Evidence supporting the use of: Reishi mushroom
For the health condition: Mental Illness

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Synopsis

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

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it is known as “Lingzhi.” Traditional healers have used reishi to support vitality, calm the spirit, and improve sleep and mood, which are indirectly related to mental well-being. In TCM, reishi is often prescribed to address conditions such as insomnia, restlessness, and fatigue, which can overlap with symptoms of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. The mushroom is believed to “nourish the heart and pacify the spirit,” reflecting its role in emotional regulation from a traditional perspective.

On the scientific front, there is limited but emerging evidence that compounds in reishi, such as triterpenoids and polysaccharides, may have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. A handful of animal studies and small human trials suggest that reishi extracts may reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve subjective well-being, possibly by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and reducing inflammation. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and the evidence is not strong enough to firmly support its use for treating mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety disorders. Thus, the primary justification for using reishi to support mental health is rooted in tradition, with only preliminary scientific support warranting a low-to-moderate evidence rating.

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