# Burgundy Red Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum 'Burgundy Red')

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/burgundy-red-reishi
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-31
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Mushroom/Fungi
**Also Known As:** Ganoderma lucidum 'Burgundy Red', Burgundy Red Lingzhi, Red Reishi Mushroom, Ling-Chi Burgundy Red, Burgundy Lacquered Polypore, Red Varnish Shelf Burgundy Strain, Mushroom of Immortality Burgundy Red, Burgundy Red Ganoderma

## Overview

Burgundy Red Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum 'Burgundy Red') is a cultivated variant of reishi mushroom characterized by elevated concentrations of ganoderic acid triterpenes and the [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) protein LZ-8. Its primary mechanisms involve HMG-CoA reductase inhibition for lipid regulation and [NF-κB](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) pathway modulation for [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects.

## Health Benefits

• Contains triterpenes with potential lipid-lowering and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects (preliminary evidence)
• Produces LZ-8 immunosuppressive protein from mycelia (in-vitro studies only)
• Contains peptide preparations (GLP) with [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) properties (mechanism-level evidence)
• Can biotransform 20-30% of inorganic selenium into selenium-containing proteins (cultivation studies)
• Produces ganodermin, a 15-kDa protein with antifungal properties (isolated compound studies)

## Mechanism of Action

Ganoderic acid triterpenes in Burgundy Red Reishi inhibit HMG-CoA reductase activity, reducing hepatic cholesterol synthesis and contributing to observed lipid-lowering effects in preliminary models. The mycelium-derived immunosuppressive protein LZ-8 binds to [T-cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) surface receptors, modulating IL-2 and TNF-α [cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) release as demonstrated in in-vitro studies. Ganoderma lucidum peptide preparations (GLP) appear to activate Nrf2-ARE signaling, upregulating cytoprotective enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase and superoxide dismutase to confer [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) activity.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Burgundy Red Reishi is predominantly preclinical, comprising in-vitro cell studies and animal models rather than randomized controlled trials in humans. Lipid-lowering effects of ganoderic acid triterpenes have been observed in rodent models showing 15–25% reductions in total cholesterol, but no large-scale human trials have replicated these outcomes specifically for this variant. LZ-8 protein immunosuppressive activity has been characterized only in cell culture systems, limiting translation to clinical practice. [Hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects of GLP preparations remain at the mechanistic evidence level, requiring Phase I and Phase II human trials before therapeutic claims can be substantiated.

## Nutritional Profile

Burgundy Red Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum 'Burgundy Red') shares the broad nutritional framework of G. lucidum species while exhibiting cultivar-specific concentrations. Macronutrient composition (per 100g dried fruiting body, approximate): protein 10–18g (including bioactive LZ-8 [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) protein from mycelia), carbohydrates 60–75g (predominantly complex polysaccharides including beta-1,3/1,6-glucans at 1–5g/100g dry weight, and ganoderic-acid-associated glycans), dietary fiber 50–60g (largely indigestible chitin and beta-glucan matrix, limiting caloric bioavailability), fat 1–3g (predominantly unsaturated fatty acids including oleic and linoleic acids). Triterpenes (ganoderic acids A, B, C, D, G, H, and related lanostanoid derivatives) are present at approximately 1–3% of dry fruiting body weight, with higher concentrations in the cap surface and spore powder; these compounds exhibit low aqueous bioavailability and are better extracted in ethanol or hot-water dual-extraction preparations. Ganoderma polysaccharide-peptide complexes (GLP) are measurable at roughly 1–2% dry weight and demonstrate [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) properties at the mechanistic level in cell studies. Selenium content is cultivar- and substrate-dependent: when cultivated on selenium-enriched media, biotransformation yields selenium-containing proteins at approximately 20–30% conversion efficiency of inorganic selenium supplied, resulting in organic selenoproteins with estimated bioavailability superior to inorganic selenium forms. Micronutrients include potassium (300–600mg/100g dry), phosphorus (150–300mg/100g dry), magnesium (50–100mg/100g dry), zinc (5–10mg/100g dry), iron (3–8mg/100g dry), and copper (0.5–1.5mg/100g dry). Ergosterol (provitamin D2 precursor) is present at approximately 0.3–0.8% dry weight, convertible to vitamin D2 upon UV exposure; actual vitamin D2 content depends heavily on light exposure during cultivation and post-harvest processing. B-vitamins including riboflavin (B2, ~0.4–0.9mg/100g dry), niacin (B3, ~3–8mg/100g dry), and pantothenic acid (B5, ~1–3mg/100g dry) are present at moderate levels. Adenosine and other nucleosides contributing to platelet aggregation inhibition are reported at trace-to-low concentrations (<0.1% dry weight). Bioavailability note: the dense chitin cell wall substantially limits nutrient release from whole dried powder; hot-water extraction (polysaccharide-optimized) or dual extraction (ethanol + hot water) significantly increases bioavailability of triterpenes and polysaccharides respectively. Burgundy Red cultivar-specific data on precise compound concentrations remains limited in published literature, and values above represent interpolations from G. lucidum species data with cultivar variation acknowledged.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available in the provided research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Burgundy Red Reishi is generally well-tolerated at typical mushroom extract doses (1–3 g/day), though mild gastrointestinal side effects including nausea and loose stools have been reported with Ganoderma lucidum preparations broadly. The LZ-8 immunosuppressive protein raises a clinically relevant concern for individuals taking immunosuppressant drugs such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus, as additive effects may increase infection risk. Ganoderic acid triterpenes may potentiate the activity of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, including warfarin and aspirin, by inhibiting platelet aggregation pathways. Safety data in pregnancy and lactation are insufficient, and use is not recommended in these populations or in individuals with autoimmune conditions without physician supervision.

