Reishi, also known as Lingzhi, is a fungus native to East Asia historically used in Traditional Chinese medicine. In certain contexts, such as in individuals reporting neurological fatigue, it may possess anti-fatiguing properties.*
Fatigue
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 132 patients with neurasthenia, Reishi reduced ratings of fatigue by 28%. [1]
Immune modulation
In a pilot study of 48 breast cancer patients, Reishi spores effectively greatly reduced levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 alongside improvements in fatigue and physical well-being. [2]
*Research discussed herein represent preliminary findings requiring additional and more rigorous evaluation before certain health claims can be made.
Sources:
[1] Tang W, Gao Y, Chen G, et al. A Randomized, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Study of a Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Extract in Neurasthenia. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2005;8(1):53-58. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2005.8.53
[2] Zhao H, Zhang Q, Zhao L, Huang X, Wang J, Kang X. Spore Powder of Ganoderma lucidum Improves Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Pilot Clinical Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:809614. doi: 10.1155/2012/809614. Epub 2011 Dec 10. PMID: 22203880; PMCID: PMC3236089.