Immunity FX by Afexa Life Sciences

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Oral American ginseng seems to prevent the incidence of URTIs in some people. Details: Some evidence shows that taking a specific American ginseng extract called CVT-E002 (Cold-FX, Afexa Life Sciences) 200-400 mg twice daily over a 3-64 month period during influenza season might modestly decrease the risk of developing symptoms of a URTI such as the common cold or flu in adults (11351,13192,14345,91275). This extract also seems to reduce symptom severity and duration of symptoms when infections do occur (13192,14345,91275). The extract might not reduce the chance of getting the first cold of a season, but it seems to reduce the risk of getting repeat colds in a season (13192). Additional evidence shows that, in people aged 65 years and older, treatment with the extract for 3-4 months, in addition to influenza vaccination at 4 weeks, is necessary before there is any significant reduction in the risk of developing a respiratory tract infection (14345). One small clinical study shows that taking the extract 200 mg twice daily orally over a 12-week period during influenza season reduces the risk of laboratory confirmed influenza or influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. However, it does not seem to reduce the appearance of influenza symptoms, symptom severity, or symptom duration in these patients (11351). This same extract does not appear to prevent respiratory infections in patients who are immunocompromised. In one clinical trial, taking this extract 200 mg twice daily for 3 months did not reduce the risk of developing an acute respiratory infection, the number of days of cold symptoms, or the need for use of antibiotics when compared with placebo in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (29998). Preliminary clinical research in children 3-12 years of age shows that taking the same extract 13-26 mg/kg once on the day of URTI onset, then 8.5-17 mg/kg once on the next day, then 4.5-9 mg/kg once on day three does not reduce the severity or duration of symptoms when compared with placebo. However, this study was designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of this extract in children; therefore, it was not adequately powered to evaluate effectiveness (22365).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Anemia of chronic disease. Although there has been interest in using oral American ginseng for anemia of chronic disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of American ginseng for this condition.
• Antiretroviral-induced insulin resistance. It is unclear if oral American ginseng is beneficial for antiretroviral-induced insulin resistance. Details: Preliminary clinical research in healthy volunteers shows that taking capsules containing ground American ginseng root 1 gram three times daily for 14 days along with the HIV protease inhibitor indinavir does not reduce indinavir-induced insulin resistance when compared to baseline (89401).
• Athletic performance. Early research shows that oral American ginseng does not seem to be beneficial for athletic performance. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking American ginseng extract 8 mg/kg or 16 mg/kg daily (average daily dose 618-1235 mg) for one week does not improve exertion, time to exhaustion, heart rate, or maximal oxygen consumption during bicycle testing when compared with placebo (4236). Other preliminary clinical research in physically active male college students shows that taking American ginseng 1600 mg daily for 4 weeks does not enhance workout capacity when compared with placebo (14804).
• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Oral American ginseng has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific combination product (AD-fX, Afexa Life Sciences) containing American ginseng extract plus ginkgo leaf extract may modestly improve ADHD symptoms such as anxiety, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in children aged 3-17 years when compared with baseline (8235). It is not clear if this effect is due to American ginseng, ginkgo, or the combination. Additionally, the validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Breast cancer. It is unclear if oral American ginseng is beneficial for breast cancer survival. Details: Population research in China suggests that breast cancer patients who regularly take any form of ginseng, including either American ginseng or Panax ginseng, have higher quality of life scores and have a lower risk of overall mortality, breast cancer-related mortality, and breast cancer recurrence compared to patients who do not take ginseng (14466). However, ginseng users were also significantly more likely to have been treated with tamoxifen.
• Cancer-related fatigue. Evidence for the use of oral American ginseng for cancer-related fatigue is conflicting. Details: Two clinical trials show that taking American ginseng 750-2000 mg in 1-2 divided doses daily for 8 weeks does not reduce cancer-related fatigue when compared with placebo (22370,104131). However, another clinical trial shows that taking American ginseng 2000 mg in two divided doses daily for 8 weeks reduces cancer-related fatigue scores by 51% after 8 weeks, compared to only 25% in those taking placebo (29996). These differing findings may be due to the instrument used to measure fatigue. The initial studies used the Brief Fatigue Inventory, whereas the positive study used the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF). Additionally, treatment for a shorter duration of only 4 weeks does not appear to be effective (22370,29996,104131).
