Is Reishi compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Reishi?

Reishi

August 6, 2017 (Low Risk)

A fungus found worldwide that grows saprophytically on tree bark. Used in traditional Chinese medicine as a fortifier and stimulant of the immune system.
Contains polysaccharides (glucans), triterpenoids (ganoderic acid) and ergosterols.

There is insufficient evidence of its effectiveness in the treatment of cancer (Jin 2016, MedlinePlus 2015), or in cardiovascular disease (Krupp 2015, MedlinePlus 2015), or in any other condition, such as hepatitis, asthma, bronchitis, high blood pressure, immune deficiency, fatigue, insomnia, etc. (MedlinePlus 2015).

Excessive use or high concentrations for more than one month may be toxic to the liver (MedlinePlus 2015, Gill 2008, Wanmuang 2007).

Since the last update we have not found any published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Given its lack of toxicity at the right doses, moderate use would be compatible with breastfeeding.

Precautions when taking plant preparations:
1. Ensure that they are from a reliable source: poisoning has occurred due to confusing one plant with another with toxic properties, as well as poisoning from heavy metals extracted from the ground and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi.
2. Do not take in large amounts; follow recommendations from professional experts in phytotherapy. "Natural" products are not always good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can result in poisoning or act as endocrine disruptors if taken in excessive amounts or time periods.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Ling Zhi
  • mushroom of immortality
  • Reishi mushroom

Writings

  • Ganoderma lucidum (Latin, botanical name)
  • 靈芝 (Chinese)
  • 赤芝 (Japanese)

References

  1. Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, Chan GC. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016Abstract
  2. Tawasri P, Ampasavate C, Tharatha S, Chiranthanut N, Teekachunhatean S. Effect of Oral Coadministration of Ascorbic Acid with Ling Zhi Preparation on Pharmacokinetics of Ganoderic Acid A in Healthy Male Subjects: A Randomized Crossover Study. Biomed Res Int. 2016Abstract
  3. Kim HN, Do HH, Seo JS, Kim HY. Two cases of incidental Podostroma cornu-damae poisoning. Clin Exp Emerg Med. 2016Abstract
  4. Klupp NL, Chang D, Hawke F, Kiat H, Cao H, Grant SJ, Bensoussan A. Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015Abstract
  5. MedlinePlus. Hongo Reishi. MedlinePlus Suplementos. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  6. MedlinePlus. Reishi Mushroom. MedlinePlus Supplements. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  7. Gill SK, Rieder MJ. Toxicity of a traditional Chinese medicine, Ganoderma lucidum, in children with cancer. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2008Abstract
  8. Wanmuang H, Leopairut J, Kositchaiwat C, Wananukul W, Bunyaratvej S. Fatal fulminant hepatitis associated with Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) mushroom powder. J Med Assoc Thai. 2007Abstract