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Dietary supplement

Reishi Mushroom Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Way

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Reishi Mushroom is a dietary supplement by Nature's Way with 1 active ingredient. 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 Mushroom extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Reishi Mushroom by Nature's Way

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

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: reishi mushroom extract. Reishi is a fungus traditionally used in Asian medicine; the extract concentrates its active compounds.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — cellulose, a plant-derived capsule shell, and magnesium stearate — which are fillers and binders that help the supplement hold together and move through your digestive system.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Reishi Mushroom's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Supports immune function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Influenza, Bronchitis, Asthma, Hepatitis B, Herpes labialis (cold sores) — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Reishi Mushroom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Bronchitis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Reishi Mushroom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Asthma, Herpes labialis (cold sores), Hepatitis B, Herpes zoster (shingles), and more.

The evidence for reishi mushroom's effectiveness is limited in the areas we have data for. For high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), reishi mushroom is rated possibly ineffective — meaning research suggests it doesn't work well for that purpose.

For altitude sickness, Alzheimer disease, and athletic performance, there isn't enough reliable evidence in our data to rate whether it helps or not. If you're considering reishi for one of those uses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current research actually shows.

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 when you take it short-term. The most common side effects are mild — dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, rash, and stomach upset — though some people report sore throat, runny nose, insomnia, and headache.

Because long-term safety hasn't been well studied, we don't have strong data on what happens if you take it for months or years. The safety data advises against reishi during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe for you or your baby.

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.

Before you start, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin), blood pressure medications, or diabetes medications. No other interactions are documented for the ingredients we could check, but that doesn't mean none exist — your own healthcare provider knows your full medication list best.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Reishi mushroom may be worth considering if you're looking to explore traditional supplements, but it's most important to check it against your blood pressure, blood-thinning, and diabetes medications first — those are the main areas where interactions can happen. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to take it long-term, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you, since safety data is limited in those situations.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2020.

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 Mushroom, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Way
Barcode (UPC) 033674627006
Net contents 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2020
DSLD ID 233094
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy 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 Mushroom by Nature's Way, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
50
UPC/BARCODE
033674627006
IngredientAmount% DV
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Reishi Mushroom extract376 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, plant-derived Capsule, Magnesium Stearate

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.
General Statements

Supports immune function

Nature's Way Since 1969

376 mg per serving

Bottles made From 97% Post-consumer Recycled plastic

Formula

Reishi is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese culture, which is why Nature's Way sources this product from China to get the best quality mushrooms.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Formulation

Premium extract

Gluten free. No yeast-derived ingredients, wheat, corn, soy, dairy or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Adaptogenic

Vegan

Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Seals/Symbols

Certified Authentic Tru-ID Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Quality Global Sourcing Bottled & Tested In the USA

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendation: Take 2 capsules twice daily, preferably with food.

Precautions

If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children.

Safety sealed with inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Brand IP Statement(s)

2020 Nature's Way Brands, LLC

See for yourself

Reishi Mushroom by Nature's Way label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Reishi Mushroom by Nature's Way

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 Amounts shown are per serving.

Reishi Mushroom extract

Interacts with
375 drugs
376 mg per serving Form: Polysaccharides

Reishi is a traditional Asian mushroom widely used to support the immune system and overall wellness. Human evidence for most of its claimed benefits...

Reishi Mushroom extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Plant-derived Capsule, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Reishi Mushroom by Nature's Way Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Reishi Mushroom?

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 Mushroom 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 Mushroom extract3 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 Mushroom, from the product label.

Nature's Way

See all Nature's Way products
Name
Nature's Way Brands, LLC
City
Green Bay
State
WI
ZipCode
54311
Phone Number
1-800-962-8873
Web Address
naturesway.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Reishi Mushroom by Nature's Way: Common Questions

Does Reishi Mushroom by Nature's Way interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Reishi Mushroom 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 Mushroom contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
What exactly is reishi mushroom?
Reishi is a fungus used in traditional Asian medicine. This product contains an extract — a concentrated form of its active compounds — made into a capsule.
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner like warfarin?
Not without checking first. At higher doses, reishi mushroom may increase bleeding risk. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before combining it with any blood thinner or antiplatelet drug.
Does reishi actually work for high cholesterol?
Research suggests it probably doesn't help lower cholesterol. Reishi is rated possibly ineffective for that purpose in our data.
What are the most common side effects?
The mildest and most common are dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, rash, and stomach upset. A small number of people report sore throat, runny nose, insomnia, and headache.
Is it safe to take while pregnant?
The safety data advises against it — there isn't enough information to know whether it's safe for pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
How long can I safely take this?
Short-term use is generally well tolerated, but we don't have good data on long-term safety — what happens if you take it for months or years. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide how long to use it.

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

Not sure if Reishi Mushroom is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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 Mushroom label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Reishi Mushroom'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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