# Ganoderma lucidum 'Blue Reishi' **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/ganoderma-lucidum-blue-reishi **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-31 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Mushroom/Fungi **Also Known As:** Blue Reishi, Blue Lingzhi, Ganoderma lucidum blue cultivar, Blue variant reishi, Blue Ganoderma, Lingzhi blue strain ## Overview Ganoderma lucidum 'Blue Reishi' is a color variant of the Reishi mushroom complex, presumed to contain triterpenoids (such as ganoderic acids) and [beta-glucan](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) polysaccharides similar to other Reishi variants. Current available research is limited to cultivation and extraction methodology, with no published clinical trials confirming health outcomes specific to this variant. ## Health Benefits • No clinical health benefits can be substantiated from the provided research • The research focuses exclusively on cultivation and extraction methods • No human studies, clinical trials, or health outcome data were included • No evidence quality can be assessed without clinical research • Traditional use claims cannot be verified from these cultivation-focused sources ## Mechanism of Action Like other Ganoderma lucidum variants, Blue Reishi is presumed to exert [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects via beta-glucan polysaccharides binding to Dectin-1 receptors on macrophages and dendritic cells, triggering NF-kB pathway activation. Ganoderic acids, lanostane-type triterpenoids, are theorized to inhibit 5-alpha reductase and modulate [cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling cascades including TNF-alpha and IL-6 suppression. However, no molecular pathway data specific to the Blue Reishi variant has been confirmed in peer-reviewed clinical or preclinical human-cell studies. ## Clinical Summary No clinical trials, human studies, or controlled preclinical studies specifically investigating Ganoderma lucidum 'Blue Reishi' as a distinct variant have been identified in the available research literature. Existing data pertains solely to cultivation protocols and extraction techniques, making it impossible to assess efficacy or assign an evidence grade for any health outcome. Extrapolation from broader Ganoderma lucidum research—which includes small randomized trials in fatigue and [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) with modest effect sizes—cannot be applied to this specific variant without confirmatory data. The evidence quality for Blue Reishi-specific health claims is currently insufficient to support any therapeutic recommendation. ## Nutritional Profile Ganoderma lucidum 'Blue Reishi' shares the foundational biochemical composition of the Ganoderma lucidum species complex, with strain-specific variations likely present. Based on established Ganoderma lucidum compositional data: Macronutrients per 100g dry weight: protein 10-19g (containing all essential amino acids, notably glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and lysine); carbohydrates 26-28g; fat 1.9-3.9g (predominantly unsaturated fatty acids including oleic and stearic acid); dietary fiber 31-59g (predominately insoluble chitin-based fiber with low bioavailability). Key bioactive compounds: [Beta-glucan](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)s (primarily beta-1,3/1,6-glucans) estimated 10-50% of dry weight depending on extraction method and fruiting body vs. mycelium source; triterpenoids (ganoderic acids A, B, C, D, G, H, and lucidenic acids) concentrated in fruiting body at approximately 1-6% dry weight, with higher concentrations in the spore wall; polysaccharides (Ganoderan A, B, C) ranging 1.0-1.5% in hot-water extracts. Micronutrients: potassium 310-460mg/100g; phosphorus 180-220mg/100g; calcium 20-60mg/100g; magnesium 14-25mg/100g; zinc 1.5-4.0mg/100g; selenium 0.01-0.19mg/100g (highly substrate-dependent); ergosterol (provitamin D2 precursor) 0.3-0.8% dry weight, converting to vitamin D2 upon UV exposure. B-vitamins present including niacin (3-4mg/100g), riboflavin (0.2-0.4mg/100g), and pantothenic acid. The 'Blue Reishi' designation likely refers to a specific cultivar or regional variant; pigmentation differences may indicate altered secondary metabolite profiles, but specific compositional data distinguishing this variant from standard G. lucidum is not established in peer-reviewed literature. Bioavailability note: Raw fruiting body compounds have significantly limited bioavailability due to chitin cell walls; hot-water extraction improves polysaccharide availability, while ethanol or dual extraction is required for triterpene bioavailability. Spore oil preparations yield highest triterpene concentrations. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges were found in the provided research. The sources only describe extraction yields (13.19% from dry fruiting bodies) without human dosing information. