Reishi and Cholesterol: What Human Research Actually Shows
A cautious look at Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and cholesterol evidence, separating human clinical trials from animal data.
Evidence summary
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has a long traditional-use history and substantial laboratory research. For cardiovascular outcomes in humans, the evidence is limited.
What the Cochrane review found
A Cochrane review identified five eligible trials involving 398 participants, with only three providing data suitable for analysis. The included interventions generally used 1.4–3 g/day of Ganoderma lucidum for 12–16 weeks. The review did not establish convincing benefit for the cardiovascular risk factors studied.
Why animal meta-analyses are not enough
A later meta-analysis of animal studies reported favorable lipid changes, but animal evidence cannot establish that a human supplement lowers cholesterol or prevents cardiovascular disease.
What this means for Cholibrium
Cholibrium includes Reishi, but its formula, dose and combination with nine other mushrooms are not the same intervention used in the Reishi trials. Treat the Reishi evidence as ingredient context—not proof of Cholibrium efficacy.