Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.:Fr.) lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) polysaccharides (Ganopoly) in patients with advanced lung cancer. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2003;5:14.
People with breast cancer who took reishi mushrooms showed less anxiety during their hormone therapy in a small study.
Preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of less anxiety during endocrine therapy among people with breast cancer treated with reishi mushroom
- Less anxiety among people endocrine therapy with breast cancer treated with reishi mushroom compared to controls in a small RCTrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects23Zhao H, Zhang Q et al. Spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum improves cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy: a pilot clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;2012:809614.
People with breast cancer who took reishi mushrooms had a better appetite during their hormone therapy in a small study.
Preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of better appetite during endocrine therapy among people with breast cancer treated with reishi mushrooms
- Greater appetite during endocrine therapy among people with breast cancer treated with reishi mushrooms compared to controls in a small RCTrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects24Zhao H, Zhang Q et al. Spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum improves cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy: a pilot clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;2012:809614.
In a small study, people with breast cancer who took reishi mushrooms had better cognitive function during their hormone therapy.
Preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of better cognitive function during endocrine therapy among people with breast cancer treated with reishi mushrooms
- Better cognitive function during endocrine therapy among people with breast cancer treated with reishi mushrooms compared to controls in a small RCTrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects25Zhao H, Zhang Q et al. Spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum improves cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy: a pilot clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;2012:809614.
In a small study, people with breast cancer who took reishi mushrooms were less depressed during their hormone therapy.
Preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of less depression during endocrine therapy among people with breast cancer treated with reishi mushrooms
- Less depression during endocrine therapy among people with breast cancer treated with reishi mushrooms compared to controls in a small RCTrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects26Zhao H, Zhang Q et al. Spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum improves cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy: a pilot clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;2012:809614.
In a small study, people with breast cancer who took reishi mushrooms were less fatigued during their hormone therapy.
Preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of less fatigue during endocrine therapy among people with breast cancer treated with reishi mushrooms
- Less severe fatigue during endocrine therapy among people with breast cancer treated with reishi mushrooms compared to controls in a small RCTrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects27Zhao H, Zhang Q et al. Spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum improves cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy: a pilot clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;2012:809614.
People with cancer who used reishi mushrooms had a better quality of life during chemotherapy. In a small study, women with breast cancer who took reishi mushrooms felt emotionally better during their hormone therapy.
Modest evidencesignificant effects in at least three small but well-designed RCTs, or one or more well-designed, mid-sized clinical studies of reasonably good quality (RCTs or observational studies), or several small studies aggregated into a meta-analysis (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of better quality of life during chemotherapy among people treated with reishi mushroom
- Better quality of life during chemotherapy among people with breast, colorectal, gastrointestinal, or lung cancers treated with reishi compared to controls in a meta-analysisa statistical analysis that combines the results of two or more research studies; the results of smaller research studies addressing the same or similar questions can be analyzed as though they are one bigger, more powerful study of 5 RCTsrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects28Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, Chan GC. Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016 Apr 5;4:CD007731.
Preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of better emotional function during endocrine therapy among people with breast cancer treated with reishi mushrooms
- Better emotional function during endocrine therapy among people with breast cancer treated with reishi mushrooms compared to controls in a small RCT29Zhao H, Zhang Q et al. Spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum improves cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy: a pilot clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;2012:809614.
In a small study, people with breast cancer who took reishi mushrooms slept better during their hormone therapy.
Preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of less sleep disruption during endocrine therapy among people with breast cancer treated with reishi mushroom
- Less sleep disturbance during endocrine therapy among people with breast cancer treated with reishi mushroom compared to controls in a small RCTrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects30Zhao H, Zhang Q et al. Spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum improves cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy: a pilot clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;2012:809614.
People taking reishi mushrooms showed better liver health but no change in blood pressure in small studies.
Cardiovascular symptoms: no evidence of an effectoverall, one or more studies did not demonstrate that a treatment or intervention led to an expected outcome; this does not always mean that there is no effect in clinical practice, but that the studies may have been underpowered (too few participants) or poorly designed. Larger, well-designed studies provide more confidence in making assessments. on blood pressure among people treated with reishi mushrooms
- No evidence of an effect on blood pressure among people with borderline elevations of blood pressure and/or cholesterol treated with 1.44 grams of reishi mushrooms for 12 weeks compared to placeboa pill, medicine, or procedure—thought to be both harmless and ineffective—prescribed for the psychological benefit to the patient or as a sham treatment in a study to allow a comparison to a therapy of interest in a small RCTrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects31Chu TT, Benzie IF et al. Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. British Journal of Nutrition. 2012 Apr;107(7):1017-27.
