Having been used for food and medicine for thousands of years, mushrooms have recently gained more interest in the research community due to their potentially unique benefits. Three mushrooms that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine—reishi (Lingzhi), lion’s mane, and cordyceps—are just some of the mushrooms that are attracting interest.
Reishi Spores vs. Reishi Powder (fruiting body)
Adore Gaia customers often ask about the differences between the two types of medicinal mushroom powders: Reishi Spores and Reishi (fruiting body). In short, Reishi Spores are more for hormone balance and immune support, where as Reishi Fruiting Body is more for modulating the immune system.
That's very broadly speaking and the key is in the concentration of the active compounds. Specifically we are looking at Triterpenes, Ganoderic Acids and Beta-Glucans and Polysaccharides.
Reishi spores are prized for their medicinal benefit and are chemically very different from Reishi mushroom. Reishi spores contain 300% more triterpenes than the fruiting body as well as being rich in polysaccharides. Reishi spores also contain adenosine, amino acids, minerals, alkaloids and polypeptides.
Reishi spores themselves are 70X more potent than the mushroom, and oil is 700X more potent – and more immune potent.
Thus, it is very clear that to us that Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) Spore Oil is of higher premium benefits than normal Reishi.
Liquid Extract Versus Powdered Reishi Mushroom
For those of us that consume the Reishi (fruiting body) and not the spore oil , it is good to note that while many studies have found reishi mushrooms to protect the liver, two case reports around using powdered mushrooms raise concerns for potential liver problems. Traditionally, reishi mushroom has been used as a water extract, a type of mushroom tea. Two case reports of patients developing liver toxicity after switching from water extracts to whole, powdered reishi mushrooms may indicate concerns for whole reishi mushroom products. For safety, it’s likely best to take reishi mushroom as a water extract, as traditionally recommended.
Reishi Health Benefits
Antioxidant Effects
Immune-Stimulating Effects
Supports healthy blood circulation
Aids digestion
Increased metabolism