Reishi mushroom and BPH

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), long revered in traditional Chinese medicine as the “mushroom of immortality,” is now gaining attention for its potential to support prostate health. This distinctive, glossy fungus has been used for centuries to promote longevity, and physical well-being, enhancing stamina, and boosting vitality.  Historically, the activation of host immunity was widely regarded as the principal mechanism by which Reishi mushroom exerts its anticancer effects. However, recent advancements have revealed that its cancer-preventative mechanisms extend beyond immune modulation to include promotion of cell differentiation, inhibition of angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), and modulation of other molecular pathways of value in maintaining the health of the body tissues - a key factor in cancer prevention.

Regarding prostate health, a university group in Japan have published two papers exploring the benefits of Reishi mushroom for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).  The first study was of 38 men with BPH who were randomized to take two different doses of Reishi mushroom extract or placebo daily for 8 weeks.   The extract was well tolerated and an improvement in IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) was observed compared with placebo. Based on this study, the researchers found a dose of 6 mg of Reishi mushroom extract per day to be effective, and they used this information in a further study.  For this second trial, they assigned 88 men with slight-to-moderate LUTS to take either 6 mg of Reishi mushroom extract daily or placebo for 12 weeks. They concluded that the extract was effective and significantly superior to placebo for improving symptoms, although no changes in a variety of objective measurements were found, such as peak urinary flow, residual bladder urine, and prostate volume. What’s particularly striking in these two studies, is that even very small doses of Reishi mushroom appear to have a therapeutic effect - an encouraging finding given the chronic nature of BPH and the limited options for gentle, well-tolerated interventions.

Ann Walker PhD FCPP MNIMH RNutr, Herbal Practitioner and Nutritionist, Course Director, Discovering Herbal Medicine course