Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are widely known for their health-promoting properties. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the potential benefits of reishi mushrooms for liver health, with a growing body of scientific research exploring this topic.
The liver is a vital organ that plays a key role in many essential bodily processes, including metabolism, detoxification, and the regulation of hormones and enzymes. When the liver is damaged or not functioning properly, it can lead to a range of health issues, including liver disease, metabolic disorders, and even cancer.
Reishi mushrooms contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenes, and sterols, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. These properties may contribute to their potential benefits for liver health, by protecting against oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and modulating the immune response. In particular, research suggests that reishi mushrooms may be effective in improving liver enzyme levels, reducing liver inflammation, and improving liver function in a range of liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis, and liver damage induced by toxins.
Here are some relevant studies that may support reishi benefits for liver health:
- In a randomized controlled trial of 66 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), participants were given either reishi mushroom extract or a placebo for 12 weeks. Those who took the reishi extract showed significant improvements in liver enzyme levels and markers of liver inflammation, compared to the placebo group (1).
- In another randomized controlled trial of 31 patients with hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis, participants were given either a combination of reishi mushroom and antiviral medication or antiviral medication alone for six months. The group taking the reishi extract showed significant improvements in liver function, including decreased levels of liver enzymes and improved prothrombin time (a measure of blood clotting), compared to the group taking only medication (2).
- A study on rats with liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride found that treatment with reishi mushroom extract significantly improved liver function, as measured by decreased levels of liver enzymes and improved liver histology (3).
These studies suggest that reishi mushrooms may have potential in improving liver function in both human and animal models.
Overall, the available evidence suggests that reishi mushrooms may be a promising natural supplement for improving liver health. While more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects of reishi mushroom supplementation, the existing studies provide support for their potential benefits in reducing liver inflammation, improving liver enzyme levels, and enhancing liver function in a variety of liver diseases.
As with any natural supplement, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating reishi mushrooms into your diet or supplement regimen, particularly if you have an existing liver condition or are taking medications. Nonetheless, reishi mushrooms show promising results in improving liver health, and they may be a useful addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle for promoting overall health and wellbeing.
References:
Pan D, Zhang D, Wu J, Chen C, Xu Z, Yang G, et al. Effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Chin Med. 2014;42(5):1077-1093.
Liu J, Yan Y, Zhang X, Zhang L, Li Y, Jia W, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the combination of Ganoderma lucidum and antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2016;58(2):105-111.
Xie J, Zhang X, Zhang L, Zhao B, Guo Y, Zhang J, et al. Effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide on rat liver injury and gut microbiota. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019;229:197-205.