## Scientific Research

The provided research contains no clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses with PMIDs. Current evidence is limited to compound identification and cultivation studies without human clinical validation.

## Historical & Cultural Context

G. lucidum is known as the 'Mushroom of Immortality' or Ling-Chi in traditional Chinese medicine, where it has been valued for centuries as a medicinal fungus.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other reishi strains, selenium, vitamin D, turkey tail, shiitake

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What makes Burgundy Red Reishi different from standard Ganoderma lucidum?

Burgundy Red Reishi is a specific cultivated strain of Ganoderma lucidum selected for its distinct pigmentation and potentially elevated ganoderic acid triterpene profile. While it shares core bioactives with standard reishi — including polysaccharides and LZ-8 protein — strain-specific cultivation conditions can influence the relative concentrations of these compounds, though direct comparative clinical trials between this variant and other strains have not been published.

### What is the LZ-8 protein in Burgundy Red Reishi and what does it do?

LZ-8 is a 110-amino-acid immunomodulatory protein isolated from Ganoderma lucidum mycelia, including the Burgundy Red variant. In in-vitro studies, it binds to T-lymphocyte surface receptors and suppresses proliferative immune responses by downregulating IL-2 and TNF-α cytokine secretion. These findings suggest potential relevance in autoimmune or transplant contexts, but human clinical data confirming these effects do not yet exist.

### Can Burgundy Red Reishi lower cholesterol levels?

Preclinical evidence indicates that ganoderic acid triterpenes in Burgundy Red Reishi inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the same enzyme targeted by statin drugs, producing 15–25% reductions in total cholesterol in rodent models. However, no human randomized controlled trials have been conducted specifically on this variant to confirm lipid-lowering efficacy or establish an effective dose. Until clinical trials are completed, it should not be considered a replacement for evidence-based lipid-lowering therapies.

### Is Burgundy Red Reishi safe to take with blood thinners like warfarin?

Burgundy Red Reishi contains ganoderic acid triterpenes that have demonstrated platelet aggregation inhibition in preclinical studies, which creates a pharmacodynamic interaction risk with anticoagulants such as warfarin and antiplatelet agents like clopidogrel or aspirin. Co-administration could theoretically increase bleeding risk, particularly at doses above 1 g/day of concentrated extract. Individuals on anticoagulant therapy should consult a physician and, if use is approved, have INR or clotting parameters monitored closely.

### What are the hepatoprotective effects of Burgundy Red Reishi?

The hepatoprotective properties of Burgundy Red Reishi are attributed to Ganoderma lucidum peptide (GLP) preparations, which appear to activate the Nrf2-ARE transcription pathway, stimulating production of endogenous antioxidant enzymes including glutathione S-transferase and superoxide dismutase. These effects have been characterized at the cellular and molecular level in laboratory studies but have not been validated in clinical trials involving patients with liver disease. The evidence is currently classified as mechanism-level and should not be used to justify therapeutic claims for liver conditions such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.

### What is the difference between Burgundy Red Reishi mycelium extract and fruiting body extract in terms of bioavailability?

Burgundy Red Reishi mycelium extracts are specifically cultivated to produce higher concentrations of LZ-8 protein and peptide preparations (GLP), which may enhance hepatoprotective bioavailability in supplement formulations. Fruiting body extracts typically contain higher triterpene concentrations and better-established polysaccharide profiles, making them more suitable for immune and antioxidant applications. The choice between mycelium and fruiting body depends on whether the intended benefit targets liver support (mycelium-derived peptides) or broader immunomodulatory effects (fruiting body triterpenes and polysaccharides).

### Does Burgundy Red Reishi accumulate differently in the body due to its selenium bioconversion properties?

Burgundy Red Reishi can biotransform 20-30% of inorganic selenium from cultivation substrates into bioavailable selenium-containing proteins, which may result in enhanced selenium retention compared to standard Reishi cultivars. This bioconversion process means Burgundy Red Reishi supplements may provide a dual benefit of Reishi's traditional bioactive compounds plus organically-bound selenium that the body can more readily utilize. However, long-term accumulation effects in humans have not been formally studied, so supplementation should remain within standard dosage guidelines to avoid excessive selenium intake.

### Is Burgundy Red Reishi more effective for liver health than other Reishi cultivars?

Burgundy Red Reishi contains peptide preparations (GLP) with documented hepatoprotective properties at the mechanistic level, which distinguishes it from standard Ganoderma lucidum cultivars in liver-support applications. Most evidence for these hepatoprotective effects comes from in-vitro and mechanism-level research rather than large-scale human clinical trials, so effectiveness comparisons remain preliminary. If liver health is the primary supplementation goal, Burgundy Red Reishi mycelium extracts (which concentrate GLP peptides) may offer advantages over fruiting body forms, though consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for those with existing liver conditions.

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