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although there has been interest in using oral American ginseng for CVD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of American ginseng for this condition.
• Cognitive function. It is unclear if oral American ginseng is beneficial for cognitive function. Details: Clinical research shows that a single dose of a specific American ginseng extract (Cereboost, Naturex) 100-400 mg, taken 1-6 hours prior to cognitive testing, improves short-term working memory performance and may improve reaction time accuracy when compared with placebo in healthy young adults (22367). Other clinical research in healthy adults shows that taking the same specific American ginseng extract, standardized to contain 10% to 12% ginsenosides, as 200 mg orally daily for 14 days modestly improves memory and mental fatigue scores when compared with placebo (109518). American ginseng has also been studied in combination with other ingredients. Taking a single dose of a product containing American ginseng (Cereboost) 100 mg, bacopa 300 mg, and coffee fruit extract 100 mg modestly improves some, but not all, measures of working memory and attention after 45 minutes when compared with placebo (103375).
• Diabetes. It is unclear if oral American ginseng is beneficial for diabetes. Details: Two small clinical trials show that taking American ginseng 3 grams orally, up to two hours before a meal, can significantly reduce postprandial glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes when compared with placebo (1018,6461). However, doses greater than 3 grams do not seem to offer any additional benefit (6461). In addition, the postprandial glucose lowering effect of American ginseng may differ among preparations due to variations in the concentration of ginsenosides (9732). American ginseng has also been studied in combination with other ingredients. Clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking American ginseng 1500 mg and Panax ginseng 750 mg, enriched to contain 30% total ginsenosides, orally daily for 12 weeks reduces glycated hemoglobin by 0.35% when compared with placebo. Taking this combination also reduces systolic, but not diastolic, blood pressure by about 4 mmHg when compared with placebo (107745). It is unclear if this effect is due American ginseng, Panax ginseng, or the combination.
• Epilepsy. Although there has been interest in using oral American ginseng for epilepsy, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of American ginseng for this condition.
• Headache. Although there has been interest in using oral American ginseng for headaches, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of American ginseng for this purpose.
• HIV/AIDS. Although there has been interest in using oral American ginseng for HIV/AIDS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of American ginseng for this condition.
• Hypertension. Evidence on the use of oral American ginseng for hypertension is conflicting. Details: Some clinical research shows that taking American ginseng 1500 mg twice daily for 12 weeks does not reduce blood pressure when compared with placebo in patients with hypertension (22368,22369). However, other clinical research shows that taking American ginseng extract 1000 mg three times daily for 12 weeks lowers systolic blood pressure by 12% when compared with baseline in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension (29999). In a similar study in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, American ginseng extract 500 mg in combination with Panax ginseng extract 250 mg three times daily for 12 weeks, providing 30% total ginsenosides daily, reduces central systolic blood pressure by about 5 mmHg, but not diastolic blood pressure, when compared with placebo (103046). These differing results may be due to the higher amount of total ginsenosides provided in the latter study.
• Menopausal symptoms. Oral American ginseng has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research during pre- and post-menopause shows that taking a specific combination product (Phyto-Female Complex, SupHerb) containing black cohosh root extract 100 mg, dong quai root extract 75 mg, milk thistle extract 75 mg, red clover flower extract 50 mg, American ginseng root extract 50 mg, and vitex agnus-castus fruit extract 50 mg twice daily for 12 weeks improves sleep quality and reduces menopausal symptoms, including the number and intensity of hot flashes and the number of night sweats, when compared with placebo (19552). However, it is unclear whether these effects are due to American ginseng, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Schizophrenia. It is unclear if oral American ginseng is beneficial for schizophrenia. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with schizophrenia who are taking antipsychotics shows that taking a specific American ginseng extract (HT1001, Afexa Life Sciences) 100 mg twice daily for 4 weeks modestly increases visual working memory score when compared with placebo. This treatment also reduces physical symptoms associated with antipsychotic use, such as abnormal gait or muscle rigidity. However, it does not appear to improve other clinical symptoms or parameters related to cognitive function, such as verbal working memory, sustained attention, verbal function, or immediate or delayed auditory memory, when compared with placebo (29997).
• Ulcerative colitis. Although there has been interest in using oral American ginseng for ulcerative colitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of American ginseng for this condition. More evidence is needed to rate American ginseng for these uses.

