The Science Behind Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been known for centuries as the “Mushroom of Immortality”, traditionally used in Chinese wellness practices. Today, Reishi is recognised as one of the most popular functional mushrooms, often taken as part of a daily routine to support overall wellbeing — including relaxation, sleep support, and immune balance.

But how much of this is supported by modern research — and does it really work?

What Makes Reishi Special?

Reishi contains a range of bioactive compounds that researchers believe contribute to its wellness-supporting properties, including:

  • Polysaccharides (β-glucans) – studied for their role in supporting immune function and gut balance

  • Triterpenes (ganoderic acids) – researched for antioxidant activity and support of healthy inflammatory processes

What Does the Research Suggest?

Much of the current evidence around Reishi comes from laboratory and early-stage research. These studies suggest Reishi may support the body in a number of ways:

  • Immune support – Reishi polysaccharides have been studied for their interaction with natural immune pathways, including natural killer (NK) cell activity (Chien et al., 2004; Zheng et al., 2012)

  • Cellular & antioxidant support – Reishi triterpenoids (including ganoderic acids) have been widely studied for antioxidant-related properties (Galappaththi et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2024)

  • Metabolic wellbeing – Reviews and clinical research suggest Reishi may support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol balance in certain populations (Chan et al., 2021; Klupp et al., 2016)

  • Relaxation & sleep support – A mouse study found Reishi extract supported sleep through a gut microbiota-dependent, serotonin-associated pathway (Yao et al., 2021)

The Verdict on Reishi

Reishi isn’t a quick fix — but modern research suggests it may be a valuable daily supplement for people looking to support calm, sleep quality, immune balance, and overall wellness.

As with any supplement, results vary between individuals, and consistent daily use is typically where people report the best experience.

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