Synopsis

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

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to support overall health and longevity, and it is often described as a tonic for the immune system. In TCM, Reishi is believed to "balance" or "modulate" immune function, which is why it has historically been used for a variety of immune-related conditions, though not specifically classified as "autoimmune diseases" as understood in modern medicine. The use of Reishi for autoimmune disorders is thus grounded primarily in traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation.

Modern research has investigated Reishi’s effects on immune modulation, with some preliminary studies indicating that compounds in Reishi, such as triterpenoids and polysaccharides, can influence cytokine production and immune cell activity. However, there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials specifically evaluating Reishi in autoimmune conditions in humans. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest immunomodulatory effects—sometimes stimulating, sometimes suppressing immune function—which could theoretically be relevant to autoimmune diseases. Nonetheless, these findings are not sufficient to establish efficacy or safety for treating autoimmune disorders. As such, current evidence remains limited and does not support Reishi as a proven treatment for autoimmune diseases; its use is best characterized as traditional, with a modest evidence rating.

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