A review of the effects of Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) in preventing the aging process

Background: Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a mushroom that has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years as a culinary-medicinal mushroom to treat a variety of diseases. Objective: To evalzuate the studies conducted on anti-aging effects of Reishi mushroom. Methods: Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and MagIran databases were used to search for articles published during 1989-2023 using the following keywords: Reishi mushroom, Ganoderma lucidium, anti-aging, antioxidant activities, free radicals, Results: The studies carried out so far show that the extracts obtained from Reishi mushroom have measurable anti-aging properties, especially in the heart, liver and brain. The anti-aging activity of Reishi mushroom is mainly due to its ability to modulate the immune system, scavenge free radicals and inhibit oxidative stress, increase mitochondrial dehydrogenases, strengthen the electron transport chain, and prevent neurodegenerative diseases caused by oxidative stress. Bioactive compounds, namely polysaccharides and triterpenes, have been suggested to be involved in the anti-aging activity of Reishi mushroom. Conclusion: Reishi is a suitable candidate for preparing extracts or compounds with anti-aging properties. However, more basic research is required in order to gain deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying the anti-aging effects of Reishi mushroom. In addition, there is a shortage of clinical trials in the field of anti-aging effects of Reishi mushroom extracts, especially in Iran.