Many Uses of Ganoderma Extract
“Mushroom of Immortality” may not be a literally accurate nickname since nobody has ever been known to live forever. But ganoderma extract has for a fact been revered and utilized for its healing and life-extending properties since before the birth of Christ.
Buddhists call it Ling Chi, and many an artistic rendition of this beautiful and therapeutic mushroom can be found in Buddhist shrines and temples. In Tibet, it has long been used to cope with high-altitude sickness and infections. [25]
In spite of ganoderma‘s ancient history, only contemporary healers might attribute its life extending properties to an exceptionally high level of antioxidants [34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41], which help protect against free radical damage, one of the major causes of aging.
Another possible contributing factor to the acclaimed anti-aging properties of ganoderma may be its anti-inflammatory compounds known as triterpenoids. [42, 43, 44, 45] (Alcohol extracted.) After all, inflammation is involved in many of our most common ailments, from bronchitis, asthma and atherosclerosis [46], to allergies, arthritis [47, 48, 49, 50, 51] and the common cold. The triterpenoids of Ganoderma extract have even tested positive with inflammatory conditions of the prostate [53] and brain. [52]
Allergies and inflammations are the results of an exaggerated immune response. So it has surprised researchers to discover that while Ganoderma extract calms the out-of-control immune response in cases of inflammation, it actually improves a healthy immune response. [48, 54, 55] It’s even demonstrated some inhibitory effect on the replication of HIV in mother and daughter lymphocytes. [56]
Other bodily functions that are important as we age are our lung and heart functions. Research indicates that Ganoderma extract has a positive influence on the oxygen absorption in our lungs [57], and also helps decrease blood pressure and increase blood profusion through the heart [58], which may explain why Ganoderma has been indicated to help in cases of chronic fatigue syndrome. [59, 60]
Ganoderma extract appears ripe with tumor preventing compounds. Several Oriental studies have shown it to have an inhibiting effect on the growth of tumor cells of the lungs, cervix, prostate, liver, and on sarcomas and leukemia. [61, 62, 63, 64, 65] Other research points to this effect possibly being secondary to stimulating the body’s own cancer fighting mechanisms by increasing the activity of T-lymphocytes, and interleukin-1 and 6. [66, 67]
Two Chinese studies have shown Ganoderma extract to have liver protective effects in cases of post-hepatic cirrhosis [69] and chronic hepatitis [68].
Another study showed Ganoderma extract having a restorative effect on spleen function. [34] Powdered Ganoderma has also been used to treat skin conditions [70], including but not limited to poison ivy rash [25] and poison oak.
In the book Mycelium Running, Paul Stamets lists the following additional areas where Ganoderma extract has demonstrated a beneficial therapeutic effect: Blood Sugar; Candida; Cholesterol; Kidneys; Lungs; Nerves. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.