Evidence supporting the use of: Reishi mushroom
For the health condition: Liver Detoxification
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for overall health and vitality, including liver health. Modern scientific research, though limited and mostly preclinical, suggests some potential hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) effects. Animal studies have demonstrated that extracts of reishi mushroom may reduce liver inflammation, inhibit fibrosis (scarring), and enhance antioxidant activities in the liver. These effects are thought to result from bioactive compounds such as triterpenoids and polysaccharides, which may help neutralize free radicals and modulate immune responses.
However, clinical studies in humans are sparse and have not conclusively established reishi’s efficacy in liver detoxification or in treating liver diseases. Some small-scale human studies suggest possible improvements in liver enzyme levels in certain populations, but these findings are preliminary, and larger, well-controlled clinical trials are lacking. There is also limited evidence about its impact on actual “detoxification” processes, a term often used imprecisely in alternative health contexts.
In summary, while traditional use and some preclinical research support the potential of reishi mushroom for liver health, the scientific evidence specifically validating its use for liver detoxification in humans is limited. The current evidence base justifies a rating of 2 out of 5, indicating weak but promising support that warrants further investigation.
Other ingredients used for Liver Detoxification
alfalfaaloe vera
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
green chiretta
anthocyanins
apple
apricot
arjun tree
artichoke
asparagus
astragalus
barberry
barley
beet
myrobalan
berberine
beta caryophyllene
betel
black cumin
black garlic
radish
Indian frankincense
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
catalase
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
chicory
Chinese salvia root
chlorella
chokeberry
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
d-glucarate
dandelion
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
gardenia
gentian root
ginger
gooseberry
green tea
hibiscus
Indian gum arabic tree
indole-3-carbinol
honeysuckle
knotweed
jujube
kale
kudzu
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-methionine
l-ornithine
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
lophatherum leaf
lovage
milk thistle
moringa
naringin
nettle
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
oleanolic acid
orange
perilla
phosphatidylcholine
phospholipids
pollen
pumpkin
quercetin
redcurrant
reishi mushroom
rhubarb root
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
selenium
silymarin
spirulina
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
seaweed
wasabia japonica
watercress
watermelon
wheat grass
whey protein
mulberry
zinc
sarsaparilla
cascara sagrada
typhonium
neem tree
enicostemma littorale
clerodendrum indicum
smilax
tinospora cordifolia
fumaria parviflora
picrorhiza kurroa
rubia cordifolia
swertia
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
goldenrod
bile salt
morus
myrrh
root tuber
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
lotus seed
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
coix
polyporus
gentiana macrophylla
cleavers
noni
biota seed
goji berry
algae
ashitaba
soursop
Arjuna
akebia
Ankaflavin
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
Agrimony
Apigenin
Antrodia camphorata
Achyranthes
Anamu
Albizia
AHCC
Aucubin
Andrographolide
Avocado
Albumin
American Liverleaf
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
Andrographis
Adzuki bean
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Allyl Sulfide
Alisma
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arjunolic acid
Astragalin
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Borotutu
Blackthorn
bergenin
Blepharis
Balsam
Brassica
Belleric myrobalan
Beef liver
Barleria
Berberis (unspecified)
Baicalein
Bael
Butternut
Basidiomycota
boldo
Black Gram
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Black Nightshade
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Black root
Bifidobacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
benzyl isothiocyanate
Bassia scoparia
Bergenia
Bignay
Bottle gourd
Centaury
Chinese Silkvine
cholic acid
Carqueja
Chebulic acid
Coriolus mushroom
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Centaurium erythraea
Cyathula
Chinese Fleeceflower
Cynarin
Chinese Pond Turtle
Cruciferous
Centella asiatica
Capers
Chanca Piedra
Celandine
Cinnamic Acid
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Copalchi
Corktree
C-Phycocyanin
Cabbage
Chirata
Calamus
Chebulinic acid
Corilagin
Coumaric acid
Cynaropicrin
Cynodon dactylon
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Diallyl sulfide
Dihydromyricetin
DL-Methionine
Deoxyandrographolides
Dithiolthiones
Desmodium
Duckweed
Ellagic Acid
Erodium cicutarium
Emblicanin
Endive
Embelia
Ellagitannin
Emodin
Flavonones
Glycine
Little ironweed
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rhubarb
walnut
Other health conditions supported by reishi mushroom
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Asthma
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Convalescence
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Epstein Barr Virus
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Hair (graying)
Hair (loss or thinning)
Heart (weakness)
Hepatitis
Herpes
Hiccups
Hot Flashes
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (viral)
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Insomnia
Irritability
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Laryngitis
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Leukemia
Liver Detoxification
Lungs (fluid in)
Lupus
Lyme Disease
Lymphoma
Malaria
Melanoma
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Mood Swings
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Night Sweating
Nightmares
Nocturnal Emission
Pain (general remedies for)
Pets (supplements for)
Products containing reishi mushroom
Nature's Sunshine AdaptaMax
Nature's Sunshine Blood Stimulator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Glandular System
Nature's Sunshine Immune System
Nature's Sunshine Mineral-Chi Tonic (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Immune Stimulator
Nature's Sunshine Nervous System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal