Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar SupplementsFrequently Asked QuestionsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Similar Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & What to Look For
Ganoderma coffee, which containsGanoderma lucidum(G. lucidum), has possible health benefits, including improving insulin resistance in people with diabetes and relieving symptoms of urinary tract infections.G. lucidumis the scientific name for a medicinal mushroom, or fungus, commonly used in traditional Asian medicine.For this reason, you may also hear Ganoderma coffee referred to asmushroom coffee.
G. lucidum,also calledreishior lingzhi, has bioactive components, such as triterpenoids (plant chemicals), polysaccharides (long chains of sugar molecules), lipids (fats), and proteins.These components are likely responsible for how this plant might work.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Uses ofGanoderma lucidum
Like many natural medications, people may useG. lucidumfor various reasons, such as lowering cholesterol levels.WhileG. lucidumdoesn’t seem to be able to help with this, there are a few studies evaluatingG. lucidumfor other potential uses.
Diabetes
Insulin resistance means your body isn’t responding toinsulin, a naturally occurring hormone. This means that your muscles and fat aren’t effectively taking up sugar from your diet to use and store as energy.So, lowering this resistance typically means improving your body’s response to insulin.
In a small clinical trial, study participants taking 1.44 grams (g) ofG. lucidumdaily might have lower insulin resistance when compared to aplacebo(a substance with no medication).
While the small study suggested this potential benefit, a systematic review doesn’t supportG. lucidum’s use in people withtype 2 diabetes. This is becauseG. lucidumdoesn’t seem to address the heart-related risk factors typically linked with type 2 diabetes. Examples of heart-related risk factors may includehigh blood pressure, glucose (sugar) levels, andcholesterol.
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may include the following:
LUTS may happen in people assigned male or female at birth.LUTS may also be common withbenign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH). BPH is an enlarged prostate condition that affects many older people assigned male at birth.
And according to a couple of small clinical trials, results suggest thatG. lucidummight provide some LUTS relief in people assigned male at birth.But these small studies were from 2008.For these reasons, more recent research with larger, well-designed studies is still necessary.
Cancer
Based on a systematic review,G. lucidumshouldn’t be used as a first-choice option to treatcancer. But it might be added to your usual cancer treatment.
It may improve tumor response to usual cancer treatment as an add-on medication.G. lucidummay support yourimmune system(the body’s defense system). But side effects are possible. What’s more, it’s unclear ifG. lucidumwill help you will live longer.
For these reasons, discussing your matter with your healthcare provider about your preferences is essential. They will also help you weigh the benefits and risks ofG. lucidumas an add-on medication to usual treatment.
High-quality studies focusing on long-term survival are still needed to better evaluateG. lucidum’s effects and safety in people with cancer.
Supplement FactsActive ingredients(s): Triterpenoids (plant chemicals), polysaccharides (long chains of sugar molecules), lipids (fats), and proteinsAlternative name(s):Ganoderma lucidum,G. lucidum, Ganoderma, Reishi, Lingzhi, Hongo Resishi, Ling Chih, Ling Zhi, Red Reishi, Reishi Antler Mushroom, Reishi Rouge, Rei-Shi, Champignon Reishi, Champignons Reishi, Basidiomycetes Mushroom, Champignon Basidiomycete, Champignon d’Immortalite, Mannentake, Mushroom, Mushroom of Immortality, Mushroom of Spiritual Potency, Spirit PlantLegal status: Legal in most states (United States)Suggested dose: May vary based on the dosage form and medical conditionSafety considerations:Generally well-tolerated. Limited information onG. lucidumduring pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Not for children. It may interact with some prescription medications.
Supplement Facts
Active ingredients(s): Triterpenoids (plant chemicals), polysaccharides (long chains of sugar molecules), lipids (fats), and proteinsAlternative name(s):Ganoderma lucidum,G. lucidum, Ganoderma, Reishi, Lingzhi, Hongo Resishi, Ling Chih, Ling Zhi, Red Reishi, Reishi Antler Mushroom, Reishi Rouge, Rei-Shi, Champignon Reishi, Champignons Reishi, Basidiomycetes Mushroom, Champignon Basidiomycete, Champignon d’Immortalite, Mannentake, Mushroom, Mushroom of Immortality, Mushroom of Spiritual Potency, Spirit PlantLegal status: Legal in most states (United States)Suggested dose: May vary based on the dosage form and medical conditionSafety considerations:Generally well-tolerated. Limited information onG. lucidumduring pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Not for children. It may interact with some prescription medications.
What Are the Side Effects ofGanoderma lucidum?
Like many medications and natural products, side effects are possible withG. lucidum.
Common Side Effects
G. lucidumis generally well-tolerated.Its extract is likely safe for up to one year, and the whole mushroom in a powder form is also likely safe for up to 16 weeks.But some possible common side effects may include:
You may also notice the following side effects from the caffeine in Ganoderma coffee:
Severe Side Effects
A severe allergic reaction is a serious side effect possible with any medication. If you’re having asevere allergic reactiontoG. lucidumor caffeine, symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash.
Other potential severe side effects withG. lucidummay also include:
Call 911 and get medical help immediately if you’re having a severe allergic reaction or any of your symptoms feel life-threatening.
Your healthcare provider may advise against usingG. lucidumif any of the following applies to you:
Dosage: How MuchGanoderma lucidumShould I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your needs.
In general, the typical daily dose for adults ranged between 1,400 to 5,400 milligrams (mg). And this is usually divided up throughout the day into multiple doses. ButG. lucidumhas different dosage forms.What’s more, larger and well-designed clinical trials are still needed. For this reason, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage to takeG. lucidumfor any condition.
If you choose to takeG. lucidum, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations or label instructions.
What Happens If I Take Too MuchGanoderma lucidum?
In a systematic review,G. lucidumwasn’t linked to major toxicities. But you may experience nausea and sleeping problems from taking too muchG. lucidum.
Too much caffeine may also result in withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking caffeine. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms may include:
Caffeine overdoses are also possible. And symptoms may include:
If you think you’re experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, get medical help immediately.
Use caution when takingG. lucidumwith the following:
Use caution when taking caffeine with the following:
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to StoreGanoderma lucidum
Since storage instructions may vary for different natural products, carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container. But in general, keep your medications tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet. Try to store your medicines in a cool and dry place.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid putting unused and expired drugs down the drain or in the toilet. Visit theFDA’s websiteto know where and how to discard all unused and expired medications. You can also finddisposal boxesin your area.Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the best ways to dispose of your medications or supplements.
Ganoderma is a genus (group) of over 300 different species of fungi that grow on live trees. There are three species that you may typically see in traditional Asian medicine:
Together, these three species are known as Ling Zhi in traditional Chinese medicine. While in Japan, they are collectively known as Reishi.
There is also a European species calledG. lucidum, whichisn’t the same as the east Asian species of this name. For this reason, the new name for the east Asian version ofG. lucidumisGanoderma sichuanense.
But there are so manyGanodermaspecies. What’s more, numerous research publications use theG. lucidumname. For this reason, it’s hard to tell the difference between these species, especially regarding effects and safety.
Ganoderma lucidum(G. lucidum) is available in several different dosage forms—with capsules potentially being the most common.
To take natural medications—likeG. lucidum—safely, inform your healthcare providers and pharmacists about any medication changes.This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medications, and supplements.They can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. They can also ensure you’re givingG. luciduma fair trial at appropriate doses.
Sources ofGanoderma lucidum& What to Look For
There are several different sources ofG. lucidum.
Food Sources of Ganoderma lucidum
G. lucidumis naturally available as fungi that grow on live trees.You may also see this mushroom used for tea or coffee.
Dietary changes may interact with your medications or affect your medical conditions. For this reason, talk with your healthcare provider first. They will help you safely make any dietary changes.
Ganoderma lucidum Supplements
G. lucidumis available in various forms, including capsules and tablets. If you have difficulties swallowing pills,G. lucidummight also be available in liquid and powder dosage forms.G. lucidummay also havevegetarian options.
The specific product you choose will depend on your preference and what you hope to get in terms of effects. Each product may work a bit differently, depending on the form. So, following your healthcare provider’s recommendations or label directions is important.
Summary
Ganoderma coffee is a beverage that containsGanoderma lucidum.G. lucidumis a mushroom, which is a type of fungus. So, you might hear Ganoderma coffee being called mushroom coffee. You may also findG. lucidumin some teas.
G. lucidumis unlikely to lower your cholesterol levels. But there are studies for its other potential uses.
More recent research with larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed better to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these potential uses. In particular, future cancer-related research should focus on long-term cancer survival.
