Ganoderma, My Own Research

So I did some of my own research on the Ganoderma and the benefits of it. The following information is what I've found, most of it is straight from some websites that I found it on, but I felt it's highly beneficial to know this information, rather than just information from the company. You get to learn more, the more you research.

The benefits of Ganoderma are wide and varied. Ganoderma works on the body at a cellular level to improve ones health and general wellbeing.

Cardiovascular Benefits -
Ganoderma Lucidum has been shown in some studies to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce blood pressure. In studies of people with hypertension, researchers found blood pressure was significantly reduced over two-weeks' time with Ganoderma (Reishi) supplementation.

Immune Benefits
- Ganoderma Lucidum is commonly prescribed by practitioners for long-term immune system support. In studies involving patients with advanced tumors, the patients were given Ganoderma Lucidum for thirty days. Researchers found a marked immune-modulating effect as demonstrated by an increase in T lymphocytes and decreased CD8 counts. Patients also reported reduced side effects due to chemotherapy or radiation as well as post operation recovery.

Blood Sugar Balance - 
Studies have shown Ganoderma Lucidum to have a blood sugar lowering effect. Much of this activity appears to be due to polysaccharides known as Ganoderans A, B, and C.

It appears there are three main mechanisms behind this hypoglycaemic effect. This includes Ganoderma Lucidum's ability to elevate plasma insulin levels, to enhance peripheral tissue utilization of glucose, and to enhance liver metabolism of glucose.

Anti-inflammatory Effects - 
Studies have shown that hot-water extracts of Ganoderma Lucidum have anti-inflammatory effects. One study found that 50 milligrams of Reishi powder had comparable effects to 5 milligrams of hydrocortisone.

Liver Protector
- Ganoderma Lucidum is commonly used for its hepatoprotective (liver protective) action. One study of patients with hepatitis B and elevated liver enzymes (SGOT/SGPT) and bilirubin were given Reishi for three months. Significant reduction in SGOT and SGPT were noticed within one month. After three months all values were within normal range.

Oxygenation -
One of the unique uses of Ganoderma Lucidum is for altitude sickness. Reishi appears to reduce altitude sickness by oxygenating the blood. This benefit was studied in Asian mountain climbers that ascended mountains as high as 17,000 feet with minimal reaction.