Lentinus edodes vs Ganoderma sinense

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Lentinus edodes

Immune Support

Immune Support

Lentinus edodes

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Ganoderma sinense

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

East Asian culinary mushroom; lentinan polysaccharide approved in Japan as cancer immunotherapy adjunct.

Black variety of Ganoderma used in TCM for similar indications to Red Reishi but with distinct compounds.

Active Compounds

lentinan, eritadenine, AHCC, beta-glucans, eritadenine, eritadenine, selenium

ganoderic acid A, ganosinensosides, beta-glucans, polysaccharides, ergosterol, lysozyme

Traditional Uses

immune support, cancer support, cardiovascular, hepatitis, HIV

immune support, cancer support, cardiovascular, insomnia, adaptogen

Modern Uses

immunostimulant, anti-tumor, cardiovascular, antiviral

immunomodulant, antioxidant, anti-tumor, adaptogen

Adult Dosage

3-15g dried mushroom or 500mg extract daily

3-9g dried mushroom or 500mg extract daily

Contraindications

autoimmune disease, immunosuppressants, blood thinners, bleeding disorders

anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, bleeding disorders

Side Effects

GI upset, Shiitake dermatitis with raw consumption

GI upset, dizziness initially

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E