Evidence supporting the use of: Ganoderma
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Ganoderma (commonly known as reishi mushroom or Lingzhi) has been traditionally used in East Asian medicine for centuries, particularly to support overall vitality, recovery, and longevity. In the context of convalescence—the period of recovery after illness or medical treatment—Ganoderma is believed to enhance the body’s natural healing processes, strengthen the immune system, and improve energy levels. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) texts frequently mention Ganoderma as a tonic herb for people recovering from chronic diseases or general weakness.
While there is a strong tradition supporting its use, scientific validation for Ganoderma’s specific efficacy in convalescence is still limited. Some modern studies have demonstrated that Ganoderma contains bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids, which may modulate immune function and exhibit antioxidant properties. These effects could theoretically benefit those recovering from illness by supporting immune resilience and reducing oxidative stress. However, most clinical studies focus on its immunomodulatory effects in cancer patients or its role in managing fatigue, rather than directly measuring outcomes in convalescent populations.
Therefore, the primary justification for its use in convalescence remains traditional, with a moderate evidence rating due to some supportive, but not definitive, scientific findings. More robust, targeted research is needed to confirm Ganoderma’s role in facilitating recovery after illness.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
AlbuminAlcohol
Algae
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Aloe vera
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
ambergris
amino acids
Andrographis
animal protein
animal Tissue
antler
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Auricularia
bacteria
BCAA
bee pollen
beef
Beef liver
Beef Protein
beta-glucan
bilberry
bird\'s nest
black currant
blackthorn
bone marrow
bovine
bovine liver
bovine protein
branched-chain amino acids
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
butter
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
Centella asiatica
Chinese mountain ant
Chinese pond turtle
chlorella
cistanche
Codonopsis
colostrum
cordyceps
coriolus mushroom
D-Ribose
dialyzable leukocyte extract
Dipeptide
egg
Egg protein
elderberry
eleuthero
elk antler
Euglena gracilis
fat liver oil
fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
fish protein
flat-stem milk-vetch
fulvic acid
ganoderma
garlic bulb
ginger
Globulins
Glucan peptides
Glutamine
Glutathione
Gnaphalium
goji berry
gotu kola
grape
green tea
haliotis
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
hydroxymethylbutyrate
iron
jiaogulan
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
L-glycine
lactalbumin
Lactoferrin
lactoglobulin
Lentinula edodes mycelia
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
licorice root
lingzhi
lipids
liquid liver fractions
malt
Marine protein
Milk
Milk Protein
Mineral ascorbate
Mistletoe
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
Peptides
pollen
polysaccharides
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
Quinoa Protein
reishi mushroom
royal jelly
Rubia yunnanensis
Sarivan
Shark Liver Oil
shiitake mushroom
Smartweed
spirulina
Trametes
turmeric
vitamin C
vitamin D
Whey protein
Zinc
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)
