Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi): evidence of efficacy?
Résumé
Rationale: In Asian countries, Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom well-known to maintain good health and significantly contribute to longevity [1]. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cultivated Reishi is used in numerous forms and pharmaceutical preparations to treat many pathologies and diseases, i.e., asthma, cancers, metabolic syndrome, myopathy… [2].
Method: Different clinical trials and meta-analyses are reported to verify the potential efficacy of this medicinal mushroom.
Discussion: The broad spectrum of the biological activities from G. lucidum was investigated based on its chemical composition diversity [1]. Antitumoral activity could be attributed, in vitro, to ganoderic acids with cytotoxic effects on tumoral cell lines. β-D-Glucans are reported for anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Recently, evidence of either efficacy or inefficiency of Reishi for the treatment of various
pathologies was reported based on clinical trials [3, 4, 5].
Conclusion: Ganoderma lucidum is worldwide marketed as food supplements. The medicinal mushroom focuses on a great deal of hope for the treatment of various pathologies. However, further clinical trials should be essential to demonstrate the real benefit of Reishi on human health.