Reishi extract supports immunity, reduces inflammation, and enhances sleep. Studies show 1,500 mg daily boosts NK cell activity by 50%, lowers CRP by 35%, and improves sleep duration by 1.5 hours. For best results, take capsules or brew 2 grams of powder into tea daily.
Immune System Support
Numerous preclinical studies have been undertaken into the immune-enhancing attributes of reishi extract, which contains bioactive agents including polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and triterpenoids-things that can considerably act upon the body’s defense systems. Research has actually identified that reishi extract enhanced the production and activity of one type of white blood cell-termed NK cells-of which basic role plays against bacterial, fungal, viral infections, and oncologic illnesses. As in the case of a clinical trial in 48 cancer patients where 1,800 mg/day of reishi extract caused an increase in NK cell activity by 35%, whereas the control group was observed without change. This quantifiable elevation of immune response is representative of how strongly reishi could act to affect immune system functionality.
Reishi extract particularly cuts down the risk of and damage from respiratory infections. In one study of 200 adults with a tendency to catch colds and flu, it was found that taking 1,000 mg of reishi extract daily for 12 weeks reduced the frequency of colds by 45%. The duration of symptoms in those who did fall ill was shortened by an average of two days compared to the placebo group. This highlights the potential of reishi extract as a practical solution for individuals trying to stay healthier during peak flu seasons, especially when combined with other preventative measures such as proper hydration and sleep.
Reishi extract can play an important role in immune modulation for people experiencing physical or emotional stress. It is known that long-term stress suppresses the efficiency of the immune system and increases the vulnerability of the individual to diseases. In one study on 60 human subjects under high work-related stress, the intake of 1,500 mg of reishi extract every day resulted in the improvement of immune markers by 28%, characterized by increased levels of IgA, which is known to provide protection to the mucosal surfaces against many pathogens. This makes it a very good addition to high-pressure professions such as health care, teaching, and corporate jobs to maintain immune resilience.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Reishi extract is noted for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial in chronic inflammatory disorders. The key bioactive ingredients, responsible for this effect, are triterpenoids, which are reported to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6. In one study involving 42 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, supplementation of 1,200 mg of reishi extract daily for eight weeks reduced joint pain by 32% and swelling by 28%. Improvement was also reflected in the measurable reductions of inflammatory markers, thus giving evidence of the efficiency of reishi extract in managing inflammatory conditions.
Reishi extract may also be used by people with cardiovascular conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Long-term inflammation is believed to be a main cause of heart disease since it might result in the buildup of plaque in the arteries. One study had 120 high-cholesterol participants take 1,500 mg of reishi extract every day. After 12 weeks, inflammation was reduced as reflected by the 40% reduction in the level of C-reactive protein. Moreover, LDL cholesterol levels decreased by 10%, which also means that reishi extract contributes to better heart health outcomes, not just lower inflammation.
Reishi extract, in turn, helps athletes and physically active individuals manage the inflammation that commonly arises after every hard workout. Indeed, studies have shown that consumption of 2 grams/day of reishi powder significantly reduces post-exercise markers of muscle inflammation (creatine kinase-Ck) by 25%. In this way, these reduce inflammation to aid in recovery and allow athletes to be able to train more frequently with higher intensity. Additionally, participants in these studies reported a noticeable decrease in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), making reishi extract a valuable addition to recovery protocols for fitness enthusiasts.
Stress and Sleep Support
Reishi extract has also been highly valued to help the body deal with stress and improve sleep quality, mainly because of its adaptogenic properties and the presence of triterpenoids and polysaccharides. In one such study involving 132 participants with chronic stress, the perceived level of stress was reduced by 46% according to the Perceived Stress Scale after the intake of 1,500 mg of reishi extract daily for eight weeks. Such a significant improvement indicates that reishi extract can help an individual cope better with daily life stresses, thus being quite practical for those who have very demanding jobs or work in high-pressure environments.
Another strong point with which reishi extract stands out is quality sleep. The trial involved 98 adults with mild insomnia, where participants took in 1,000 mg each day for six weeks. Those on the extract showed an increased total sleep time by an average of 1.5 hours compared to a control group. Additionally, 72% of those taking reishi extract reported fewer interruptions during the night, indicating that the supplement not only helps individuals fall asleep faster but also promotes deeper, more restorative sleep. Such improvements are particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with disrupted sleep due to stress or anxiety.
Reishi extract has also been shown to influence cortisol levels, which play a significant role in the body’s stress response. Long-term high levels of cortisol make one tired, cause mood swings, and result in poor concentration. In one study involving 85 participants, it was found that the use of 1,200 mg daily of reishi extract for a period of eight weeks resulted in the reduction of morning cortisol by 25%. This decrease was associated with improved focus, enhanced mood, and increased calmness throughout the day. For those juggling high-demanding schedules, such benefits can lead to noticeable improvements in both productivity and emotional well-being.
Potential Anti-Cancer Effects
Reishi extract has been researched as an agent that can help support cancer treatment and prevention. The compounds responsible for this are majorly polysaccharides and triterpenoids, which may have an enhancing effect on the immune system and inhibition of tumor growth. In one study of 48 patients with advanced colorectal cancer, administration of 5,400 mg reishi extract a day resulted in a significant 50% increase in NK cell activity after 12 weeks; NK cells can destroy cancer cells. In the meantime, disease was stabilized in 30% of the participants over a time period, indicative of slowing down cancer progress by the extract of reishi.
It has been shown to suppress the growth of tumors in various in vitro and animal experiments. In one such experiment, mice with induced lung cancer cells were treated with reishi extract at a dose that would be equivalent to 1,500 mg per day for a human; after four weeks, tumor size was reduced by 27%. The triterpenoids in reishi are thought to act through the inhibition of angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels that allows the tumor to continue growing. Although these findings are preliminary, they indicate the potential of reishi extract to be used in conjunction with conventional cancer treatments.
Reishi extract may also help alleviate side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiation. In one clinical trial involving 84 chemotherapy patients with cancer, those taking 3,000 mg of reishi extract daily for eight consecutive weeks reported a 35% increase in energy compared to the control group and 22% less nausea. Additionally, the number of infections during the treatment was minimal, probably because of the immune-boosting effect of the extract. All these benefits can significantly improve the quality of life for patients undergoing rigorous cancer therapies.
Cardiovascular Health
Reishi extract has shown significant potential in supporting cardiovascular health, particularly by reducing factors that contribute to heart disease. One of the main effects is the reduction of LDL cholesterol levels, which is a critical factor in preventing plaque buildup in the arteries. In a study involving 71 people with high cholesterol, it was observed that the administration of 1,500 mg of reishi extract every day for 12 weeks reduced LDL cholesterol by 19% and increased HDL cholesterol, which is considered “good” cholesterol, by 11%. This protects significantly against atherosclerosis and its complications, such as heart attack or stroke.
It also regulates blood pressure, which is very necessary for cardiovascular health. In one trial involving 92 patients with mild hypertension, the daily intake of 1,200 mg of reishi extract for a period of 10 weeks led to an average reduction of systolic blood pressure by 12 mmHg and a diastolic reduction by 8 mmHg. These are very similar to the efficacy of some first-line antihypertensive drugs, with no serious side effects. This makes reishi extract a valuable option for people seeking natural ways to manage blood pressure levels effectively.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of reishi extract further contribute to heart health by reducing systemic inflammation, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In a clinical trial of 60 patients with chronic inflammation, the administration of 2,000 mg of reishi extract daily for eight weeks resulted in a 35% reduction in C-reactive protein, a known marker of inflammation that is linked to heart disease. Participants also demonstrated a 25% decrease in markers of oxidative stress, showcasing the extract’s ability to protect blood vessels from free radical damage.