Evidence supporting the use of: Lingzhi
For the body system: Prostate
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 promoting general health and longevity. In traditional practice, lingzhi is valued for its supposed "tonifying" properties and is sometimes used for male health, including prostate support, though explicit references to prostate health are rare in classical texts. The rationale is based on the mushroom’s alleged ability to strengthen the body’s "qi" and support immune function.
Modern scientific research on lingzhi’s effects specifically on the prostate is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have suggested that extracts from Ganoderma lucidum may have anti-inflammatory and anti-androgenic properties, which could theoretically benefit conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate inflammation. A few small clinical studies have examined its effects on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH, reporting modest improvements, but the evidence is not robust or widely replicated. No major health authorities recommend lingzhi as a primary or adjunct therapy for prostate health.
In summary, the use of lingzhi for prostate support is rooted primarily in tradition, with limited and low-quality scientific evidence to support its efficacy for this specific body system.
Other ingredients that support Prostate
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)beta-sitosterol
sesame
boron
broccoli
campesterol
turmeric
diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
flaxseed
gamma tocopherol
genistein
gokhru
green tea
HMR lignan
indole-3-carbinol
lignans
lycopene
mixed carotenoids
nettle
parsley
phytosterols
plant sterols
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
pygeum
quercetin
saw palmetto
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
selenium
soybean
sterols
stigmasterol
tomato
vitamin D
watermelon
zinc
bee pollen
lingzhi
Equol (proprietary)
hydrangea
herbal blend (proprietary)
Apigenin
Alchornea
Alpha phytosterol
Allium tuberosum
Anti-aromatase
Brassica
berry
Brazil nut
Ba Ji Tian
Bee products
Borassus aethiopum
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cucurbita
Cynomorium
Cruciferous
Crinum latifolium
Decursin
Daidzein
Dwarf Nettle
Ellagic Acid
Fish
Fatty acids
Fireweed
Garlic
Hygrophila
Isoflavones
Isothiocyanates
Massularia acuminata
Monounsaturated Fat
Nigella Seed
Pedalium
Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC)
Phytoestrogens
Rhabdosia rubescens
Soy
Selenocysteine
Selenomethionine
Sitosterol
Safed musli
Soy Protein
Shilajit
Triterpenes
Typhonium flagelliforme
walnut
Other body systems supported by lingzhi
Adrenal CortexAdrenal Glands
Arteries
Blood
Brain
Bronchials
Capillaries
Circulatory System
Digestive System
Female Reproductive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Glandular System
Hair
Heart
Hepatic System
Hypothalamus
Immune System
Kidneys
Large Intestines (Colon)
Liver
Lungs
Lymphatics
Male Reproductive System
Mitochondria
Nerves
Ovaries
Pancreas Head
Prostate
Respiratory System
Sinuses
Skin
Small Intestines
Spleen
Stomach
Thymus