Reishi Research Update
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells PC-3.
Jiang J,. Methodist Research Institute, E504, Indianapolis, IN .
Int J Oncol. 2004 May;24(5):1093-9.
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), an oriental medical mushroom, has been widely used in Asian countries for centuries to prevent or treat different diseases, including cancer. However, the mechanism(s) responsible for the effects of reishi on cancer cells remain to be elucidated. We have previously demonstrated that reishi down-regulated the expression of NF-kappaB-regulated urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and uPA receptor (uPAR), which resulted in suppression of cell migration of highly invasive human breast and prostate cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of reishi  on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells PC-3. Our data demonstrate that reishi  inhibits cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner by the down-regulation of expression of cyclin B and Cdc2 and by the up-regulation of p21 expression. The inhibition of cell growth was also demonstrated by cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. Furthermore, reishi induced apoptosis of PC-3 cells with a slight decrease in the expression of NF-kappaB-regulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. However, the expression of proapoptotic Bax protein was markedly up-regulated, resulting in the enhancement of the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and Bax/Bcl-xl. Thus, reishi  exerts its effect on cancer cells by multiple mechanisms and may have potential therapeutic use for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Reishi supplement emails
Q. I received three bottles of reishi mushroom this week. There is 100 mg of Calcium with 920 mg of reishi mushroom. How does calcium work with reishi? If Calcium is abundant in the blood stream and already there is formation of plaque by cholesterol and fatty acid, fit is very likely calcium will adhere to the sticky cholesterol. repeating its process over and over until the artery is totally blocked. I am 62 years old female. In the last month I discover that I
am pre-hypertensive and sensitive to salt intake. Would reishi with calcium affect my condition negatively? I know the benefit or reishi and I have taken them on and off (brew in the Chinese way). Shells are added to the pot of reishi plus
other herbs, I believe the shells contain calcium. How long does one need to take reishi?
   A. Planetary Formulas routinely adds calcium to some of their capsules or tablets for a number of herbs as part of the production process. We don't think calcium has any significant influence on the function of reishi mushroom supplement. Only when calcium ingestion through supplements reaches more than 600 to 800 mg daily for many years should one be concerned with any possibility of plaque formation. We don't know how reishi with calcium influences blood pressure. Reishi is taken as needed. The length of time or dosage depends on the medical reasons one is taking and that is up to you and your health care provider. It is a good idea to take breaks from use of herbs and mushrooms but we can't be any more specific since each person is different.

Q. Is the Reishi by Planetary Formulas same as ReishiMax?
   A. The reishi by Planetary Formulas is a different brand than ReishiMax made by Pharmanex. There have not been any studies comparing the two brands therefore it is not possible to say whether one reishi brand is better or worse than the other brand.

back to index yohimbe bark

reishi research reishi mushroom