Evidence supporting the use of: Ganoderma
For the health condition: Cirrhosis of the Liver
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ganoderma lucidum (commonly known as Reishi or Lingzhi) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for promoting liver health and treating chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis. Historical texts reference Ganoderma as a “superior herb” thought to detoxify the body, improve vitality, and support liver function. In traditional practice, Ganoderma is often prescribed as a tonic for individuals with various liver complaints, including hepatitis and cirrhosis, with the belief that it can help regenerate liver cells and reduce inflammation.
Scientific evidence, however, is limited and primarily preclinical. Some animal studies and in vitro experiments suggest extracts of Ganoderma may have hepatoprotective properties, such as antioxidant effects, inhibition of hepatic fibrosis, and modulation of immune responses. For example, polysaccharides and triterpenoids isolated from Ganoderma have shown the ability to reduce markers of liver damage and fibrosis in animal models. Nonetheless, there are few well-designed human clinical trials evaluating Ganoderma’s efficacy specifically for cirrhosis. Most available studies are small, not placebo-controlled, or focus on general liver function rather than cirrhosis outcomes.
In summary, while Ganoderma’s use for liver cirrhosis is well-rooted in traditional medicine, current scientific evidence is insufficient to confirm its effectiveness for this specific condition in humans. Further clinical research is needed to validate its therapeutic potential for cirrhosis.
Other ingredients used for Cirrhosis of the Liver
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)artichoke
astaxanthin
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
caterpillar mushroom
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
flavonols
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
Indian tinospora
l-glutathione
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
milk thistle
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
oleanolic acid
phospholipids
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
selenium
silymarin
spirulina
vitamin B
vitamin E
seaweed
zinc
sarsaparilla
punarnava
picrorhiza kurroa
buckthorn
morus
dodder
ganoderma
goji berry
Antrodia camphorata
Borotutu
Bael
bile acid
Boerhavia diffusa
Coriolus mushroom
Curcuminoid
Cynarin
Cowherb
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Other health conditions supported by ganoderma
Alzheimer's DiseaseAnemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (antiviral)
Constipation (adults)
Convalescence
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Hepatitis
Herpes
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)