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of reversal of mild fatty liver condition among healthy people treated with reishi mushroom capsules
- Reversal of mild fatty liver condition among healthy people treated with 225 mg reishi mushroom capsules after lunch or dinner for 6 months compared to placebo in a small controlled triala study design in which people are assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatment; assignment is not random, and so this is not as strong a study design as a randomized controlled trial, but still stronger than an uncontrolled trial32Chiu HF, Fu HY et al. Triterpenoids and polysaccharide peptides-enriched Ganoderma lucidum: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its antioxidation and hepatoprotective efficacy in healthy volunteers. Pharmaceutical Biology. 2017 Dec;55(1):1041-1046.
Preliminary evidence of better liver function among healthy volunteers treated with reishi mushroom
- Reversal of mild fatty liver condition among healthy volunteers treated with reishi compared to controls in a small RCT33Chiu H, Fu H et al. Triterpenoids and polysaccharide peptides-enriched Ganoderma lucidum: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its antioxidation and hepatoprotective efficacy in healthy volunteers. Pharmaceutical Biology. 2017 Dec;55(1):1041-1046.
People with cancer who used herbal mixtures containing reishi mushrooms during chemotherapy experienced better quality of life and well-being. They also had improvements in side effects such as nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, fatigue, and low white blood cell counts. However, it’s unclear whether these effects were from the reishi mushrooms or from other ingredients in the mixtures.
Shenlingcao oral liquid containing American ginseng, Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps sinensis powder and rose: preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of less reduction in average quality of life and higher physical function, role function, emotional function, and performance status, plus fewer cancer-related symptoms such as fatigue, nausea/vomiting, and appetite loss during adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection among people with non-small cell lung cancer treated with Shenlingcao oral liquid
- Less reduction in average quality of life and higher physical function, role function, emotional function, and performance status, plus fewer cancer-related symptoms such as fatigue, nausea/vomiting, and appetite loss during adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection among people with non-small cell lung cancer treated with Shenlingcao oral liquid compared to chemotherapy alone in a mid-sized RCTrandomized controlled trial, a study design in which people are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group to compare the outcomes from different treatments; an RCT is considered a strong design for determining a therapy’s effects34Liu Y, Luo X et al. Shenlingcao oral liquid for patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2023 May;113:154723.
Qikui decoction containing Radix Astragali preparata, Solanum nigrum, radix Codonopsis, Ganoderma lucidum, Rhizoma polygonati preparata, Fructus ligustri lucidi, Caulis spatholobi, Polyporus umbellatus, fried coix seed, sun Euphorbia herb, Hedyotis diffusa, Pseudobulbus cremastraeseu pleiones, Curcuma zedoary, and Radix Glycyrrhizae preparata: preliminary evidence of better quality of life during chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin among people with advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma treated with Qikui decoction
- Better quality of life during chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin among people with advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma treated with Qikui decoction compared to chemotherapy alone in a mid-sized RCT35Xu J, Xiao N, He H, Zhou. X. Clinical efficacy and prognostic influence of Qikui decoction in adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma. International Journal of Pharmacology. 2022;18:906-914.
Reishi & Privet Formula: weak evidenceone or more case studies, supported by animal evidence OR small treatment effects of limited clinical significance OR studies with no controls OR weak trends of effects (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of better quality of life and emotional well-being during chemotherapy among people with non–small cell lung cancer treated with Reishi & Privet Formula
- A weak trendan apparent change due to a therapy, close to but not achieving full statistical significance (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently toward better quality of life and emotional well-being during chemotherapy among people with non–small cell lung cancer treated with Reishi & Privet Formula compared to placebo in a small RCT36Liu J, Mao JJ, Li SQ, Lin H. Preliminary efficacy and safety of Reishi & Privet Formula on quality of life among non–small cell lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Integrative Cancer Therapies. Jan-Dec 2020;19:1534735420944491.
Tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin prescription containing Chinese actinidia root, Ganoderma lucidum, Astragali radix, Radix heterophylla, Rhizoma dioscorea, poria cocos, rhiizoma dioscoreae, rhizoma pinelliae, pericarpium citri reticulatae, angelica sinensis, oldenlandia diffusa, atractylodes, radix rehmanniae recen, glossy privet fruit, arisaema cum bile, peach kernel, and raw liquorice: preliminary evidence of less diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting during treatment with oxaliplatin + capecitabine after surgery among people with colorectal cancer treated with tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin prescription
- Less diarrhea and nausea and vomiting during treatment with oxaliplatin + capecitabine after surgery among people with colorectal cancer treated with tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin prescription for 2 weeks compared to chemotherapy alone in a small RCT37Xiao C, Cao B, Wu X, Li M. Effect of tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin prescription for reducing phlegm on CEA and CA50 in postoperative patients with colorectal cancer. Acta Medica Mediterranea. 2020;36:711-716.
