# Ganoderma lucidum 'Shi Zhi'

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/ganoderma-lucidum-shi-zhi
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Mushroom/Fungi
**Also Known As:** Ganoderma lucidum, Reishi mushroom, Lingzhi, Ling-zhi, Xiancao, Immortality herb, Varnish shelf fungus

## Overview

Ganoderma lucidum 'Shi Zhi' is a specific cultivar of reishi mushroom containing bioactive polysaccharides and [immunomodulat](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)ing proteins like LZ-8. The polysaccharides may influence immune cell activity and tumor suppression pathways, though clinical evidence remains limited.

## Health Benefits

• No clinical evidence available - research lacks human trials for 'Shi Zhi' cultivar
• General G. lucidum contains bioactive polysaccharides with potential antitumorigenic properties (preliminary evidence only)
• Contains proteins like LZ-8 with immunosuppressive properties (in-vitro evidence only)
• Traditional use for [longevity](/ingredients/condition/longevity) and spiritual potency (historical use, no clinical validation)
• Traditional organ-specific benefits claimed in TCM texts (no modern clinical evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

The polysaccharides in Ganoderma lucidum 'Shi Zhi' may modulate immune cell signaling pathways and [cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production, potentially affecting tumor suppression mechanisms. The protein LZ-8 demonstrates immunosuppressive properties by influencing T-cell proliferation and activation in laboratory studies. These compounds may interact with [immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) receptors, though specific molecular pathways require further investigation.

## Clinical Summary

No clinical trials have specifically examined the 'Shi Zhi' cultivar of Ganoderma lucidum in humans. General Ganoderma lucidum research includes small-scale human studies showing potential immune system effects, but sample sizes typically range from 20-100 participants. Most evidence supporting antitumorigenic and [immunomodulat](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)ing properties comes from in-vitro laboratory studies and animal models. The lack of human trials for this specific cultivar makes clinical efficacy claims premature.

## Nutritional Profile

Ganoderma lucidum 'Shi Zhi' (Red Reishi) nutritional composition is primarily characterized by its bioactive compounds rather than conventional macronutrients, as it is typically consumed in dried/extracted form rather than as a whole food. Based on available data for G. lucidum species (cultivar-specific data limited): Macronutrients (per 100g dry weight): Protein 10-18g (including [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) proteins such as LZ-8 and fungal immunomodulatory proteins/FIPs); Carbohydrates 65-75g (predominantly complex polysaccharides including beta-1,3 and beta-1,6 glucans estimated at 1-8g/100g dry weight, with reported ranges varying significantly by cultivation substrate and harvest stage); Total fat 1.5-3.5g (including ergosterol as provitamin D2 precursor); Dietary fiber 50-60g (predominantly indigestible chitin-bound glucans, low bioavailability in whole fruiting body form). Key Bioactive Compounds: Triterpenoids (ganoderic acids A, B, C, D, G, H, and related lanostane-type triterpenes) at approximately 1-3% of dry weight, concentrated in fruiting body and spores; beta-glucan polysaccharides (GLP) at 1-5% dry weight with molecular weights ranging 4×10^4 to 1.8×10^6 Da, bioavailability enhanced via hot water extraction; Adenosine and related nucleosides present at trace levels (~0.1-0.5mg/g dry weight). Micronutrients: Potassium approximately 350-450mg/100g dry weight; Phosphorus 150-220mg/100g; Magnesium 40-80mg/100g; Zinc 4-8mg/100g; Copper 0.5-1.5mg/100g; Iron 3-6mg/100g. Vitamins: Ergosterol (pro-vitamin D2) approximately 0.3-1.5mg/g dry weight, conversion to vitamin D2 requires UV exposure; B-vitamins present in trace amounts including niacin (~4-6mg/100g) and riboflavin (~0.2-0.4mg/100g). Bioavailability Notes: Raw or unprocessed fruiting body has poor bioavailability of polysaccharides and triterpenes due to chitin cell wall matrix; hot water extraction (decoction at 70-100°C) significantly improves polysaccharide bioavailability; dual extraction (water + ethanol) required to solubilize both hydrophilic polysaccharides and lipophilic triterpenes; spore powder (cracked cell wall) reported to have higher triterpene bioavailability than fruiting body powder; 'Shi Zhi' cultivar-specific concentration data for bioactives is not independently documented in peer-reviewed literature and is assumed to align broadly with standard G. lucidum fruiting body ranges.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are reported for 'Shi Zhi' cultivar in any form (extract, powder, or standardized). Traditional texts mention inch-square spoonfuls of powdered, shade-dried forms but lack modern dosage validation. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Ganoderma lucidum supplements may cause dizziness, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal upset in some individuals. The mushroom may interact with anticoagulant medications due to potential blood-thinning effects. Individuals with autoimmune conditions should use caution due to the [immunomodulat](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)ing properties of compounds like LZ-8. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for this specific cultivar.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were found specifically for the 'Shi Zhi' cultivar in the research dossier. The available research is limited to taxonomic descriptions and general information about G. lucidum compounds without clinical validation or PMIDs.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, G. lucidum (Ling-zhi) has been used for over 2,000 years as an 'immortality herb' (xiancao) for spiritual potency and [longevity](/ingredients/condition/longevity). Historical texts like Bencao Gangmu (16th century) describe its use to produce 'spirithood' and extend life by thousands of years, with different colored variants claimed to benefit specific organs.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other reishi variants, cordyceps, turkey tail, maitake, shiitake

