Evidence Trace, complete trial record

In plain terms

In plain terms: Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) shows early signals in human research but the evidence is limited -- small trials, surrogate endpoints, or not yet independently replicated. It is an emerging area, not yet a proven one.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

C Limited: small, mixed or unreplicated trials

Category Supplements

Evidence Cochrane reviews of small randomized trials; one placebo-controlled trial

Reviewed July 2026

PMIDs 27045603 · 25686270 · 27511742 · 37885515

The endpoint this grade is based on: Surrogate biomarker endpoint, Immune cell percentages and tumor response as an adjunct to conventional cancer treatment, in five small randomized trials of varied Ganoderma lucidum preparations pooled by Cochrane at low certainty, none measuring survival (C). Blood glucose, lipids and blood pressure were tested in type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome without effect (D Route 2). No single product or dose has been tested twice.

The evidence as the record states it

Evidence record

PMID 27045603 PMID 25686270 PMID 27511742 PMID 37885515

Jin et al. (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016; PMID 27045603): 5 randomized trials of G. lucidum alongside conventional cancer treatment; CD3, CD4 and CD8 percentages rose, tumor response was reported as a relative risk of 1.50 with a confidence interval of 0.90 to 2.51, which the record does not lean on; the review rated the trials' methodological quality generally unsatisfying, and no trial recorded survival. Klupp et al. (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015; PMID 25686270): 5 trials, 398 participants with type 2 diabetes, 1.4 to 3 g/day for 12 to 16 weeks; no significant change in HbA1c, total or LDL cholesterol or body mass index. Klupp et al. (Sci Rep, 2016; PMID 27511742): double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 84 adults with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, 3 g/day for 16 weeks, with or without Cordyceps sinensis; no effect on HbA1c, fasting glucose or any secondary outcome. Guedikian et al. (Cureus, 2023; PMID 37885515): a case report of acute liver injury after reishi powder with alcohol, resolving in two weeks; case reports carry no grade and are cited as a safety signal. Grade C: small, low-quality positive trials on surrogate immune markers; cardiometabolic use tested without benefit.

PMID 27045603 PMID 25686270 PMID 27511742 PMID 37885515

Evidence by specific use

Immune cell measures as an adjunct to cancer treatment

Grade C

Jin et al. (Cochrane, 2016; PMID 27045603): 5 small randomized trials; CD3, CD4 and CD8 percentages rose with G. lucidum alongside conventional treatment, quality of life signals were inconsistent, tumor response had a confidence interval crossing 1, and no trial measured survival. Methodological quality rated generally unsatisfying. Small, low-quality positive trials on immune cell percentages, a surrogate: C.

PMID 27045603

Blood glucose, lipids and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Grade D

Tested without benefit. The Cochrane review of cardiovascular risk factors (Klupp et al., 2015; PMID 25686270) and the largest placebo-controlled trial (Klupp et al., 2016; PMID 27511742) found no change in HbA1c, glucose, lipids or blood pressure. D on Route 2.

PMID 25686270 PMID 27511742

Why Grade C and not Grade B

Grade C reflects early or limited human evidence -- small trials, surrogate endpoints, or preliminary findings not yet independently replicated. The evidence points in a promising direction but does not yet meet the standard for Grade B. A single well-powered, independently replicated trial with a meaningful endpoint would move this to Grade B or higher.

What would move this grade

A well-powered randomized trial with an objective, clinically meaningful primary endpoint and at least one independent replication would support Grade B or higher.

How to track whether this is working For the graded use, the immune cell percentages the trials measured (CD3, CD4, CD8 or natural killer activity) at baseline and 12 weeks, if measured at all, within cancer care. Liver enzymes at baseline and 3 months, given the case reports. Fatigue and quality of life are not graded on this record.