A bitter medicinal mushroom taken as an extract, valued for centuries as a longevity tonic. Human evidence is thin but points to modest immune support and a possible supportive role alongside cancer treatment. Signals for fatigue, sleep, and antioxidant status are weaker; heart and blood-sugar effects are mixed. Generally well tolerated. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| ALT / AST | ~10–26 U/L | Detect rare reishi-related liver injury |
| CBC with differential | Within lab reference; healthy lymphocyte and neutrophil counts | Track immune-cell changes and overall tolerance |
| Platelet count | ~150–400 ×10⁹/L | Gauge bleeding-risk context before/with antiplatelet effect |
| INR (if on warfarin) | Individualized (often 2.0–3.0) | Watch for enhanced anticoagulation |
| Fasting glucose / HbA1c | Fasting glucose ~75–90 mg/dL; HbA1c <5.4% | Monitor additive blood-sugar lowering |
| Lipid panel | Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides per functional targets | Track any cholesterol effect |
| Blood pressure | ~110–120 / 70–80 mmHg | Detect additive blood-pressure lowering |
| hs-CRP | <1.0 mg/L | Gauge anti-inflammatory response |
Cadence: Baseline, then liver enzymes at 8–12 weeks and every 6–12 months with continued use; blood pressure or blood glucose at 2–4 weeks in those on antihypertensive or antidiabetic medication.