Reishi (Ganoderma sichuanense), the polypore fungus native to East Asia, has lengthy been revered in Conventional Chinese language Drugs for its associations with spirituality and longevity.
“It was referred to as the ‘Mushroom of Immortality’ and was typically depicted in classical Chinese language artwork. Its calming, nourishing properties gave rise to the more moderen Western-friendly nickname, the ‘Queen of Mushrooms,’” Robin Gurney, director of the Estonian licensed natural mushroom extract provider Musheez, informed NutraIngredients.
“Scientifically, its standing was strengthened within the Seventies when researchers in China and Japan recognized highly effective beta-glucans and distinctive triterpenoids that activate the immune system and assist total well being — compounds not present in the identical concentrations in different mushrooms,” Gurney mentioned.
Analysis demonstrates reishi to have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic properties, and in response to knowledge from Information Bridge Market Analysis (Jun 2022), the worldwide reishi market is projected to develop at a compound annual progress charge (CAGR) of 8.10%, rising from USD 5.10 billion in 2021 to USD 9.51 billion by 2029.
The mushroom class as a complete is reportedly the fourth-largest in the ingredient space, a progress attributed to client demand for cognitive well being merchandise. But throughout an on-stage dialogue on the current NutraIngredients Energetic Vitamin Summit held in Vienna, Gurney, together with different professional panelists, famous that it has fierce competitors as youthful generations are in search of faster, tangible results.
“Demand for reishi continues to develop. That mentioned, its results are extra refined in comparison with high-performance mushrooms, so it might not stand out in at present’s fast-paced wellness market,” Gurney informed NI.
Generational mushroom preferences
Based on Gurney, youthful customers are driving the present reputation of ‘life efficiency’ mushrooms like cordyceps and lion’s mane, notably being drawn by their quick, noticeable results comparable to boosted focus, power, and temper.
“They’re a part of a broader way of life stack the place fast outcomes are anticipated, and perceived ‘wins’ get shared socially, making a viral impact,” he mentioned.
In distinction, reishi has much less attraction amongst this demographic, as its results are extra refined and gradual. It’s acknowledged for its calming qualities and is promoted to assist sleep, stress discount, and restoration.
Nonetheless, Gurney forecasts that as youthful individuals age or shift their priorities, many could ‘rediscover’ reishi for its long-term advantages, suggesting that lion’s mane could expertise a transient reputation in comparison with reishi. He defined current analysis performed by Musheez discovered that many ‘hyped’ lion’s mane merchandise lacked authenticity or had been closely diluted with fillers, elevating doubts about their precise advantages.
“In these instances, consumer experiences could also be pushed extra by placebo or advertising than actual bioactivity,” he mentioned.
“Reishi, however, has an extended observe file, deeper roots in conventional use, and extra distinctive compounds — so whereas it might be slower to catch on with youthful audiences, it’s more likely to play a steadier, longer sport.”
Enhancing reishi’s attraction
To broaden reishi’s attraction, particularly amongst youthful, wellness-driven customers, Gurney defined that manufacturers are adopting extra energetic and revolutionary methods.
“We perceive many trendy customers want blends, particularly to masks reishi’s pure bitterness – an indication of its ganoderic acids,” he mentioned. “We anticipate reishi turning into extra central in mix formulations for holistic well being.”
Gurney additionally famous that there’s a resurgence of conventional reishi makes use of actively influencing at present’s product formulations, notably in classes targeted on sleep, immune well being, and emotional resilience.
“The standard associations with longevity and religious stability are being reinterpreted for contemporary wants — notably in areas like restoration, nervous system assist, and even pores and skin well being,” he mentioned. “A few of that historical knowledge is unquestionably discovering its means again into new merchandise.”
Nonetheless, to proceed reishi’s ‘queen’ standing, there are some obstacles that must be addressed. He famous that gaps in analysis must be addressed for broader acceptance, together with the dearth of human scientific trials and the necessity for clearer knowledge on its efficacy at numerous dosages. Moreover, it is going to be key to hunt a greater standardization of ganoderic acids —a bunch of bioactive compounds in reishi which might be steadily “underemphasized in industrial merchandise”.
