Reishi

Reishi is the premier tonic/ longevity herb in TCM and is the medicinal mushroom/herb most often used as a general health tonic. In TCM Reishi is considered to be in the highest class of tonics. Being a true adaptogen, Reishi enhances the healthy, normal functions of the body but also works to address imbalances when present.
This versatility is reflected in the many uses mentioned for Reishi in the literature from both TCM and the modern clinical research. Reishi is used to conserve and promote good health but is also used in many cases of age-related conditions and to support liver health.1 Research has also shown Reishi extracts to oxygenate the blood. 2 Reishi is currently used by many mountain climbers to combat altitude sickness and is contained in many of the performance-enhancing herbal formulas used by competitive athletes.

Reishi Gano 161

In development for over four years, Reishi Gano 161 represents the future of mushroom supplements. Using HPLC analysis of the triterpenes as the criteria for strain selection, various strains of Reishi were crossed (161 times), resulting in a strain containing the very highest levels of triterpenes. The subject of a series of human clinical studies at a major U.S University, Reishi Gano 161 delivers the very best this ancient mushroom has to offer and is the finest Reishi supplement available in the world.

How supplied

150 Vcaps
400mg per Vcap

Instructions For Use

Two to five capsules twice daily, AM and PM, on an empty stomach

Indications

Allergies (pollen), Immune Support, Tonic Immune Support, Occasional Fatigue, Liver Support, Respiratory Support (with Cordyceps).

Toxicity, Cautions, Contradictions

No toxicity has been reported in the literature, However, some of the references report occasional cases of mild digestive upset, usally of short duration (these effects have not been reported in the ten years that JHS has been manufacturing and distributing Reishi extracts). Also, immuno-modulating substances should be avoided completely in organ transplant patients or others utilizing immuno-suppressive agents.

Clinical Research

Reishi is one of the most widely researched natural remedies in Asia, with most of the research centering on tree actions: hepatic support, immune modulation, and cardio-vascular support. JHS Natural Products is sponsoring research on the Gano 161 strain. The first study focused on the mechanism of action and found that the triterpenes in Reishi Gano 161 down-regulate Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and block the activation of NF Kappa-Beta when outside the normal range, interrupting the inflammatory cascade at two separate points. This effect occurs at the same time the polysaccharides are supporting the TH1 cellular immune response.3 The second study is looking at this down-regulating action and HIV. TNF-Alpha and NF Kappa-Beta are involved in HIV viral activation and replication.

Traditional Use and Preparation

Reishi is mild and warming in nature, with a bitter taste. In TCM it is used to nourish, tonify, remove toxins and disperse accumulation. It is used as a tonic for symptoms of weakness or debility and as a sedative for dizziness and insomnia.4 All available references from TCM have Reishi prepared as a hot-water extraction/decoction.5

Active Constituents

Triterpenes (Ganoderic Acids), Polysaccharides (1-3 linked proteoglycans extracted from the cell walls).

Extraction Information

Hot-water extracted concentrates from both the mushroom (fruit stage) and the mycelium (vegetative stage) are available as commercial products. However, many of the important triterpenes are found only in the mushroom fruit bodies, not the mycelium.6 Further, all of the clinical studies investigating the immune supporting properties of Reishi have used hot-water or hot-water/alcohol extracts, as hot-water extraction is the only clinicallly validated method for ensuring th bio-availability of the active compounds.7 Reishi Gano 161 fruit-body extract is a carefully processed hot-water extraction using both water and alcohol, ensuring the presence of all the important bio-active compounds.

References

1. Jianzhe, Y., Xiaolan, M., Qiming, M., Yichen, Z., and Huaan, W., Icons of Medicinal Fungi from China. Science Press, Beijing.1987.
2. Chang, H.M., and But, P. Pui-hay. Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica, Vol 1. Singapore: World Scientific.1986.
3. Bastyr
4. Xie, Z., Huang, X., Lou, Z., Li, S., Zhou, L., Yuan, S., Yang, Z., Tang, Z., Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Commercial Press Ltd., Hong Kong.1988.
5. Liu, B., Bau, Y., Fungi Pharmacopoeia. Kiniko Press. 1980.
6. Upton, R., et al. Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) Standards of Analysis, Quality Control, and Therapeutics. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. p. 9. Sept. 2000.
7. Willard T., Reishi Mushroom, Sylvan Press, p. 143-44. 1990