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions No safety profile specific to Ganoderma lucidum 'Blue Reishi' has been established in clinical literature, though general Reishi mushroom use has been associated with dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, and rare hepatotoxicity with prolonged use. Reishi variants may potentiate anticoagulant medications such as warfarin by inhibiting platelet aggregation, and caution is warranted when combined with antihypertensive or immunosuppressive drugs. Individuals with autoimmune conditions, bleeding disorders, or scheduled surgery should consult a physician before use. Pregnancy and lactation safety for this specific variant is entirely unstudied and its use during these periods cannot be considered safe by available evidence. ## Scientific Research No clinical trials or meta-analyses were found in the provided research dossier. The available sources contain only cultivation and extraction methodology without any PMIDs or clinical outcome data. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional use information was included in the provided cultivation-focused research sources. The dossier lacks ethnobotanical or traditional medicine documentation. ## Synergistic Combinations Cannot be determined from cultivation-only research ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What makes Blue Reishi different from regular Reishi mushroom? Blue Reishi is a color variant of Ganoderma lucidum, distinguished by differences in pigmentation that may reflect variation in secondary metabolite composition, including specific ganoderic acid profiles or pigment compounds. However, no published comparative study has quantified chemical or pharmacological differences between Blue Reishi and standard Ganoderma lucidum variants, so no evidence-based distinction in health effects can currently be made. ### Are there any clinical studies on Blue Reishi? As of available research, there are no published clinical trials, randomized controlled studies, or formal human observational studies specific to Ganoderma lucidum 'Blue Reishi.' All identified research focuses on cultivation substrates and extraction methodology rather than health outcomes, meaning no dosage, efficacy, or safety conclusions can be drawn from clinical data at this time. ### What compounds are found in Blue Reishi mushroom? Blue Reishi is presumed to contain the characteristic Ganoderma lucidum bioactives—ganoderic acids A, B, C, and D (lanostane triterpenoids), beta-1,3/1,6-glucan polysaccharides, and lucidenic acids—based on its taxonomic classification. However, no peer-reviewed phytochemical analysis specific to the Blue Reishi variant has been published to confirm compound concentrations or a unique chemical fingerprint distinguishing it from other Reishi variants. ### What is the recommended dosage for Blue Reishi supplement? No clinically validated dosage has been established for Ganoderma lucidum 'Blue Reishi' specifically. General Reishi mushroom research has explored doses ranging from 1.5 g to 9 g per day of dried mushroom equivalent or 1–1.5 g of standardized extract, but these figures cannot be directly applied to Blue Reishi without variant-specific pharmacokinetic or efficacy data. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before supplementation. ### Is Blue Reishi safe to take daily? Daily safety of Blue Reishi has not been evaluated in any published study. General long-term Reishi mushroom use beyond 1–3 months has been associated with rare cases of hepatotoxicity and potential interactions with anticoagulant drugs like warfarin due to platelet aggregation inhibition. Without variant-specific toxicology data, daily use of Blue Reishi cannot be confirmed as safe, and individuals with liver conditions, bleeding disorders, or those taking prescription medications should seek medical guidance before use. ### Does Blue Reishi interact with blood thinners or anticoagulant medications? Blue Reishi may have mild anticoagulant properties based on traditional use, but no clinical studies have documented specific interactions with blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin. Anyone taking prescription anticoagulants should consult their healthcare provider before adding Blue Reishi supplementation. The lack of human clinical data means potential interaction risks cannot be definitively assessed. ### Is Blue Reishi safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? There are no clinical studies evaluating Blue Reishi safety in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, so its use cannot be recommended during these periods. Traditional use suggests it may have been consumed, but modern safety data is absent. Pregnant and nursing individuals should avoid Blue Reishi unless explicitly approved by their healthcare provider. ### What is the difference between Blue Reishi extract and whole fruiting body powder? Blue Reishi supplements come in extract forms (concentrated compounds) or whole fruiting body powder, with extracts typically containing higher concentrations of bioactive compounds per serving. Research on cultivation and extraction methods exists, but no human studies directly compare the efficacy or absorption of these different forms. The choice between forms may depend on personal preference and product concentration, though clinical evidence supporting one over the other is lacking. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*