Mood/Immunity/Inflammation

Reishi

Medicinal mushroom extract studied for fatigue, immune signaling, and inflammation, with limited human evidence in adults.

score

evidence

Caution

risk

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Use with caution

This supplement may interact with medications, medical conditions or sensitive populations. Review safety before use.

Overview

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Safety

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Quick Take

Mostly a niche mushroom: small studies suggest mild fatigue/QOL benefits, while broader claims remain unconvincing.

Reishi is a medicinal mushroom, also called Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi, used as teas, powders, and extracts rather than as a meaningful nutrient food. Its beta-glucans and triterpenes appear to affect immune-cell signaling and inflammatory pathways. In human studies, the best-supported effects are modest improvements in fatigue or quality of life, with weaker evidence for immune and inflammation markers. It may fit adults curious about mushroom extracts after core basics are already covered.

Potential benefits

May improve fatigue/QOL

May increase NK-cell activity

May lower CRP/TNF-α

Protocol

Amount

1000-1500 mg extract

Frequency

Once daily or split into 2 doses

When

With food if you are GI-sensitive; any time of day — consistency matters more than timing.

Onset Time

2-8 weeks for subjective effects; biomarker changes are inconsistent

Who Should Consider

Adults with persistent low-grade fatigue

People wanting a non-stimulant wellness trial

Adults specifically interested in mushroom extracts

People who have already covered sleep, diet, and basics

How It Works

Beta-glucans from reishi interact with receptors on immune cells, while triterpenes may influence NF-kB and other inflammatory signaling pathways. In humans this seems to cause modest shifts in immune and inflammatory markers rather than a strong, reliable stimulant effect.

Updated 5/19/2026