Review: Reishi’s Benefits for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health—supporting these systems supports overall healthspan.

Questions about reishi mushroom and liver health have become more common as these supplements gain popularity. Some people worry about liver damage, while others have heard that reishi might actually support liver function. What does the evidence actually show about this traditional medicinal mushroom and liver safety? Where the Concern Comes From A small number…

A 2017 study published in Oncotarget investigated how Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) extracts affect inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically examining immune system regulation and changes to gut bacteria composition. Study Design Researchers administered Lion’s Mane extracts to subjects with IBD and measured inflammation markers, immune cell activity, and changes in the gut microbiome over the…

Implications While this animal study provides mechanistic insights, it identifies a specific compound (ganoderic acid A) that future research can investigate further. Understanding which compounds produce which effects helps explain why product quality and extraction methods matter. Limitations to Consider Animal studies don’t directly translate to human outcomes. Cholesterol metabolism differs between species, and the…

Water extraction pulls out polysaccharides and beta-glucans. Alcohol extraction captures triterpenes. The extraction method you use determines which beneficial compounds actually end up in your supplement—and which ones get left behind or destroyed. This fundamental difference explains why two mushroom supplements from the same species can have completely different effects on your body. Understanding extraction…

A 2015 comprehensive review in Functional Foods in Health and Disease examined research on Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and related species for their effects on blood sugar management and insulin sensitivity. Study Design Researchers analyzed multiple studies investigating how Ganoderma mushrooms affect glucose metabolism. The review examined both polysaccharide and triterpene compounds, looking at mechanisms including…

What Spagyric Extraction Actually Involves The term “spagyric” derives from Greek words meaning “to separate” and “to combine.” It originates from Paracelsus, the 16th-century Swiss physician-alchemist who developed this approach as part of his medical philosophy. Traditional spagyric extraction follows a three-stage process: Stage 1: Fermentation – The plant (or fungal) material is macerated and…