“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.
In Tibet, it goes by the name Ling Chi, and many Buddhist temples and shrines are adorned with artistic renderings of this beautiful fungus. Tibetans have a long tradition of using Ganoderma extract for infections as well as high-altitude sickness. [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.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Ganoderma’s triterpenoid compounds may be another contributing factor to its life-prolonging properties. [42, 43, 44, 45] Inflammation is, after all, involved in many of our most prevalent illnesses, from the common cold and bronchitis, allergies and asthma to arthritis [47, 48, 49, 50, 51] and atherosclerosis. [46] In fact, any part of the body may be susceptible to inflammation, from brain [52] to reproductive organs. [53]
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 also contains anti-cancer compounds. Research has specifically shown results with tumors of the liver, lungs, prostate, cervix, blood and bone. [61, 62, 63, 64, 65] It appears that this anti-tumor effect may be secondary to the general immune stimulating properties of Ganoderma. [66, 67]
A couple of Chinese research articles have reported positive results from the use of Ganoderma extract on supporting the liver in cases of chronic hepatitis [68] as well as post-hepatic cirrhosis [69].
One study showed it to have a restorative effect on certain functions of the spleen. [34] A variety of skin disorders have been treated with powdered Ganoderma, [70] including rashes from poison ivy and oak, although this claim still may need to be conclusively verified. [25]
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 medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.
