can we use Ganoderma mushroom for cancer?

Hi Paris348,

Thank you for getting in touch with us and welcome to our online community.  My name is Adrienne and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses at Macmillan. 

It’s important to speak to your consultant if you are considering taking any kind of complimentary or alternative therapy.  This is because some therapies can cause harmful effects, especially if used alongside certain cancer treatments. 

Ganoderma mushrooms (Reishi mushrooms) have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for many years to support the immune system in people with cancer.  However, there is not enough clinical evidence to support the use of ganoderma mushrooms as an alternative therapy for cancer.

There have been small number of studies done over the years, on the efficacy of ganoderma mushrooms as complimentary therapy.  These have shown benefits as well as adverse effects so it’s really important that you speak to your doctor before taking this.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre’s (MSKCC) department for Integrative Medicine in America have some good information on the Ganoderma mushroom,  it's side-effects and interactions which may be helpful for you to look at. 

I hope this information was helpful.

Take care and best wishes,

 Adrienne (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Our ref: AM/DW