The effectiveness of Reishi in enhancing immunity is inseparable from its core component, Reishi polysaccharides.

 

Similar to triterpenes in Reishi, Reishi polysaccharides are also key components of Reishi. However, their roles differ: while polysaccharides serve a defensive function, triterpenes assist. What exactly is the nature of Reishi polysaccharides adept at defense? How do they defend against external pathogens? And how do they enhance immunity?

 

Not all polysaccharides are effective; β-glucans are the only valid active source.

 

Firstly, it's important to understand that Reishi polysaccharides are not singular substances but rather a class of naturally occurring high molecular weight compounds with potent activity and diverse functionalities. Currently, over 300 types of Reishi polysaccharides have been isolated, primarily composed of α-glucans and β-glucans.

 

Reishi β-glucans are one of the significant sources of activity. They resist digestion by gastrointestinal enzymes, thereby enabling the modulation of intestinal microbiota, activation of immune cells, and enhancement of immune function.

 

(Image source: Professor Takashi Mizuno's work published in 1991, "Basic Science and Latest Technology of Ganoderma," page 126, illustrating the structure of physiologically active high molecular weight polysaccharides in Ganoderma.)

 

Experimental evidence confirms that daily supplementation of β-glucans results in a comprehensive enhancement of immunity after three months.

 

In 2022, a clinical trial was conducted by National Taiwan University in collaboration with Taipei Hospital and other institutions. The trial was randomized, double-blind, and included a placebo control group. The results demonstrated that healthy individuals aged 18 to 55, who supplemented approximately 150 milligrams of Reishi β-glucans daily, experienced a comprehensive enhancement of immunity after three months (12 weeks).

 

 

After the three-month clinical trial, the immunological indicators of the Reishi group were higher than those of the placebo group.

 

 

After comparing the changes in immunological indicators between the two groups following the three-month clinical trial, it was evident that the Reishi β-glucan group exhibited a significant increase in immunological indicator values.

 

How exactly does Reishi polysaccharides enhance immunity?

 

More accurately, Reishi regulates our immunity rather than "enhances" it.

 

It's important to note that having an immune response that is either "too weak" or "too strong" is not beneficial.

 

Reishi acts like an intelligent commander. When our body's immune level is low, it can enhance the activity of antigen-presenting cells and monocyte phagocytic systems, promoting humoral and cellular immune responses.

 

When the autoimmune response is too strong, it can lead to autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Taking Reishi polysaccharides may have a positive effect.

 

A retrospective paper published in August 2021 in the journal "Nutrients" by the leading experts from the Medical University of Wroclaw summarized the main mechanisms of action of Reishi polysaccharides in regulating immunity (as shown in the figure below).

 

 

Reishi polysaccharides can strengthen the first line of defense of the immune system against various pathogens (innate immunity) and also initiate specific immune responses against particular pathogens (adaptive immunity), akin to casting a net to comprehensively initiate immune responses, leaving no escape for pathogens.

 

Being able to regulate immunity in such a comprehensive manner, it can be said that Reishi, being listed as a superior herb in the "Shennong Ben Cao Jing", has its reasoning.

 

 

With the endorsement of modern research data, we have even more confidence in the significance of daily Reishi supplementation for enhancing immunity, as described in ancient texts.

 

Sources:

Yukun Zhang, Yang Yao, Baoxue Yang. Advances in Pharmacological Research on Ganoderma Lucidum Polysaccharides. Journal of Fungal Research. 2023.10.26

Ruey-Shyang Hseu. Professor Xu Ruixiang from National Taiwan University Perspective | Immune Imbalance: How to Combat Viruses.GanoHerb Organic Ganoderma. 2022.03.01

Tingyao Wu. Clinical Research Confirms: Daily Supplementation of Ganoderma β-Glucan Can Fully Enhance Immunity—Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. GanoHerb Organic Ganoderma. 2023.04.03