Reishi Mushroom for Stress
Polypore fungus containing triterpenes and beta-glucans studied for immunomodulatory and calming effects; used traditionally in East Asian medicine to support sleep and reduce stress.
Reishi Mushroom for Stress
1 of 4 results reported a benefit, from 1 published study.
1 randomised trial · the chart counts everything measured
- 1 reported a benefit
- 2 no clear benefit
- 1 unclear
Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.
Nothing measured Stress directly. These were measured:
- BMI and blood pressureNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedGanoderma did not change BMI or blood pressure compared to placebo.1 randomised trial2012 study ↗
3 laboratory markers also measured
- Antioxidant and immune markers · lab markerNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedGanoderma did not significantly change antioxidant status or lymphocyte subsets compared to placebo.1 randomised trial2012 study ↗
- Blood fats (lipids) · lab markerUnclear resultmeasurement not reportedGanoderma improved triglycerides and HDL compared to placebo in the first period, but carry-over effects prevented complete analysis.1 randomised trial2012 study ↗
- Insulin resistance · lab markerReported a benefitmeasurement not reportedGanoderma lowered insulin and insulin resistance compared to placebo.1 randomised trial2012 study ↗
These are the figures the studies reported, not a prediction for any one person. Where several studies measured the same thing in the same unit, we show a simple average and say so. Every result is listed below.
See every resultThe connection
Chronic stress, burnout and high cortisol — distinct from anxiety.
Also known as: Ganoderma lucidum, Lingzhi
Reishi Mushroom × Stress: at a glance
Every published result for this pair, extracted and audited.
These charts count reported findings from published studies, grouped by reported benefit and study design. Study design is not a certainty grade.
Reishi Mushroom / Stress: reported findings; one study may contribute several findings.
What the evidence shows
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| No benefit | 2 |
| Unclear | 1 |
| Benefit | 1 |
Study designs behind these findings
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Randomised trial | 4 |
- Studies
- 1
| Study | Outcome | Reported result | Uncertainty (as reported) | Study duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. (PMID 21801467) | Antioxidant and immune markers | Not reported | Not reported | 12 weeks |
| Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. (PMID 21801467) | Blood lipids | Not reported | Not reported | 12 weeks |
| Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. (PMID 21801467) | BMI and blood pressure | Not reported | Not reported | 12 weeks |
| Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. (PMID 21801467) | Insulin resistance | Not reported | Not reported | 12 weeks |
Study results, as reported by the publications
Every measured outcome, one row per finding - numbers exactly as reported. Units are preserved where supplied; missing units are not inferred.
| Study and type | Reported sample and duration | Outcome measured | Reported result | What studies found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMID 21801467 2012 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): twenty-threeDuration: 12 weeks | Antioxidant and immune markers | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 21801467 2012 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): twenty-threeDuration: 12 weeks | Blood lipids | Not reported | Unclear |
| PMID 21801467 2012 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): twenty-threeDuration: 12 weeks | BMI and blood pressure | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 21801467 2012 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): twenty-threeDuration: 12 weeks | Insulin resistance | Not reported | Benefit |
Reishi Mushroom × Stress: the evidence base
Hand-selected PubMed studies, linked to the originals.
Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.
01Potential Bioactive Function of Microbial Metabolites as Inhibitors of Tyrosinase: A Systematic ReviewBarcenas-Giraldo S, et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2026PMID 41596661 ↗02Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on mental health in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsAlsanie SA, et al. · Complementary therapies in medicine · 2026PMID 41644067 ↗03Mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides in the mangement of diabetes and its complicationsXin Y, et al. · Frontiers in pharmacology · 2026PMID 42147328 ↗04Edible and Medicinal Fungi as Candidate Natural Antidepressants: Mechanisms and Nutritional ImplicationsGong P, et al. · Molecular nutrition & food research · 2025PMID 40289452 ↗05Levodopa and Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Parkinson's Disease: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Future PerspectivesAktaş E, et al. · CNS neuroscience & therapeutics · 2025PMID 40808332 ↗06Transcriptome-based meta-analysis of drought stress regulatory genes in tomatoMurtaza M, et al. · BMC plant biology · 2025PMID 41068586 ↗Community experiences
Contributors volunteered; this does not establish treatment effectiveness or population incidence.
Reported changes
No publishable community breakdown is available. This does not establish that no reports exist.