Reishi for Tumor Response Rate

Typical dose

Recommended dose

Only with oncology approval

Expected timeframe

n/a

Protocol

form

Hot water extract of fruiting body or spore powder

duration

Trials ran 4-16 weeks

co factor

Evidence is insufficient. A Cochrane review of Ganoderma lucidum for cancer treatment concluded that current evidence does not justify using it as a first-line treatment, and found no convincing evidence that it improves tumour response - patients receiving reishi alongside chemotherapy or radiotherapy were more likely to respond than with those treatments alone in some pooled analyses, but the included trials were small, at high risk of bias, poorly reported and mostly from one region. The review did find some evidence of improved quality of life and immune parameters. Preclinical work shows antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activity, which has not translated into demonstrated tumour response.

titration

Not applicable

starting dose

Not established as an anticancer treatment. Trials used 1.4-5.4 g/day of Ganoderma lucidum extract as an adjunct to chemotherapy or radiotherapy

What the studies say

Less likely to help if