Lingzhi Mushroom: Potential Side Effects and Safety

Sometimes called reishi or ganoderma, lingzhi is a type of mushroom native to Asia. Despite its use by herbalists to treat conditions such as altitude sickness, cancer, fatigue, hepatitis and hypertension, lingzhi poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Features

• In Asia, lingzhi mushrooms are commonly eaten as food with no adverse effects, which indicates that consuming small amounts̵2;2 to 10 grams per day̵2;is generally safe for most people, explains New York University's Langone Medical Center.

Types

• Using lingzhi as a supplement for long periods (months or years) may cause dry mouth, throat or nasal itching, stomach upset, nosebleed and bloody stools, reports the Physicians̵7; Desktop Reference.

Drug Interactions

• Lingzhi may decrease blood pressure levels, posing a risk when taken with high blood pressure drugs, reports RxList. When taken with blood thinners, lingzhi increases your risk of prolonged or uncontrollable bleeding after an injury or surgery.

Risks

• Some patients experience severe allergic reactions to lingzhi, resulting in hives, shortness of breath, chest pain and swelling of the face, extremities or throat, warns the Physicians̵7; Desktop Reference.

Considerations

• Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, avoid using lingzhi if you are pregnant or nursing. If you have a history of bleeding disorders or hypotension, it may not be safe for you to take lingzhi, cautions RxList.