Study: Reishi a Possible Ally in the Treatment of Crohn's Disease

Natural medicine has aroused increasing interest in the scientific community, especially in the study of bioactive compounds from medicinal mushrooms. Ganoderma lucidum , known as Reishi , is one of the most researched due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. A study published in the journal Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in 2015 by Liu et al. analyzed the effects of Reishi triterpenoids on patients with Crohn's disease , revealing promising mechanisms for reducing intestinal inflammation.

Study Details and Methods Used

The study, conducted by a team of researchers led by Liu, Wang, Zhang and Zhao , was carried out at the Department of Pharmacology at Peking University and aimed to evaluate the impact of ganoderic acid C1 (GAC1) , a triterpenoid specific to Ganoderma lucidum , on intestinal inflammation.

To carry out the research, the scientists used a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis , a widely used model to simulate the chronic inflammation characteristic of Crohn's disease . Different concentrations of Ganoderma lucidum extract were administered , evaluating its impact on the production of proinflammatory cytokines and the activation of cell signaling pathways.

Methods used in the study include:

• Histological analysis : Intestinal tissue biopsies were performed to assess the degree of inflammation and epithelial damage.

• ELISA assays : To measure the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ and other key cytokines in inflammation.

• Western Blot : To assess the activation of the NF-κB pathway by detecting proteins involved in the inflammatory response.

• RT-PCR : To quantify gene expression of inflammatory mediators in intestinal tissue.

What does science say about Reishi and inflammation?

The results of the study showed that ganoderic acid C1 (GAC1) present in Reishi has a significant effect on modulating the immune system. It was observed that:

• It reduced the production of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha), one of the main cytokines involved in intestinal inflammation.

• It inhibited the activation of NF-κB , a central molecular pathway in the inflammatory response.

• It decreased the production of IFN-γ and IL-17A , cytokines associated with exacerbated autoimmune responses in Crohn's disease.

These findings suggest that Ganoderma lucidum could be a natural candidate for the complementary treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, minimizing the adverse effects of conventional treatments.

Mechanism of action of Ganoderma lucidum

Activation of the NF-κB pathway is a crucial process in chronic inflammation. When the immune system detects a pathogen or inflammatory stimulus, NF-κB comes into action by promoting the production of inflammatory molecules such as TNF-α. However, in autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease, this activation is uncontrolled, contributing to intestinal tissue damage.

Experiments by Liu et al. (2015) showed that ganoderic acid C1 prevents the phosphorylation of IκB-α , a key protein in NF-κB activation. As a result, inflammation is reduced without affecting the functionality of the immune system.

Implications and future research

While this study provides compelling evidence for the anti-inflammatory potential of Ganoderma lucidum , questions remain. The authors suggest that further clinical studies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease are required to confirm these effects in a real-world setting.

Key areas that researchers highlight for future research include:

• Evaluation of the optimal dose of Reishi extract to obtain therapeutic effects without adverse effects.

• Long-term analysis of the impact of Ganoderma lucidum supplementation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Studies on the possible combination of Reishi with other natural compounds to enhance its anti-inflammatory effect.

Conclusion

Reishi has been shown to be a mushroom with great anti-inflammatory potential , especially in intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease . The study by Liu et al. (2015) provides evidence that triterpenoids from Ganoderma lucidum can modulate inflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and reducing key inflammatory cytokines.

At NUALAT , we offer Ganoderma lucidum extracts with high purity and maximum potency , ensuring a quality product backed by science. Discover how Reishi can contribute to your well-being and improve your intestinal health naturally.

You can see the full study in English by following this link