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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
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Reishi

What does the research say about Reishi?

2 health outcomes synthesised

Pillser's research synthesis covers 2 health outcomes for Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) based on 3 studies each. The strongest evidence is for Reduced Blood Cholesterol, with low evidence strength suggesting a small effect in people with dyslipidemia. No consistent effective dose range was identified across the available research, and all findings should be considered preliminary due to the small evidence base.

Strongest evidence The strongest evidence for Reishi is for Reduced Blood Cholesterol, rated as low evidence strength. Across 3 studies (1 beneficial, 2 neutral), one randomized controlled trial in 110 participants with dyslipidemia found a small reduction in total cholesterol after 12 weeks. Effect sizes were small, and the median study duration was 63 days.

Mixed or weaker evidence For Reduced Triglyceride Levels, the evidence is rated very low. Across 3 studies, only 1 showed a small benefit — notably, that study used a spore oil form, while the neutral studies did not specify the form. The inconsistency in formulation and small number of studies (3) make conclusions preliminary.

Effective dose patterns Neither synthesis reported a clear effective dose range. The beneficial studies typically administered Reishi for 8–12 weeks, but specific dosing information was not consistently available across the included research.

Population insights Both outcomes were studied primarily in people with dyslipidemia. No other populations (e.g., healthy individuals, elderly) were represented in the syntheses, so benefits cannot be extrapolated broadly.

Notable caveats

  • The evidence base for both outcomes is very small (only 3 studies each).
  • Many individual studies did not reach statistical significance, suggesting the true effect may be smaller than observed.
  • Differences in formulation (e.g., spore oil vs. unspecified) may affect outcomes but could not be compared directly.
  • All conclusions should be considered preliminary.

Frequently asked

  • What is Reishi good for according to research?
    Based on the available research syntheses, Reishi has been studied for two outcomes: reduced blood cholesterol and reduced triglyceride levels. The evidence is low to very low in strength, with small effects observed in some studies, primarily in people with dyslipidemia. No other health outcomes have been covered in these syntheses.
  • What dose of Reishi is typically used in studies?
    The syntheses did not identify a consistent effective dose across studies. The beneficial studies used Reishi over 8–12 weeks, but specific dosing information was not reported in the synthesis summaries. More detailed dose-response data are needed.
  • Who benefits most from Reishi?
    The existing research focuses almost exclusively on people with dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipid levels). Evidence does not support benefits in other populations, and the small number of studies limits the ability to identify specific subgroups that may benefit more.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on Reishi?
    Yes, significant caveats include the very small evidence base (only 3 studies per outcome), many non-significant results, and potential variability in formulation (e.g., spore oil vs. unspecified extracts). All findings should be considered preliminary and not definitive.
  • Does Reishi help reduce blood cholesterol?
    Three studies examined Reishi for blood cholesterol reduction: 1 showed a small beneficial effect in a 12-week trial with 110 dyslipidemic participants, while 2 found neutral results. The evidence strength is low, meaning the effect is uncertain and may be smaller than reported.
  • Does Reishi help reduce triglyceride levels?
    For triglycerides, 1 of 3 studies reported a small benefit — specifically using a spore oil form — while 2 studies found no effect. The evidence strength is very low, and formulation differences may partly explain the mixed results. More research is needed.

Safety profile

4 studies reporting safety data

Across 4 clinical studies, no specific adverse events were quantitatively elevated for Reishi compared to control, with one study reporting no significant difference in renal function parameters. Reishi was described as generally well tolerated in several studies, though unquantified mentions of minor events such as nausea, insomnia, gastrointestinal reactions, and decreased platelet count were noted. No serious adverse events were flagged in the available data.

Caveats: Limited evidence base; absence of reports does not establish safety. Findings reflect specific strains/forms used in trials, and studies were not primarily designed to assess safety, so rare or long-term adverse effects may not be captured.

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