What Is Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) Extract? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications

Reishi Ganoderma Extract, also known as Reishi Extract or Ganoderma lucidum Extract, is a natural plant extract processed from the dried fruiting body of the medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum or Ganoderma sinense (Polyporaceae family) through extraction, filtration, concentration, and drying processes. It is a functional ingredient with multiple biological activities. Ganoderma has been used as a medicinal fungus in China for over 2000 years and is a treasure in the treasury of traditional Chinese medicine, known as the “fairy herb” and “auspicious herb”. The Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer‘s Materia Medica) from the Eastern Han Dynasty listed Ganoderma as a superior-grade herb, a renowned tonic for strengthening the body and reinforcing the vital energy. The Compendium of Materia Medica records: “Ganoderma is neutral in nature, bitter in taste, non-toxic. Mainly indicated for chest binding, benefits heart qi, tonifies the middle, increases wisdom, prevents forgetfulness, long-term use lightens the body, prevents aging, and prolongs life.” The Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) records that the source of Ganoderma crude drug is the dried fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum or Ganoderma sinense. Reishi extract is produced using modern bioextraction technology, combining the traditional medicinal value of Ganoderma with modern pharmacological research results, targeting core health needs such as human immune regulation, antioxidant, and metabolic improvement. It is a natural plant extract product with high biological activity and functional specificity. The product strictly controls the content and ratio of major active ingredients such as Ganoderma polysaccharides and triterpenoids to ensure optimal health promotion. Reishi extract products are available in various forms, including ratio extracts (4:1, 10:1, 20:1, 50:1, etc.), polysaccharide content specifications (10%-50%), triterpene content specifications (1%-10%), as well as powders, capsules, tablets, and oral liquids.

To date, scientific research has confirmed that over 400 bioactive metabolites have been obtained from different parts of Ganoderma including fruiting bodies, mycelium, and spores, including Ganoderma polysaccharides, polysaccharide peptides, triterpenoids, nucleosides, sterols, alkaloids, furan derivatives, peptides, amino acids, volatile oils, and trace elements. Among them, polysaccharides and triterpenoids are the main components. Additionally, it contains other active components with unique biological functions, such as sterols, nucleosides, and polyphenols [8†L8-L9]. These active compounds are the main source of Ganoderma-related therapeutic and pharmacological functions, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, blood lipid regulation, heart protection, sleep promotion, anti-ulcer, antiviral, anti-aging, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory activities. The main active components of Reishi extract are shown in the table below: Component Category

Ganoderma Polysaccharides: Ganoderma polysaccharides are one of the most important active components in Ganoderma, with broad immunomodulatory effects. Ganoderma is considered an immunomodulator and has been shown in many studies to promote and regulate the immune system. The immunomodulatory mechanisms of Ganoderma include improving the proliferation and activity of antigen-presenting cells (dendritic cells), enhancing the phagocytic activity of natural killer (NK) cells and mononuclear macrophages, and promoting humoral and cellular immunity (B and T lymphocytes) as well as the production of immunoglobulins and cytokines. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) uses UV-Vis spectrophotometry with anhydrous glucose as the reference standard to determine the polysaccharide content of Ganoderma, stipulating that the polysaccharide content in Ganoderma crude drug shall not be less than 0.9%.