Synopsis

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

Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as Reishi, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for promoting overall health and longevity. In TCM, lingzhi is prized for its purported ability to support the immune system and reduce inflammation, factors thought to be relevant to managing chronic inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis. Historically, it has been used as a general tonic and for various skin ailments, although direct references to its use specifically for psoriasis are less common in classical texts.

From a scientific standpoint, lingzhi contains bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids, which have demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory and animal studies. These properties could theoretically benefit people with psoriasis, an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. However, direct clinical evidence supporting lingzhi’s efficacy for psoriasis in humans is sparse and limited mainly to preclinical research or anecdotal reports. No robust, large-scale, placebo-controlled clinical trials have established its safety or effectiveness for this specific condition.

In summary, lingzhi's use for psoriasis is primarily justified by traditional use and the general belief in its anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties. While there is some mechanistic rationale based on laboratory studies, the current evidence level is low, and more rigorous clinical research is needed to validate its efficacy for psoriasis management.

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