Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for promoting general health, longevity, and immune system modulation. Its use for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is not specifically rooted in clinical science or traditional practice for this particular disease, but rather in its broader traditional reputation as an "adaptogen" and immune-modulating agent. Historical texts do not mention MS specifically—since the disease was not recognized in ancient times—but reishi was often used for "weakness," "fatigue," or "nerve complaints" in traditional contexts.

Modern scientific research on reishi and MS is extremely limited. While a handful of animal studies and in vitro research suggest that compounds in reishi (such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids) may have immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory effects, there are no robust clinical trials directly assessing its use in MS patients. The theoretical rationale for use in MS relates to its potential to modulate immune responses and oxidative stress, both implicated in MS pathology, but these mechanisms are largely extrapolated from basic research and not validated in human MS populations.

Therefore, while reishi is sometimes marketed for immune support and anecdotal reports exist, its use in MS is justified primarily by traditional beliefs about immune health rather than direct scientific evidence or historical precedent for treating MS itself.

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