Synopsis

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

Lingzhi (also known as Ganoderma lucidum or Reishi mushroom) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is valued for its supposed immune-boosting and longevity-promoting effects. Historically, lingzhi has been used as an adjunct to help manage respiratory illnesses, including tuberculosis (TB), particularly before the advent of modern antibiotics. Ancient texts and TCM practitioners recommended lingzhi for its perceived ability to strengthen the body's resistance to infections and improve overall vitality, which was believed to help patients "fight off" chronic illnesses like TB.

However, the scientific evidence supporting lingzhi’s efficacy specifically for tuberculosis is extremely limited. There are only a handful of preclinical studies investigating the immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties of lingzhi extracts, and none have demonstrated a direct anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis effect in humans. Most available research focuses on lingzhi’s general ability to modulate the immune system, such as enhancing macrophage activity or cytokine production, but these findings are preliminary and not specific to TB treatment. Clinical trials directly evaluating lingzhi in TB patients are lacking.

In summary, lingzhi is traditionally used to support the body during TB in TCM, but there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to recommend its use for this purpose. Its use should not replace standard anti-tuberculosis therapies, and any complementary use should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

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