Evidence supporting the use of: Lingzhi
For the body system: Adrenal Cortex

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as Reishi, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a tonic for vitality, stress resilience, and overall well-being. In TCM, lingzhi is often classified as an adaptogen—herbs believed to help the body adapt to stress, which is conceptually linked to supporting adrenal function. The adrenal cortex is involved in producing hormones such as cortisol that mediate the body's stress response, so herbs used to support stress resilience are often claimed to support the adrenal system.

However, direct scientific evidence linking lingzhi specifically to adrenal cortex support in humans is limited. Most research on lingzhi focuses on its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Some animal studies suggest adaptogenic effects and modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, but these findings are preliminary and not directly translatable to clinical benefits for adrenal health in humans.

In summary, lingzhi’s reputation for supporting the adrenal cortex is primarily rooted in tradition, with limited scientific validation for this specific application. While it may have general benefits for stress and immune function, its direct effect on the adrenal cortex remains inadequately substantiated by current scientific studies.

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