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SupplementModerate evidenceImmunity

Reishi

Adaptogenic medicinal mushroom.

Why

Adaptogenic medicinal mushroom. RCT evidence for immune modulation and quality of life in cancer adjunct contexts; broader immunomodulation suggestive.

How it works

β-glucans and triterpenoids modulate immune-cell activity in preclinical models; clinical evidence concentrated in cancer-adjunct quality-of-life trials.

How to take

Dosage

Studied range: 1.5–9 g/day of standardized extract across trials. Heterogeneity is high, products vary widely in β-glucan content, no single regimen carries strong consensus.

Safety

Mild antiplatelet effect. Caution with anticoagulants. Possible interaction with antihypertensives. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data).

Evidence

At a glance

Jin 2016 Cochrane review (5 RCTs, n=373 cancer patients): Ganoderma lucidum as adjunct to conventional treatment was associated with higher likelihood of positive response and improved immune-cell function vs control, with limited effect on tumour response or mortality. Cochrane rated evidence as limited and low-quality; broader immunomodulation in healthy adults is suggestive but not established.

Limitations

β-glucan content varies widely between products, and trial regimens are heterogeneous, no single dose or onset timeline carries strong consensus. Cochrane evidence is concentrated in cancer-adjunct quality-of-life trials rather than broad immunomodulation.

Where to get it

Shop Reishi on Amazon

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