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Reishi Mushroom Supplements Review

Find the Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement. See How Reishi Supplements Differ.

Latest Update

Avoiding Counterfeit Mushrooms

Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated December 08, 2022 ⓘ

Reishi Mushrooms tested by ConsumerLab.com

Products tested in 2019

+— 41 sources

In addition the results of its expert testing, ConsumerLab uses only high-quality, evidence based, information sources. These sources include peer-reviewed studies and information from agencies such as the FDA and USDA, and the National Academy of Medicine. On evolving topics, studies from pre-print journals may be sourced. All of our content is reviewed by medical doctors and doctoral-level experts in pharmacology, toxicology, and chemistry. We continually update and medically review our information to keep our content trustworthy, accurate, and reliable. The following sources are referenced in this article:

Summary

What is reishi?
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is an edible mushroom. Reishi supplements, commonly sold as capsules or powders, contain material from the dried fruiting body (the top or "mushroom") with or without material from mycelia (the branch-like network that gives rise to the fruiting body). Compounds in reishi thought to be biologically active are 1,3-beta-D-glucan, which is found in both the fruiting body and mycelia, and ganoderic acids, different sets of which are found in the fruiting body as compared to the mycelia. Extracts are also available in which these compounds are more concentrated than in whole dried reishi (see What It Is).
What are the health benefits of reishi?
Reishi supplements made from fruiting body are commonly promoted for "strengthening" the immune system, as well as for lowering blood sugar, improving cardiovascular function, protecting from liver damage and reducing cancerous tumors. However, the evidence supporting these effects is based on small, short-term studies. More research is needed to confirm these effects (see What It Does).
What did CL's tests of reishi mushroom supplements show?
Our tests found that although all of the products were confirmed to contain reishi, amounts of 1,3-beta-D-glucan per serving ranged widely from just a few milligrams to over 250 mg, and the cost to obtain 100 mg of 1,3-beta-D-glucan ranged from just 7 cents to $19! Ganoderic acids also ranged widely. One product could not be approved because its labeling could confuse a consumer as to the part of reishi it contains (see What CL Found and How Products Were Evaluated).
Which brand of reishi is best?
ConsumerLab found that several products provided significant amounts of 1,3-beta-D-glucan as well as ganoderic acids. One that was particularly rich in these beta-glucans was chosen as our Top Pick. There were other good options for getting fruiting body alone or fruiting body with mycelium.
How to choose a reishi product?
When choosing a reishi product, be aware that products that list large amounts of polysaccharides do not necessarily provide large amounts of 1,3-beta-D-glucan (a polysaccharide). Instead they may simply contain large amounts of alpha-glucan, a common polysaccharide in grains, because reishi is grown on grains. This is most common with products listing mycelial biomass (see What to Look for When Buying).
How to use reishi?
It's not clear if reishi supplements are best taken with or without food, although limited evidence indicated that food may inhibit the absorption of certain ganoderic acids (see What to Consider When Using).
Reishi safety and side effects:
Mild side-effects may occur. High doses may have a blood thinning effect (see Concerns and Cautions).

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Reishi supplements compared in this review

GNC Herbal Plus Mushroom Complex

Host Defense Mushrooms Reishi

Nature's Way Reishi

New Chapter lifeshield Reishi

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Om Organic Mushroom Nutrition Reishi

Real Mushrooms Reishi Extract 415

Swanson Reishi Mushroom

You must be a member to get the full test results, along with ConsumerLab's recommendations. You'll get results for 7 reishi supplements -- six selected by ConsumerLab and one other that passed the same testing through our voluntary Quality Certification Program. In this comprehensive review, you'll discover:

Which reishi supplements passed or failed testing, and which is CL's Top Pick
Quality ratings and cost comparisons of reishi supplements
The clinical evidence for reishi for strengthening the immune system, lowering blood sugar, improving cardiovascular function, protecting from liver damage, reducing cancerous tumors and more
Amounts of potentially beneficial reishi compounds (1,3-beta-D-glucan and ganoderic acids) found in products

Differences among the various parts of reishi you may see listed on labels, including fruiting body, mycelium, and spores, and what to look when choosing a product
Reishi dosage
Safety and potential side effects of reishi

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Reishi Mushroom Supplements Review

Find the Best Reishi Mushroom Supplement. See How Reishi Supplements Differ.

Summary

What is reishi?

What are the health benefits of reishi?

What did CL's tests of reishi mushroom supplements show?

Which brand of reishi is best?

How to choose a reishi product?

How to use reishi?

Reishi safety and side effects:

Make sure you're choosing the best reishi supplements approved in our tests!