Evidence supporting the use of: Lingzhi
For the health condition: Neuralgia and Neuritis

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum, also known as Reishi mushroom) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a variety of health conditions, including those related to the nervous system. In traditional practice, Lingzhi is believed to "nourish the heart and calm the spirit," and is sometimes used to alleviate symptoms such as pain and numbness, which may overlap with conditions like neuralgia (nerve pain) and neuritis (inflammation of nerves). The rationale for its use is rooted in its purported ability to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote overall vitality.

Modern scientific evidence specifically supporting Lingzhi for neuralgia or neuritis is limited. Some preclinical studies suggest that Lingzhi extracts possess anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, which could theoretically benefit nerve health and alleviate neuropathic pain. For example, animal studies have demonstrated that certain polysaccharides and triterpenoids in Lingzhi may reduce inflammation and protect nerve cells from damage. However, there are no high-quality clinical trials directly assessing its efficacy for neuralgia or neuritis in humans.

In summary, while Lingzhi is used in traditional medicine with a rationale that could be extrapolated to neuralgia and neuritis, scientific validation for these specific conditions is lacking. The evidence base is thus primarily traditional, with some low-level preclinical scientific support.

More about lingzhi
More about Neuralgia and Neuritis

Products containing lingzhi