The following presentation was given by Martin Powell (BSc. Hons., Dip.Ac, Dip.CHM, MRCHM – Natural Health Centre, Luton, United Kingdom) at the 5th International Symposium on Mushroom Nutrition entitled Mushroom Nutrition: A New Class of Clinical Nutrition, held at Westminster University on June 15th, 2003. 

This article was first published in Mycology News 8. Vol 1, Edition (Aneid Press Lda)

The Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) biomass used in this case study was supplied by Mycology Research Laboratories Ltd ( www.mrlusa.com).   

Background: 

The mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) has been used for many centuries in the traditional herbal medicine of China and Japan for its immuno-modulatory and adaptogenic properties.¹ 

As well as its general health enhancing action, Ganoderma lucidum has been shown to have specific anti-inflammatory properties and this traditional usage has to been linked to the isolation from the herb of a family of ganoderic acidsm² triperpene compounds with a basic lanostane structure which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties: 

The compound Ganoderic Acid C, isolated by careful fractionation of a non-polar solvent extract of Ganoderma lucidum was found to account for most of the anti-inflammatory activity from the herb as determined by in-vitro tests such as histamine release from mast cells.³ 

An ethyl acetate extract rich in ganoderic acids was later found by another group of researchers to exhibit both systemic and topical anti-inflammatory activity in standard animal models such as the croton oil induced mouse ear inflammation test.⁴ 

The currently used topical and systemic anti-inflammatory drugs have serious drawbacks; for example corticosteroids can suppress pituitary–adrenal function, dangerously unbalance fluids/electrolytes and cause undesirable changes in skin texture,⁵ whilst the salicylic acid derived prostaglandin inhibitors result in severe gastric irritation.⁶ 

Consequently, the potential use of Ganoderma lucidium (Reishi) supplementation could offer a safe and effective alternative for the reduction of histamine-mediated immune responses. 

Case Studies: Hayfever Patients 

To assess the efficacy of non-fractionalized Ganoderma lucidium supplementation in two hayfever patients. The principal parameters being symptom alleviation. 

Study Design

Open label study in United Kingdom in patients.²

Patients were interviewed during the Ganoderma supplementation period, in order to assess changes in perceived quality of life, with reference to general hayfever symptoms. 

Supplementation Scheduling 

Supplementation commenced at 3 grams (6 tablets x 500 mg) per day and was maintained at this until the symptoms abated, at which point it was reduced to a maintenance dose of 1.5 grams (3 tablets x 500 mg) per day until the end of the hayfever season.* 

Results 

Patient 1

Thirty-nine year old male. Chronic hayfever sufferer since childhood with little relief from conventional herbal medication. After 3-4 days supplementation at 3.0 grams (6 tablets x 500 mg) per day of Ganoderma lucidum there was a marked decrease in drowsiness, itchiness and sneezing. After 10 days the patient was able to mow the grass without significant discomfort. Continued alleviation throughout the season. Repeated benefit the following year. 

Patient 2

Five year old male. Developed hayfever age four. Unable to go outside for much of early summer. Supplementation started at 2 tablets x 500 mg a day, 1 a.m. and 1 p.m. After 1 week 90% reduction in symptoms. No red/sore eyes or sore throat. Only occasional sneezing. Able to play football outside again. Dosage maintained at 2 tablets a day until the end of the season. 

Discussion 

In both cases there was a rapid and significant alleviation of symptoms on commencement of supplementation with Ganoderma lucidum indicating that Ganoderma supplementation may have a role to play in the management of histamine mediated immune responses. 

Conclusion

Taking into account the limitations of such a small sample size, we have a curiosity and further research is required to confirm the potential of Ganoderma lucidum in controlling host-mediated allergic responses. 

Notes 

1. G.T. Liu in Mushroom Biology and Mushroom Products, Eds S.T. Chang et al, The Chinese University Press, Hong Kong, 267 (1993). 

2. T. Kubota et al, Hely Chim Acta, 65,611 (1982).

3. H. Khoda et al, Chem Pharm, Bull, 33 1367-1374 (1985). 

4. W.B. Stavinoha, Proc 6th Int Symp Ganoderma Ludium, p3- (1995). 

5. PJ Roderick et al, Br. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 35, 219-226 (1993). 

6. Martingdale:The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 31st Edition, Pub. The Royal Pharmacuetical Society, London. P 1018-1020 (1996).