In 1985, Japanese researchers had 53 participants take 6 tablets a day of freeze-dried lingzhi extract (240 mg each) for 6 months. In those with hypertension, average blood pressure fell from 156.6/103.5 mmHg to 136.6/92.8 mmHg, and total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol also fell somewhat; in people whose blood pressure was normal or high-normal but not hypertensive, blood pressure did not change noticeably.
How the study was done
Participants were divided into a hypertensive group and a non-hypertensive group, and blood pressure and blood lipids were compared before and after.
What the researchers say
The results suggest that lingzhi can lower blood pressure in people with hypertension but has no clear effect on normal blood pressure.
Source
Kanmatsuse K et al., 霊芝に関する研究（第1報）高血圧症に対する効果及び副作用について [Studies on Ganoderma lucidum (1): efficacy against hypertension and side effects], Yakugaku Zasshi, 1985, 105(10): 942-947; specific figures as cited in Lin Zhibin (ed.), 灵芝从神奇到科学 [Lingzhi: From Mystery to Science], 3rd ed., Peking University Medical Press, 2018, ISBN 978-7-5659-1844-5, Ch. 6
Abstract checked; specific blood pressure figures and LDL results still to be checked against the full text
Last updated: 2026-10-15