Reishi polysaccharides: natural support in oncology

28 March 2025

Reishi Polysaccharides: Support in the Fight Against Cancer

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is one of the most well-known medicinal mushrooms in the world. In China, it has long been called the "mushroom of immortality", while in Japan it is known as Mannentake, which translates to "mushroom of ten thousand years." Other common names include Lingzhi, varnished conk, and Ganoderma.

The Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used for thousands of years in Asian countries to treat various diseases and promote health and longevity. Due to its unique medicinal properties, such as a tonic effect, increased vitality, and improved heart function, Reishi has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to maintain good health, eternal youth, and vitality.

Read also: Reishi – A Natural Remedy for Hypertension

Modern medical research has shown that this mushroom exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-glycemic, anti-ulcer, anti-cancer, and immunostimulatory properties. It is also recognized as an alternative adjuvant therapy for cancer and diabetes treatment.

Reishi contains various components, such as glycoproteins, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, meroterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, benzopyran derivatives, and benzoic acid derivatives. It has been established that Reishi’s anti-cancer properties are mainly attributed to its polysaccharides and triterpenes.

Let us explore the anti-cancer properties of Reishi polysaccharides.

Key Bioactive Components of Reishi Polysaccharides (GLP):

β-glucans — Stimulate the immune system by activating T-cells, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells. They also influence cytokine secretion (e.g., interleukins and interferons), which promotes anti-tumor activity.
Glycoproteins — Enhance cytokine production (molecules that help fight cancer) and participate in regulating immune responses by modulating dendritic cell and T-cell activation.
Heteropolysaccharides — Influence anti-inflammatory processes and reduce the risk of metastasis. They inhibit angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels supplying nutrients to tumors) and promote apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.

In the journal Anticancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry in 2018, scientists from Turkey (Department of Pharmacognosy) and the United States (Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) published a study on the effects of Reishi polysaccharides extracted from the fruiting bodies of the mushroom using water. The research was conducted on both laboratory animals (mice and rats) and humans with various types of cancer.

Anti-Cancer Effects of Reishi Polysaccharides and Their Mechanisms of Action:

1. Immunomodulatory Effect:

Reishi polysaccharides activate the body’s natural immune defense mechanisms. They stimulate:

—The activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which detect and destroy cancer cells.

—The production of cytokines, such as interleukin-2 and interferon-γ, which enhance anti-tumor immune responses.

2. Anti-Proliferative Effect:

Reishi polysaccharides inhibit tumor growth by blocking signals that promote the division of cancer cells. For example, GLP suppresses the activity of cell cycle-related proteins, such as cyclins.

3. Programmed Cell Apoptosis:

GLP induces the natural death of cancer cells by activating caspases—enzymes that trigger cell self-destruction mechanisms.

4. Anti-Metastatic Effect:

Reishi polysaccharides reduce the ability of cancer cells to migrate and invade, lowering the risk of tumor spread in the body. This is achieved by inhibiting enzymes that break down the extracellular matrix.

5. Anti-Angiogenic Effect:

GLP halts the formation of new blood vessels in tumors (angiogenesis), thereby blocking their nutrition and growth.

Reishi polysaccharides exert anti-cancer effects by inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis, as well as improving the immune function of patients.

Reishi polysaccharides have been studied in relation to various types of cancer, including: breast cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocarcinoma (liver cancer), lung cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and leukemia. Clinical trials included patients with lung cancer and colorectal cancer.

Reishi Polysaccharides Show Significant Success in Studies:

Lung Cancer: In patients with lung cancer who took GLP (Reishi polysaccharides), immune markers improved: the number of T-lymphocytes (CD4+) and NK cells increased, while levels of inflammatory markers (TNF-α) decreased. Immune system function improved by 30–50% compared to the control group.
Colorectal Cancer: In a study involving patients with colorectal cancer who received 5.4 g of GLP daily, quality of life improved in 65% of cases.
Sarcoma in Mice: GLP reduced tumor volume by 60% without side effects.
Liver Cancer: Tumor suppression ranged from 25% to 47%, depending on the dose.
Combination with Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy: In clinical studies, chemo- or radiotherapy combined with Reishi increased tumor response by 1.27 times.

Thus, the combined use of Reishi polysaccharides can be beneficial for cancer patients undergoing traditional chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, enhancing the immune function of patients and reducing the toxicity of conventional treatments.

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In another study, scientists from China Medical University (Taichung, Taiwan) examined the effects of Reishi extracts on leukemia and immune response in a mouse model. The results were published in December 2009 in the journal Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry. The study demonstrated that Reishi extracts significantly enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer.

Key Findings:

Effect on Survival: Improved survival by 30% (compared to the untreated group).
Immunomodulatory Effect:
- Reishi increased T-lymphocyte levels by up to 30% and B-lymphocytes by up to 25% in the blood (compared to the untreated group).
- Levels of Mac-3 markers decreased by 10–15%, and macrophages by 15–20%, indicating reduced activity of monocytes and macrophages, thus reducing inflammation.
Reduction of Tumor Burden:
- Spleen mass decreased by 19–20% in groups treated with Reishi, compared to untreated mice, indicating reduced infiltration of tumor cells.
- Histological studies showed a significant reduction in the number of immature cancer cells in the red pulp of the spleen.
NK Cell Activity and Phagocytosis:
- Reishi stimulated the activity of natural killer cells (NK) by 35% and macrophage phagocytosis (the process of "eating" bacteria and dead cells) by 40%. The effects were dose-dependent, with higher doses of Reishi showing greater efficacy (doses of 3 and 6 mg/kg of Reishi extract were used).
Cell Proliferation (Division and Growth):
- Reishi promoted the proliferation of splenocytes (spleen immune cells) stimulated by concanavalin A (Con A), indicating T-cell activation for disease resistance.

Learn more about the benefits of polysaccharides in mushrooms: Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Benefits and Uses

Reishi polysaccharides are a powerful ally in the fight against cancer. Their unique properties help slow tumor growth, improve immune response, and enhance patients’ quality of life. If you're undergoing traditional treatment, Reishi can serve as an effective complementary remedy to support your body during therapy.

Reminder: Always consult your physician before starting any treatment! Take care of yourself and maintain your health with natural remedies!

This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

You can purchase high-quality Reishi extract in our store.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Reishi polysaccharides cure cancer?

Polysaccharides are not a cure for cancer, but they can enhance immune response, reduce inflammation, and inhibit tumor growth when used alongside conventional therapy.