Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Reishi Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Host Defense Mushrooms

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Reishi Extract is a dietary supplement by Host Defense Mushrooms with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for immune support, fatigue and general well-being, stress and sleep.Based on those ingredients, 375 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Reishi Mycelium Extract, Fresh. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Reishi Extract by Host Defense Mushrooms

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Extract Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1 mL) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 2 active ingredients: Reishi Mycelium Extract from fresh mushroom and Reishi Fruit Body Extract from dried mushroom. Both are concentrated forms of reishi mushroom, a medicinal fungus.

The liquid is delivered in a base of water and alcohol as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

No specific claim
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
General wellness

This Reishi Mushroom product is marketed for general wellness, not a specific health condition, so there's no single claim to grade — see Reishi Mushroom's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets general wellness (“Longevity support”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that reishi works for the conditions studied. For high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), reishi is rated possibly ineffective.

For altitude sickness, Alzheimer disease, and athletic performance, the evidence is too thin to rate it one way or another—we simply don't have enough reliable data yet.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Reishi Mushroom

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Reishi mushroom is generally well tolerated in the short term. Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, rash, and stomach upset.

A small number of people report respiratory allergy to reishi spores, showing up as sore throat and runny nose. Rarely, people experience insomnia or headache.

The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, since there isn't enough information to know it's safe in those states. Long-term safety hasn't been well studied.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Reishi Mushroom

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Reishi Mushroom.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 375 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Double-check this product with your pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (severity: Moderate), blood pressure medications (Moderate), or diabetes drugs (Moderate). All three categories have documented interactions with the reishi in this product.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure marketed for general wellness rather than one specific gradeable purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Reishi Extract may be worth considering if you're exploring traditional mushroom remedies, but you'll want to be cautious if you take blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, or diabetes medications. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you're on any of those three types of prescription drug.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 23, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Reishi Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Host Defense Mushrooms
Net contents 2 Fluid Ounce(s); 60 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 23, 2024
DSLD ID 312609
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Reishi Extract by Host Defense Mushrooms, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
60
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Extract Blend1 mL--
Reishi Mycelium Extract, Fresh0 NP--
Reishi Fruit body Extract, Dried0 NP--

Other ingredients: Water, Alcohol

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Superfood mushroom mycelium

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take 1 full dropper bulb squeeze (1mL) twice per day.

Precautions

Caution: If you have a medical condition, are taking medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional before using this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

Certified Organic Washington State Department of Agriculture Organic Program

Formulation

USDA Organic

Longevity support

Gluten free Non GMO

Certified Organic by the WSDA

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Reishi Extract by Host Defense Mushrooms label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Reishi Extract by Host Defense Mushrooms

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Extract Blend

1 mL per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Water, Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Reishi Extract by Host Defense Mushrooms Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Reishi Extract?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
375Drugs
375 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Reishi Extract with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Reishi Mycelium Extract, Fresh3 drug types · 375 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, high doses of reishi mushroom might increase the risk of bleeding.
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, reishi mushroom might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that reishi mushroom decreases blood sugar. However, in patients with type 2 diabetes, taking reishi mushroom does not reduce fasting glucose levels, and its effects on glycated hemoglobin are inconsistent.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concurrent use of reishi mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Reishi mushroom has shown hypotensive activity in animal research. Clinical evidence suggests that reishi mushroom reduces blood pressure in some, but not all, patients with hypertension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Reishi Extract, from the product label.

Host Defense Mushrooms

See all Host Defense Mushrooms products
Name
Fungi Perfecti, LLC
Street Address
PO Box 7634
City
Olympia
State
WA
ZipCode
98507
Phone Number
877-504-6926
Web Address
Hostdefense.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Reishi Extract by Host Defense Mushrooms: Common Questions