WhileG. lucidumis generally well-tolerated, side effects and medication interactions are possible. Before takingG. lucidum, reach out to your pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.Medicinal mushrooms (PDQ)—health professional version.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Reishi mushroom.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Diabetes.Chu TT, Benzie IF, Lam CW, Fok BS, Lee KK, Tomlinson B.Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial.Br J Nutr. 2012;107(7):1017-1027. doi:10.1017/S0007114511003795Klupp NL, Chang D, Hawke F, et al.Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(2):CD007259. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007259.pub2Abdelmoteleb H, Jefferies ER, Drake MJ.Assessment and management of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).Int J Surg. 2016;25:164-171. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.11.043National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.BPH and male LUTS: Intersection between pathology and disease.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Reishi mushroom.Noguchi M, Kakuma T, Tomiyasu K, et al.Effect of an extract ofGanoderma lucidumin men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized and dose-ranging study.Asian J Androl. 2008;10(4):651-658. doi:10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00336.xNoguchi M, Kakuma T, Tomiyasu K, et al.Randomized clinical trial of an ethanol extract ofGanoderma lucidumin men with lower urinary tract symptoms.Asian J Androl. 2008;19(5):777-785. doi:10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00361.xJin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, Chan GC.Ganoderma lucidum(Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4(4):CD007731. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007731.pub3National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Caffeine.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.LiverTox: acute liver failure.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Caffeine overdose.Allergy & Asthma Network.Coffee and asthma.MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.Medicinal mushrooms (PDQ)—health professional version.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Reishi mushroom.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Diabetes.Chu TT, Benzie IF, Lam CW, Fok BS, Lee KK, Tomlinson B.Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial.Br J Nutr. 2012;107(7):1017-1027. doi:10.1017/S0007114511003795Klupp NL, Chang D, Hawke F, et al.Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(2):CD007259. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007259.pub2Abdelmoteleb H, Jefferies ER, Drake MJ.Assessment and management of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).Int J Surg. 2016;25:164-171. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.11.043National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.BPH and male LUTS: Intersection between pathology and disease.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Reishi mushroom.Noguchi M, Kakuma T, Tomiyasu K, et al.Effect of an extract ofGanoderma lucidumin men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized and dose-ranging study.Asian J Androl. 2008;10(4):651-658. doi:10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00336.xNoguchi M, Kakuma T, Tomiyasu K, et al.Randomized clinical trial of an ethanol extract ofGanoderma lucidumin men with lower urinary tract symptoms.Asian J Androl. 2008;19(5):777-785. doi:10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00361.xJin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, Chan GC.Ganoderma lucidum(Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4(4):CD007731. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007731.pub3National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Caffeine.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.LiverTox: acute liver failure.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Caffeine overdose.Allergy & Asthma Network.Coffee and asthma.MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Cancer Institute.Medicinal mushrooms (PDQ)—health professional version.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Reishi mushroom.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Diabetes.Chu TT, Benzie IF, Lam CW, Fok BS, Lee KK, Tomlinson B.Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial.Br J Nutr. 2012;107(7):1017-1027. doi:10.1017/S0007114511003795Klupp NL, Chang D, Hawke F, et al.Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(2):CD007259. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007259.pub2Abdelmoteleb H, Jefferies ER, Drake MJ.Assessment and management of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).Int J Surg. 2016;25:164-171. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.11.043National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.BPH and male LUTS: Intersection between pathology and disease.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Reishi mushroom.Noguchi M, Kakuma T, Tomiyasu K, et al.Effect of an extract ofGanoderma lucidumin men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized and dose-ranging study.Asian J Androl. 2008;10(4):651-658. doi:10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00336.xNoguchi M, Kakuma T, Tomiyasu K, et al.Randomized clinical trial of an ethanol extract ofGanoderma lucidumin men with lower urinary tract symptoms.Asian J Androl. 2008;19(5):777-785. doi:10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00361.xJin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, Chan GC.Ganoderma lucidum(Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4(4):CD007731. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007731.pub3National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Caffeine.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.LiverTox: acute liver failure.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Caffeine overdose.Allergy & Asthma Network.Coffee and asthma.MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
National Cancer Institute.Medicinal mushrooms (PDQ)—health professional version.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Reishi mushroom.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Diabetes.
Chu TT, Benzie IF, Lam CW, Fok BS, Lee KK, Tomlinson B.Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial.Br J Nutr. 2012;107(7):1017-1027. doi:10.1017/S0007114511003795
Klupp NL, Chang D, Hawke F, et al.Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(2):CD007259. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007259.pub2
Abdelmoteleb H, Jefferies ER, Drake MJ.Assessment and management of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).Int J Surg. 2016;25:164-171. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.11.043
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.BPH and male LUTS: Intersection between pathology and disease.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Reishi mushroom.
Noguchi M, Kakuma T, Tomiyasu K, et al.Effect of an extract ofGanoderma lucidumin men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized and dose-ranging study.Asian J Androl. 2008;10(4):651-658. doi:10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00336.x
Noguchi M, Kakuma T, Tomiyasu K, et al.Randomized clinical trial of an ethanol extract ofGanoderma lucidumin men with lower urinary tract symptoms.Asian J Androl. 2008;19(5):777-785. doi:10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00361.x
Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, Chan GC.Ganoderma lucidum(Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4(4):CD007731. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007731.pub3
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Caffeine.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.LiverTox: acute liver failure.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Caffeine overdose.
Allergy & Asthma Network.Coffee and asthma.
MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
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