Kangliuzengxiao decoction (Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Ganoderma lucidum, Atractylodes chinensis, Ligustrum lucidum, Coptis chinensis, Astragalus mongholicus, and Polygonatum sibiricum) and Feiyanning decoction (Ganoderma lucidum, Cornus offcinalis, Polygonatum sibiricum, Epimedium davidii Franch, comb, Pseudobulbus cremastrae seu Ppleiones, toad skin, Paris polyphylla Smith, Chinese sage herb, Ligustrum lucidum, Astragalus mongholicus, and rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae): preliminary evidence of less suppression of white blood cells (leukopenia) during chemotherapy among people with stage 3 or 4 non-small-cell lung cancer treated with Chinese herbal medicines Kangliuzengxiao decoction during chemotherapy and Feiyanning decoction after chemotherapy
- Less suppression of white blood cells (leukopenia) during chemotherapy among people with stage 3 or 4 non-small-cell lung cancer treated with Chinese herbal medicines Kangliuzengxiao decoction during chemotherapy and Feiyanning decoction after chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone in a mid-sized RCT38Xu ZY, Jin CJ et al. Treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with Chinese herbal medicine by stages combined with chemotherapy. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. 2011 Jul;137(7):1117-22.
Chinese medicinal herb complex containing citronellol and extracts of Ganoderma lucidum, Codonopsis pilosula, and Angelicae sinensis: preliminary evidence of less depletion of leukocytes (leukopenia) and neutrophils during chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy among people with cancer treated with a Chinese medicinal herb complex
- Less depletion of leukocytes (leukopenia) and neutrophils during chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy among people with cancer treated with a Chinese medicinal herb complex containing citronellol and extracts of Ganoderma lucidum, Codonopsis pilosula, and Angelicae sinensis compared to placeboa pill, medicine, or procedure—thought to be both harmless and ineffective—prescribed for the psychological benefit to the patient or as a sham treatment in a study to allow a comparison to a therapy of interest in a mid-sized RCT39Zhuang SR, Chen SL et al. Effect of citronellol and the Chinese medical herb complex on cellular immunity of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Phytotherapy Research. 2009 Jun;23(6):785-90.
Chinese herbal formula containing Huang qi, Bai zhu, Fu ling, Ling zhi, and Ganoderma lucidum: preliminary evidence of ess depression among people with cancer treated with a Chinese herbal formula
- Less depression among people with cancer treated with a Chinese herbal formula compared to no formula in a mid-sized observationala type of study in which individuals are observed or certain outcomes are measured, but no attempt is made to affect the outcome (for example, no treatment is given); an example is a study that records people’s diets, but doesn’t try to alter their diets, and looks for patterns of disease or other outcomes related to different foods study40Lin H, Zhang X et al. Association between Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) treatment and depression among cancer patients in China: an outpatient-based cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Aug 25;102(34):e34695.
Shengbai decoction containing Panax ginseng C. A. Mey, radix Astragali seuhedysari, Rehmannia glutinosa, radix Angelica sinensis, Paeonia lactiflora Pall, and Rhizoma ligustici: preliminary evidence of less neutropeniaan abnormally low number of neutrophils in the blood, leading to increased susceptibility to infection, thrombocytopeniaan abnormally low number of platelets in the blood, which may cause easy bruising and excessive bleeding from wounds or bleeding in mucous membranes and other tissues, and anemiaa condition of not enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues during chemotherapy after radical resection among people with stomach (gastric) cancer treated with Shengbai decoction
- Less neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia during chemotherapy after radical resection among people with stomach (gastric) cancer treated with Shengbai decoction compared to chemotherapy alone in a mid-sized observational study41Yao L, Feng W, Tao Y, Tang C. Effect of Shengbai decoction on chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression and survival of gastric cancer patients after radical resection: a retrospective study. Medical Science Monitor. 2022 Feb 21;28:e935936.
Reducing cancer risk
Is reishi mushroom linked to lower risks of developing cancer or of recurrence? We present the evidence.
People with a history of colorectal adenomas who took reishi mushrooms had significantly fewer and smaller new adenomas in a small study. Adenomas are non-cancerous tumors that sometimes become cancerous.
Preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of substantially fewer and smaller new colorectal adenomas among people with prior adenomas treated with reishi mushrooms
- Fewer and smaller colorectal adenomas among people with prior adenomas treated with reishi mushrooms compared to controls in a small controlled trial42Oka S, Tanaka S et al. A water-soluble extract from culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum mycelia suppresses the development of colorectal adenomas. Hiroshima Journal of Medical Sciences. 2010 Mar;59(1):1-6.
People with stomach cancer who took an herbal mixture containing reishi mushrooms during chemotherapy after surgery had a lower risk of their cancer recurring. However, it’s unclear whether this effect was from the reishi mushrooms or from other ingredients in the mixture.
Shengbai decoction containing Panax ginseng C. A. Mey, radix Astragali seuhedysari, Rehmannia glutinosa, radix Angelica sinensis, Paeonia lactiflora Pall, and Rhizoma ligustici: preliminary evidencesignificant effects in small or poorly designed clinical studies OR conflicting results in adequate studies but a preponderance of evidence of an effect (this is the CancerChoices definition; other researchers and studies may define this differently) of lower risk of recurrence among people with stomach cancer treated with Shengbai decoction during chemotherapy after radical resection
- Lower 3-year recurrence rate among people with stomach (gastric) cancer treated with Shengbai decoction during chemotherapy after radical resection compared to chemotherapy alone in a mid-sized observationala type of study in which individuals are observed or certain outcomes are measured, but no attempt is made to affect the outcome (for example, no treatment is given); an example is a study that records people’s diets, but doesn’t try to alter their diets, and looks for patterns of disease or other outcomes related to different foods study43Yao L, Feng W, Tao Y, Tang C. Effect of Shengbai decoction on chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression and survival of gastric cancer patients after radical resection: a retrospective study. Medical Science Monitor. 2022 Feb 21;28:e935936.
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Authors
Ms. Hepp is a researcher and communicator who has been writing and editing educational content on varied health topics for more than 20 years. She serves as lead researcher and writer for CancerChoices and also served as the first program manager. Her graduate work in research and cognitive psychology, her master’s degree in instructional design, and her certificate in web design have all guided her in writing and presenting information for a wide variety of audiences and uses. Nancy’s service as faculty development coordinator in the Department of Family Medicine at Wright State University also provided experience in medical research, plus insights into medical education and medical care from the professional’s perspective.
Maria Williams is a research and communications consultant who brings over 15 years’ experience in research, consumer education, and science communication to CancerChoices. She has worked primarily in public health and environmental health.
Laura Pole is senior clinical consultant for CancerChoices. Laura is an oncology clinical nurse specialist who has been providing integrative oncology clinical care, navigation, consultation, and education services for over 40 years. She is the co-creator and co-coordinator of the Integrative Oncology Navigation Training at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts in Washington, DC. Laura also manages the “Media Watch Cancer News That You Can Use” listserv for Smith Center/Commonweal. In her role as a palliative care educator and consultant, Laura has served as statewide Respecting Choices Faculty for the Virginia POST (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment) Collaborative as well as provided statewide professional education on palliative and end-of-life care for the Virginia Association for Hospices and Palliative Care.
For CancerChoices, Laura curates content and research, networks with clinical and organizational partners, brings awareness and education of integrative oncology at professional and patient conferences and programs, and translates research into information relevant to the patient experience as well as clinical practice.
Laura sees her work with CancerChoices as a perfect alignment of all her passions, knowledge and skills in integrative oncology care. She is honored to serve you.
Reviewer
Andrew Jackson, ND, serves as a CancerChoices research associate. As a naturopathic physician practicing in Kirkland, Washington, he teaches critical evaluation of the medical literture at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. His great appreciation of scientific inquiry and the scientific process has led him to view research with a critical eye.
Last update: September 18, 2024
Last full literature review: July 2024
CancerChoices provides information about integrative in cancer care, a patient-centered approach combining the best of conventional care, self care and evidence-informed complementary care in an integrated plan cancer care. We review complementaryin cancer care, complementary care involves the use of therapies intended to enhance or add to standard conventional treatments; examples include supplements, mind-body approaches such as yoga or psychosocial therapy, and acupuncture therapies and self-care lifestyle actions and behaviors that may impact cancer outcomes; examples include eating health-promoting foods, limiting alcohol, increasing physical activity, and managing stress practices to help patients and professionals explore and integrate the best combination of conventionalthe cancer care offered by conventionally trained physicians and most hospitals; examples are chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy and complementary therapies and practices for each person.
Our staff have no financial conflicts of interest to declare. We receive no funds from any manufacturers or retailers gaining financial profit by promoting or discouraging therapies mentioned on this site.
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