Does Reishi Extract by Host Defense Mushrooms interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Reishi Extract has a known interaction with 375 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Reishi Extract contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against both. There isn't enough information to know whether reishi is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it in those situations. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about what's appropriate for you.
What side effects might I notice?
Most people tolerate it well short-term. The most common side effects are dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, rash, and stomach upset. Some people report respiratory allergy symptoms like sore throat and runny nose. Rarely, people experience insomnia or headache.
Does reishi actually lower cholesterol or blood pressure?
The evidence we hold shows reishi is possibly ineffective for high cholesterol. For blood pressure, animal studies and some patient reports suggest it may lower it in some people, but not everyone—so results are mixed in real use.
How much reishi is in this bottle?
The product facts show this is a proprietary blend of reishi mycelium and fruit body extracts in liquid form, but the exact dose per serving isn't listed in the data we have. Check the label or contact the maker for serving size and daily dose.
Is this safe to take long-term?
Short-term use appears generally well tolerated, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you're thinking about taking it regularly for months or longer, ask your pharmacist whether that's appropriate for you.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Reishi Extract is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Reishi Extract label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Reishi Extract's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 17 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Reishi Mushroom 17 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Tao J, Feng KY. Experimental and clinical studies on inhibitory effect of ganoderma lucidum on platelet aggregation. J Tongji Med Univ 1990;10:240-3. PubMed
  3. Singh AB, Gupta SK, Pereira BM, Prakash D. Sensitization to Ganoderma lucidum in patients with respiratory allergy in India. Clin Exp Allergy 1995;25:440-7.
  4. Lee SY, Rhee HM. Cardiovascular effects of mycelium extract of Ganoderma lucidum: inhibition of sympathetic outflow as a mechanism of its hypotensive action. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1990;38:1359-64. PubMed
  5. Kwok Y, Ng KFJ, Li, CCF, et al. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the platelet and global hemostatic effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Ling-Zhi) in healthy volunteers. Anesth Analg 2005;101:423-6. PubMed
  6. Wanmuang, H., Leopairut, J., Kositchaiwat, C., Wananukul, W., and Bunyaratvej, S. Fatal fulminant hepatitis associated with Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) mushroom powder. J Med Assoc Thai. 2007;90(1):179-181.
  7. Seto, S. W., Lam, T. Y., Tam, H. L., Au, A. L., Chan, S. W., Wu, J. H., Yu, P. H., Leung, G. P., Ngai, S. M., Yeung, J. H., Leung, P. S., Lee, S. M., and Kwan, Y. W. Novel hypoglycemic effects of Ganoderma lucidum water-extract in obese/diabetic (+db/+db
  8. Chu, T. T., Benzie, I. F., Lam, C. W., Fok, B. S., Lee, K. K., and Tomlinson, B. Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. Br.J.Nutr. 2012;107(7):1017-1027.
  9. Jin, X., Ruiz, Beguerie J., Sze, D. M., and Chan, G. C. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2012;6:CD007731.
  10. Kabir, Y., Kimura, S., and Tamura, T. Dietary effect of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom on blood pressure and lipid levels in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). J Nutr Sci Vitaminol.(Tokyo) 1988;34(4):433-438. PubMed
  11. Kanmatsuse, K., Kajiwara, N., Hayashi, K., Shimogaichi, S., Fukinbara, I., Ishikawa, H., and Tamura, T. [Studies on Ganoderma lucidum. I. Efficacy against hypertension and side effects]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1985;105(10):942-947. PubMed
  12. Gao, Y., Lan, J., Dai, X., Ye, J., and Zhou, S. A Phase I/II Study of Ling Zhi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum(W.Curt: Fr.) Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 2004;6. DOI
  13. Jin H, Zhang G, Cao X, and et al. Treatment of hypertension by linzhi combined with hypotensor and its effects on arterial, arteriolar and capillary pressure and microcirculation. In: Niimi H, Xiu RJ, Sawada T, and et al. Microcirculatory Approach to Asi
  14. Klupp NL, Chang D, Hawke F, Kiat H, Cao H, Grant SJ, Bensoussan A. Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Feb 17;2:CD007259. PubMed
  15. Zhao H, Zhang Q, Zhao L, Huang X, Wang J, Kang X. Spore Powder of Ganoderma lucidum Improves Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Pilot Clinical Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:809614.
  16. Pazzi F, Adsuar JC, Domínguez-Muñoz FJ, García-Gordillo MA, Gusi N, Collado-Mateo D. Ganoderma lucidum effects on mood and health-related quality of life in women with fibromyalgia. Healthcare (Basel) 2020;8(4):520. PubMed
  17. Kogure T, Koiwai A, Fukushi D, et al. Hypereosinophilia with hepatic nodule formation caused by Ganoderma lucidum. Intern Med 2021;60(24):3897-3903.

See these in context on the Reishi Mushroom monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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