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What makes Shi Zhi different from other reishi varieties?

'Shi Zhi' is a specific cultivar of Ganoderma lucidum, but research has not identified unique compounds or concentrations that distinguish it from other reishi varieties. Most studies focus on general Ganoderma lucidum rather than specific cultivars like Shi Zhi.

### How much LZ-8 protein is in Shi Zhi reishi?

Specific LZ-8 protein concentrations in the 'Shi Zhi' cultivar have not been quantified in published research. LZ-8 content varies significantly between different reishi preparations and extraction methods, making standardized dosing difficult.

### Can Shi Zhi reishi help with cancer treatment?

While laboratory studies show Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides may have antitumorigenic properties, no clinical trials have tested the 'Shi Zhi' cultivar for cancer treatment. Current evidence is limited to preliminary in-vitro and animal studies only.

### What is the recommended dosage for Shi Zhi supplements?

No established dosage exists for Ganoderma lucidum 'Shi Zhi' specifically due to lack of clinical trials. General reishi supplement studies have used doses ranging from 1-3 grams daily, but optimal dosing for this cultivar remains unknown.

### Are there side effects specific to Shi Zhi reishi?

No side effects specific to the 'Shi Zhi' cultivar have been documented in research. General Ganoderma lucidum side effects include potential digestive upset, dizziness, and possible interactions with blood-thinning medications.

### Is Shi Zhi reishi safe to take with common medications like blood thinners or immunosuppressants?

Shi Zhi reishi contains LZ-8 protein with immunosuppressive properties, which may potentially interact with immunosuppressant medications or blood thinners, though human clinical data is unavailable. Anyone taking prescription medications, particularly anticoagulants or immune-modulating drugs, should consult their healthcare provider before adding Shi Zhi supplements. No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted specifically on this cultivar.

### What is the most bioavailable form of Shi Zhi reishi — raw fruiting body, extract, or spore powder?

Polysaccharide extraction methods typically enhance bioavailability of Ganoderma lucidum compounds, making standardized extracts generally more bioavailable than raw fruiting body powder. However, no specific bioavailability studies compare different forms of the Shi Zhi cultivar. Water extraction is traditionally preferred for reishi to concentrate beta-glucans and other polysaccharides.

### Who should avoid taking Shi Zhi reishi supplements?

Pregnant and nursing women should avoid Shi Zhi reishi due to lack of safety data in these populations. Individuals on immunosuppressive medications or with bleeding disorders should consult a healthcare provider, as the LZ-8 protein may interact with these conditions. People with known allergies to fungi should also exercise caution, as cross-reactivity is possible.

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