Research Radartracking 4 published studies · 1 human · 2 clinical trials · 2 cancer pages · updated Jun 2026Open the Research Map →

Reishi Ganoderma

Mushroom: β-Glucan/TRAIL/NK ↑; moderate adjunct QoL/immune in breast/lung/colorectal/prostate.

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Human-reviewed · How we review →

AI extractedhuman reviewedsources checkedretractions suppressed

👥⭐⭐⭐ Moderate — Human immune/QoL data and solid preclinical mechanisms; large oncology RCTs limited.Ganoderma lucidumLingzhiReishi mushroom

Forms: Hot-water extract capsules (500-1000 mg standardized β-glucan) · Triterpene-rich spore powder

Educational only, not medical advice. OncoForge makes no claim that Reishi Ganoderma treats, prevents, or cures any condition, beyond what the linked studies show. Evidence levels vary; effects may not translate to people, and some compounds can cause harm. Always coordinate with your oncology team.

Key Takeaway

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides and triterpenes activate innate/adaptive immunity (NK/CTL) and sensitize tumor cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis; human studies show immune/QoL gains with adjunct use.

Evidence at a glance

Tier 3 · early humanBreastLungColorectalProstate

Meta-QoL (SMD 0.4); NK ↑20-50% in pilots; preclinical TRAIL synergy; limited OS data but consistent safety; ongoing in NSCLC/CRC.

How it may work

β-Glucans engage Dectin-1/CR3 → Syk/NF-κB and APC maturation, boosting Th1 cytokines and NK/CTL activity. Ganoderic acids upregulate DR4/DR5 and inhibit NF-κB, enhancing TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Additional effects include anti-angiogenesis (VEGF↓), MMP-2/9↓, and microbiome–immune crosstalk that can improve therapy tolerance.

Targets & pathways

Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.

  • β-Glucan PRR↑Dectin-1/CR3 engagement for APC maturation
  • TRAIL↑DR4/DR5 upregulation for apoptosis
  • NK↑Cytotoxicity and Th1 cytokine enhancement
  • NF-κB↓Inhibition for survival signaling
  • Angiogenesis↓VEGF suppression
β-GlucanTRAILNK

Often studied / combined with

Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.

Overlapping mechanisms

Safety & interactions

Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.

Risk categories
Allergy RiskGi UpsetAutoimmunity Caution
Potential interactions
  • immunosuppressantsMonitorModerateTheoreticalMay counteract (e.g., steroids).
  • chemotherapySynergizeLowTheoreticalEnhances apoptosis without toxicity.
  • ChemotherapySynergizeLowTheoreticalImproved response in lung cancer.

Timing

References

Research

No published studies for Reishi Ganoderma yet

New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.

Dose: as studied, not a recommendation

These are doses as studied or reported, never a recommendation. The right amount of Reishi Ganoderma depends on you, your other medicines, and your situation; decide it with your oncology team and pharmacist, not from a web page.

Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: 500–3000 mg/day (po) divided BID; standardized extract, Adjunct 1-2 g/day β-glucan equivalent; up to 3 g for immune support; cycle 3 weeks on/1 off if needed..

Trials studying Reishi Ganoderma

Loading current trials from ClinicalTrials.gov… Search ClinicalTrials.gov →

Inclusion here is not an endorsement. OncoForge makes no claim beyond what the linked studies show. Discuss anything on this page with your oncology team before acting on it.

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