Reishi is without a doubt my favourite keeping-things-at bay mushroom.
Reishi mushrooms are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, but did you know that they also have the potential to help reduce oxidative stress in the body. This is due to the presence of compounds such as triterpenes, polysaccharides, and ganoderic acids, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, Reishi mushrooms may also help boost the immune system, as they contain beta-glucans, which are known to stimulate the body’s natural defenses.
What is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and the body’s ability to detoxify the reactive intermediates or to repair the resulting damage. ROS are highly reactive molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA. Oxidative stress can lead to cell death and has been linked to a variety of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Ganoderma exerts life span elongation activities by inhibiting ROS production
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31777025/
Reishi mushrooms are great at fighting oxidative stress. They contain powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Other mushrooms that are known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties include shiitake, maitake, and cordyceps.
There is more to be said on Reishi and reduction of oxidative stress. Studies reveal that Reishi can help reduce systemic inflammation, which can lead to oxidative stress. The molecular mechanisms underlying GLPS’s antioxidant, anti-tumour, immune-modulatory, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic and other activities are discussed in an interesting review, which looks at the now 50 year old use of a drug called “Ji 731 Injection” in China.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29691994/
Further studies on Reishi and oxidative stress
- Triterpenoids and polysaccharide peptides-enriched Ganoderma lucidum: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its antioxidation and hepatoprotective efficacy in healthy volunteers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28183232/2. Comparison of the Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Mycelial Polysaccharides from Different Strains of Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35993963/3. Cellular and Molecular Mechanism of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) Against Tumor https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28400731
4. Chemical, biochemical, preclinical and clinical studies of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide as an approved drug for treating myopathy and other diseases in China
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26304811/Thanks for reading,
Bee Ebene