REISHI

INTRODUCTION: Ganoderma lucidum  or Reishi Mushroom (pronounced Ray She) is widely celebrated as the “Queen of Mushrooms” and is one of the most extensively researched functional fungi in the world. Modern scientific analysis confirms that its fruiting body, mycelia, and spores contain approximately 400 different bioactive compounds.  It is also believed that there is no exclusive or unique ingredient that is responsible for Reishi’s beneficial effects. It is thought that its potency is derived from the synergistic combination of its chemical constituents.

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVES: Researchers have , broadly attributed Reishi’s effects to two main groups:

• Polysaccharides and Glycoproteins: These are generally obtained from the mushroom by hot water extraction and are precipitated  by ethanol. More than 100 of these bioactives have been isolated from Ganoderma species and include the ß glucans and peptidoglycans.
• Triterpenes: The Reishi fruiting body is especially rich in triterpenes which are a class of steroid like compounds that give the mushroom its characteristically bitter taste. These compounds are fat-soluble and generally extracted by ethanol. At least 50 triterpenes are new and unique to Reishi, although more than 119 triterpenoids have been isolated from this species.  Ganoderic and lucidenic acids are two well known triterpenes in research circles.

RESEARCH: Over the past two decades, research on Reishi has demonstrated the following:

Immune Modulation: The ß glucans and triterpenes in Reishi are thought to balance the immune system and  prime the body to fight external threats while preventing autoimmune overreactions. , Research has also suggested that Reishi supports the gut immune system, the largest and most complex part of the immune system, thought to house 70% of the body’s immune cells as well as aid in the identification of potential cancer cells for destruction by the immune system.  

 Anti-Aging & Longevity

Adaptogenic: As a potent adaptogen, Reishi is believed to help the nervous system transition from  “fight or flight”  to  “rest and digest” mode by balancing cortisol levels. Renowned for its ability to calm an overactive mind and nervous system, it is often referred to as a “natural Xanax”. Research indicates that in balancing the body’s stress responses it improves mood, reduces the time it takes to fall asleep, and enhances overall sleep quality. These calming effects are not accompanied by daytime drowsiness. In fact, Reishi is shown to reduce mental fatigue and promote a relaxed yet focused state of mind.

Cardiovascular Health: Historically revered as the “mushroom of immortality,” current research indicates that Reishi supports optimal cardiac function, healthy blood pressure, and balanced cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Digestive Health: The fermentable fibre of ß glucans act as a prebiotic to nourish and promote a healthy gut microbiome.

Antioxidant: Combats oxidative stress, playing a key role in cellular protection.

Organ & Joint Support: Provides protective benefits for the liver, brain, joints and hormonal systems.

Antiviral Properties: Research suggests it can inhibit the replication of various viral strains.

DUAL EXTRACTION: Because raw Reishi is highly indigestible, traditional practices over 2,000 years ago used long simmering decoctions and steeped pulverised mature fruiting bodies in wine for months, to extract  valuable nutraceuticals. This was an acknowledgement of Reishi’s extremely tough cell wall. Modern research has revealed that the chitin, glycoproteins and glucans of Reishi’s cell wall produce a highly indigestible fibre and create a crystalline framework that confers a very high mechanical resistivity to the cells. Crucial therapeutic compounds, such as ß glucans, in raw Reishi are locked within this structural matrix and remain inaccessible to the human body without further processing. These active constituents  become available via precise extraction, involving both hot water & alcohol:

• Hot Water Extraction: This traditional method involves steeping the sliced fruiting bodies in hot water (as in teas, soups and decoctions),  which soften and expand the cell wall allowing the water-soluble compounds, such as ß glucans and glycoproteins, to dissolve in the water.
• Alcohol Extraction: Alcohol, further disrupts  the cell wall and allows for the solubilisation of fat-soluble terpenes, sterols and  flavonoids.

 By combining the hot water and alcohol extracts; and by retaining the insoluble matter that precipitates during the process, a full spectrum extract, is created. This is thought to deliver all the mushroom’s bioactive constituents in a concentrated and bioavailable form.

OUR REISHI EXTRACT: We cultivate our Reishi mushrooms on site, growing them on wood until they reach full maturity. Once harvested and dried, the coarsely ground, mature fruiting bodies undergo the dual-extraction process. This ensures that every bottle delivers a concentrated, full spectrum of active compounds that this remarkable mushroom has to offer.

DISCLAIMER: All of the above statements are based on anecdotal use and research publications. This product is sold as a nutritional supplement and has not been evaluated by SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority) for its quality, safety, or intended use. It  is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent any disease or alter any condition. While mushroom extracts have a long history of traditional use, scientific research on their safety when combined with pharmaceutical medication and / or other substances is still ongoing. Recommendation: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, diagnosed with a medical condition, or currently taking chronic medication, other pharmaceuticals, substances or supplements, please consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before deciding if Reishi supplementation is appropriate for you.