(Read more about AMERICAN GINSENG)

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Hyperlipidemia. Preliminary clinical studies show that oral reishi mushroom does not improve lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia or type 2 diabetes. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1440 mg daily for 12 weeks does not significantly improve the lipid profile in patients with hyperlipidemia (70776). Also, a meta-analysis shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1400-4000 mg daily for 12-16 weeks does not reduce total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes (91435).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Aging. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for aging, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Altitude sickness. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for altitude sickness, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Alzheimer disease. A small clinical study suggests that oral reishi mushroom does not improve Alzheimer disease symptoms. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with Alzheimer disease shows that taking reishi mushroom powder 1000 mg three times daily for 6 weeks does not improve memory, language skills, or quality of life when compared with placebo (97942).
• Asthma. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Preliminary clinical research suggests that oral reishi mushroom extract can help reduce some lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with BPH. Details: Clinical research in patients with mild to moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, or other conditions, shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 6 mg orally once daily for up to 12 weeks moderately improves total symptom severity measured on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) scale, when compared with placebo (91436,91437). A higher dose of 60 mg daily is not more effective than the 6 mg dose, and a lower dose of 0.6 mg daily is not more effective than placebo (91437). Reishi mushroom extract does not improve peak urine flow rate, residual urine volume, prostate volume, or quality of life when compared with placebo (91436,91437). The relevance of these results is unclear since not all of the patients with LUTS had BPH.
• Bronchitis. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for bronchitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Cancer. It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Details: A meta-analysis of 9 clinical trials using various reishi mushroom products in combination with chemotherapy found that complete and partial responses increased by 30% with combination therapy when compared with chemotherapy alone. However, there was no difference in overall survival (102915). The reliability and applicability of these results are unclear since the trials looked at several different types of cancer, used varying doses and durations of therapy, and were all conducted in China or other Asian countries.
• Cancer-related fatigue. It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial in patients with breast cancer and fatigue. Details: Results from a small clinical study in breast cancer patients show that taking reishi mushroom powder 1000 mg orally three times daily for 4 weeks can improve cancer-related fatigue when compared with placebo (91438). However, it is not clear if the improvement is clinically meaningful.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial for reducing CVD risk factors. Details: A meta-analysis of 5 low-quality studies in adults with diabetes shows that taking reishi mushroom 1400-3000 mg daily for 12-16 weeks does not reduce CVD risk factors, including total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and body mass index, when compared with placebo (91435).
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for CFS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for CKD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Colorectal adenoma. Limited clinical research suggests that oral reishi mushroom extract may be beneficial for reducing colorectal adenoma size. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with colorectal adenomas shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1500 mg orally in two divided doses daily for 12 months reduces the number and size of adenomas when compared with no treatment (70774).
• Coronary heart disease (CHD). It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial for CHD. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific reishi mushroom extract (Ganopoly, Encore International Co.) 1800 mg orally three times daily for 12 weeks reduces symptoms of CHD, such as chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath, in a greater percentage of patients when compared with placebo (70800).
• Diabetes. Evidence on the use of oral reishi mushroom in patients with type 2 diabetes is conflicting. Details: A meta-analysis of clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1400-4000 mg daily for 12-16 weeks does not reduce glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) or plasma lipids (91435). However, one preliminary clinical study in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking a specific reishi mushroom extract (Ganopoly, Encore International Co.) 1800 mg three times daily for 12 weeks reduces HbA1c, but not fasting blood glucose, when compared with placebo (70801).
