Beneficial Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum contains a number of active agents that are known to modulate the function of the immune system. The primary agents include:

• Polysaccharides - which occur in the form of beta-D-glucans bound to amino acids. These agents are known to possess immune-modulating and anti-cancer properties.4
• Triterpene compounds - known as ganoderic acids, which have been shown also to lower blood pressure, reduce platelet stickiness and may decrease LDL-cholesterol.4

These active components are proven to stimulate, modulate and beneficially affect the entire immune system.1,3,4,6


Suppresses the Development and Growth of Cancerous Cells

Studies of Ganoderma lucidum in cancer research have been largely conducted in Japan, China and the USA, where Ganoderma lucidum was scientifically proven to have an anti-tumor effect.

The immune-boosting action of Ganoderma lucidum also helps in the prevention and treatment of cancer in several ways:

- by enhancing the immune system,
- the glucan helps immune cells bind to tumor cells,
- by reducing the number of cancerous cells,
- by slowing down the growth of tumors.

Based on study findings, laboratory research, its anti-cancer abilities and its use in traditional medicine, the Japanese government has officially recognized Ganoderma Lucidum as a cancer treatment.

Ganoderma lucidum's cancer-fighting potential was first observed in the summer of 1986. A 39 -year old Japanese woman approached Dr. Fukumi Morishige, M.D., Ph.D, a renowned Japanese surgeon and a member of the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine, for help in treating her lung cancer. It was a complicated case, and she had been refused an operation by several hospitals. She then started drinking Ganoderma Lucidum tea and begged Dr. Morishige to do something for her cancer. From what was evident six months earlier, Dr. Morishige was surprised when he found no increase in swelling. Then he looked at her X-rays and found that only scar tissue remained.6

That was the impetus for Dr. Morishige to begin his studies of Reishi as a treatment for cancer especially cases given up as hopeless.

Dr. Morishige now believes that Reishi is also an effective cancer preventive.

Natural Killer Cell Activating Factor. In most of the cancer-host relationships, cancer cell destruction is accomplished in many different ways. One mechanism of immunoactivation and anti-cancer action is to kill cancer cells through activation of natural killer cells. Extract of Ganoderma lucidum showed the ability to activate natural killer cell activity (Murai, Yamashita, et al, 1987).13

Interferon-Inducing Activity. Interferon is secreted naturally by human cells to fight viral and other infections. Ganoderma lucidum has been found to have interferon-inducing activity (Meng, 1983).(3)

Ganoderma lucidum can be used as a supplement during chemotherapy or radiotherapy to reduce side-effects such as fatigue, loss of appetite, bone marrow suppression and risk of infection. It can also reduce the toxic effects during chemotherapy and radiotherapy and relieve pain in patients with advanced stages of the disease.10


Protects the Liver

Various ganoderic acids in Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms have strong antihepatotoxic properties, which have been shown to protect liver cells from chemically induced injury,

1. Balances blood sugar levels and pancreatic functions.
2. Protects against skin cell degeneration, improving skins texture and reducing appearance of aging
3. Eliminates toxins accumulated in the body
4. Increases metabolism
5. Reduces fatigue
6. Contains anti-oxidants that inhibit damaging free radicals
7. Helps unclog arteries and supports liver function
8. Boosts energy
9. Improves the digestive system
10. Relieves sinus congestion and other respiratory problems
11. Rejuvenates body tissues and cells
12. Boost all body functions
13. Beautifies the skin by improving vitality
14. Effectively aids in the healing of skin wounds, scrapes, psoriasis, mouth ulcers, external bleeding, bug bits and stings.

Consuming Ganoderma coffee can help your body heal back to a balanced state while rejuvenating your skins youthful appearance. And there are no known side effects! No wonder the Chinese have regarded it for hundreds of years as the miracle herb!