Reishi Mushroom May Improve Cardiovascular Health



Well, these mushrooms aren't Reishi, but a fun stereogram, nonetheless.

 Previous studies have suggested that Reishi mushroom (a.k.a. Lingzhi, or Ganoderma lucidum) has antioxidant effects and possibly beneficial effects on blood pressure, plasma lipids and glucose, but these have not been confirmed in subjects with mild hypertension (high blood pressure) or hyperlipidaemia (which typically refers to high cholesterol).

The objective of this new study was to assess the cardiovascular, metabolic, antioxidant and immunomodulatory responses to therapy with Reishi in patients with borderline elevations of blood pressure and/or cholesterol in a randomised, double-blind, controlled cross-over trial.

Reishi was well-tolerated and data from twenty-three subjects showed no changes in BMI or blood pressure when treated with Reishi or placebo. Regarding plasma insulin and the homeostasis model assessment, insulin resistance were lower after treatment with Reishi than after placebo. Plasma triglycerides decreased and HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol) increased with Reishi but not with placebo in the first treatment period, but significant carry-over effects prevented complete analysis of these parameters after the cross-over (suggesting long-lasting effects of Reishi).

In the end, results indicate that Reishi might have mild anti-diabetic effects and potentially improve the dyslipidaemia of diabetes, as shown previously in some animal studies.

Source: Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial

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