• Fibromyalgia. It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial for fibromyalgia. Details: A small clinical trial in patients with fibromyalgia shows that taking reishi mushroom (MundoReishi Salud S.L.) powder 3 grams twice daily for 6 weeks does not improve mood, quality of life, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, or glycemic or lipid parameters when compared with placebo (108309,108310). However, the study may have been underpowered to detect any differences between groups.
• Genital herpes. Oral reishi mushroom has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with recurrent genital herpes shows that taking 4.4 grams of a mixture of hot water extracts of reishi mushroom, terminalia, Job's tears, Wisteria floribunda, Trapa natans, and Elfvingia applanata orally once daily for 2 days, then 2.2 grams daily thereafter until outbreak resolution, decreases the time to outbreak resolution by 6 days when compared with previous outbreaks (91434).
• Gulf war syndrome. It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial for Gulf war syndrome. Details: A very small exploratory clinical trial in adults with Gulf war syndrome shows that taking reishi mushroom extract (JHS Natural Products, Mushroom Science) 1600 mg in two divided doses daily for 30 days does not improve symptoms when compared with placebo. Also, symptoms modestly worsened after an additional 30 days of treatment at a dose of 3200 mg daily (108311).
• Hepatitis B. One small clinical study suggests that a specific reishi mushroom extract may reduce hepatitis B activity and improve liver function. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific reishi mushroom extract (Ganopoly, Encore International Co.) 1800 mg orally three times daily for 12 weeks reduces levels of hepatitis B viral DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen, which are markers of hepatitis B activity, and normalizes aminotransferase levels in a greater percentage of patients when compared with placebo (70799).
• Herpes labialis (cold sores). Oral reishi mushroom has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with recurrent herpes labialis shows that taking 4.4 grams of a mixture of hot water extracts of reishi mushroom, terminalia, Job's tears, Wisteria floribunda, Trapa natans, and Elfvingia applanata orally once daily for 2 days, then 2.2 grams daily thereafter until outbreak resolution, decreases the time to outbreak resolution by almost 4 days when compared with previous outbreaks (91434).
• Herpes zoster (shingles). Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for herpes zoster, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV). Oral reishi mushroom has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with oral HPV shows that taking a combination of reishi and coriolus mushroom powders, 400 mg orally daily for 2 months, clears HPV in 88% of patients when compared with baseline (91433). The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Hypertension. Limited research suggests that oral reishi mushroom may be beneficial in some types of hypertension. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1440 mg daily for 12 weeks does not lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension (70776). However, in other clinical research, taking reishi mushroom extract 330-1440 mg daily for 1-6 months reduces blood pressure in patients with stage II or essential hypertension, but not in those with mild hypertension or diabetes (70786,70802,91435).
• Influenza. Although there has been interest in using reishi mushroom for influenza, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Insomnia. Although there has been interest in using reishi mushroom for insomnia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Lung cancer. Small clinical studies suggest that oral reishi mushroom does not reduce the size of lung tumors. Details: A meta-analysis of preliminary clinical research shows that taking reishi mushroom does not reduce the size of lung tumors. However, it may stimulate immune function and improve quality of life in lung cancer patients when compared with control (70779).
• Peptic ulcers. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for peptic ulcers, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Oral reishi mushroom has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical trial in patients with active RA who are taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 4 grams in combination with San Miao San (containing 2.4 grams each of atractylodes, phellodendron, and Achyranthes bidentata) daily for 24 weeks does not increase the percentage of patients achieving a 20% response based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria or modify blood markers of disease and inflammation when compared with placebo (70767).
• Stress. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for stress, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate reishi mushroom for these uses.

