Heart-Smart Mycology: Reishi’s Research Signals for Cardiometabolic Health

Cardiovascular wellness is a long game—lowering inflammation, supporting healthy lipids and glucose, and protecting vessel integrity. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has been studied for its cardiometabolic potential across these pathways.

What the science says (plain English)

• Symptoms in coronary disease: A small randomized trial reported improvements in chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath with Reishi polysaccharide extract.
• Inflammation & oxidation: Reviews describe anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms that are relevant to atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome.
• Risk factors: Effects on lipids/glucose appear mixed across studies; larger, standardized trials are needed.

How might it work?

• Polysaccharides & β-glucans: Immune modulation and redox balance.
• Triterpenes: Potential anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory effects explored in preclinical work.

Key takeaways

• Reishi shows research signals for symptom relief and inflammation/oxidation support in cardiometabolic contexts.
• Human evidence is limited and heterogeneous—supplement quality and dose vary widely.
• Use within a whole-life approach: diet quality, sleep, movement, stress regulation, and care team guidance.

Suggested “research dose” context

Literature summaries often cite ~1–3 g/day extract. Educational only—not a treatment recommendation. Coordinate with a clinician, especially if on antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy.

References (selected)

1. Klupp NL, et al. Sci Rep. 2016;6:29540.
2. Shaher F, et al. Biomed Res Int. 2020.
3. Shaito A, et al. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:422.

Educational content only. Not medical advice. Speak with your clinician—especially if you have heart disease, take blood thinners, or manage diabetes.

Browse all Reishi research →