(Read more about REISHI MUSHROOM)

LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term. American ginseng 100-3000 mg daily has been safely used for up to 12 weeks (1018,4225,4236,6461,9732,14804,19552,22367,22368)(22369,22370). Single doses up to 10 grams have also been safely used (6461,89404). A specific American ginseng extract called CVT-E002 (Cold-FX, Afexa Life Sciences) has also been used safely for up to 64 months (11351,13192,14345,91275).

CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately, short-term. A specific American ginseng extract called CVT-E002 (Cold-FX, Afexa Life Sciences) in doses of 4.5-26 mg daily for 3 days has been used with apparent safety in children aged 3-12 years (22365).

PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally. Ginsenoside Rb1, an active constituent of American ginseng, has teratogenic effects in animal models (10447); avoid using.

LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about AMERICAN GINSENG)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when an extract of reishi mushroom is used orally and appropriately for up to one year (12,5485,70767,70774,70786,70799,70800,70801,70802). ...when whole powdered reishi mushroom is used orally and appropriately for up to 16 weeks (70776,70799,70800,70801,91433,91435,91436,91437,108309).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using

(Read more about REISHI MUSHROOM)

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Probable •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, taking American ginseng with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.  Details American ginseng seems to lower postprandial blood glucose (1018,6461). Theoretically, concomitant use with antidiabetes drugs might enhance blood glucose lowering effects and possibly cause hypoglycemia.

IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, American ginseng use might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.  Details American ginseng seems to stimulate immune function (11351,13192,14345,22366). Theoretically, American ginseng might decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant drugs.

MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS (MAOIs) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, American ginseng can interfere with MAOI therapy.  Details There is one case report of insomnia, headache, and tremors when an unspecified ginseng product was used with phenelzine (Nardil), an MAOI (617). There is also one case report of hypomania when an unspecified ginseng product was used with phenelzine (618). Theoretically, American ginseng may interfere with MAOI therapy.

WARFARIN (Coumadin) Interaction Rating = Major Do not take this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Likely •  Level of Evidence = B American ginseng seems to decrease the effectiveness of warfarin therapy.  Details Healthy patients receiving warfarin 5 mg daily, who also take American ginseng 1 gram twice daily, seem to have a significantly reduced international normalized ratio (INR) (619,12032).

(Read more about AMERICAN GINSENG)

ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, high doses of reishi mushroom might increase the risk of bleeding.  Details A dose of 1.5 grams daily of reishi mushroom does not seem to decrease platelet aggregation, but a higher dose of 3 grams daily does (5476,13235).

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, reishi mushroom might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.  Details Animal research suggests that reishi mushroom decreases blood sugar (70769). However, in patients with type 2 diabetes, taking reishi mushroom does not reduce fasting glucose levels, and its effects on glycated hemoglobin are inconsistent (70801,91435).

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concurrent use of reishi mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.  Details Reishi mushroom has shown hypotensive activity in animal research (5488,70784). Clinical evidence suggests that reishi mushroom reduces blood pressure in some, but not all, patients with hypertension (70786,70802).

(Read more about REISHI MUSHROOM)

General ...Orally, American ginseng is well tolerated. Few side effects have been reported when used at suggested doses. In rare cases, headaches have been reported (22369).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, headache has been reported with American ginseng use (22369).

(Read more about AMERICAN GINSENG)

General ...Orally, reishi mushroom is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, rash, and stomach upset.

Dermatologic ...Orally, reishi mushroom can cause itching, rash, and other skin reactions (12,5479).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, reishi mushroom can cause dryness of the mouth, throat, or nasal cavity, nausea, stomach upset, and, more rarely, diarrhea (12,70779,91438,108309).

Hematologic ...Orally, reishi mushroom can cause nosebleed and bloody stools (12,91438).

Hepatic ...One case of hepatotoxicity and one case of fatal fulminant hepatitis have been reported in patients who had used reishi mushroom powder for 1-2 months (70766). There is a case report of a 61-year-old male with hypereosinophilia associated with hepatic nodules following the use of reishi mushroom powder for about 2 months. Symptoms resolved after discontinuation of the product. Although these side effects were thought to be associated with the use of reishi mushroom powder, it is unclear if other factors played a role. The patient had been taking tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil potassium for about 4 months following anterior resection for rectal adenocarcinoma but discontinued these agents and initiated reishi mushroom due to liver injury (108312).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, reishi mushroom can cause dizziness (91438). Other rare symptoms include insomnia and headache (70776,70779).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Respiratory allergy to reishi spores can occur (12,5479). Sore throat and runny nose have also been reported (70776,91438).

(Read more about REISHI MUSHROOM)