In recent years there has been more and more research on lingzhi and skin health. Research teams in Italy, mainland China and Taiwan, using different extraction methods, have found consistent results: lingzhi extracts can protect skin cells from free-radical damage, promote repair of the outer skin and wound healing, reduce sun-induced photoaging, promote collagen production and inhibit pigment formation.
So far these are mainly cell and animal studies, and most look at applying lingzhi extract to the skin, for example in skincare products or wound gels. There are also clinical reports from China on lingzhi for alopecia areata, psoriasis and melasma.
This topic includes 7 studies and reports, each linked to its source.
Terms explained on this page (4)
extract
A product made by drawing out and concentrating lingzhi’s components with water or alcohol. Different extraction methods yield different components.
free radicals
Highly reactive molecules produced by the body’s metabolism or by outside factors such as ultraviolet light; in excess they damage cells.
triterpenes
A group of bitter-tasting compounds in lingzhi, found mainly in the fruiting body; one of lingzhi’s main active components.
polysaccharides
Large molecules in lingzhi made of linked sugar units; one of lingzhi’s main active components and closely tied to research on immune regulation.
Lingzhi eased oxidative stress in aging cells, lowered abnormally high levels of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria and protected mitochondrial function. In a mouse model of UV-induced photoaging, lingzhi extract reduced UV-induced thickening of the epidermis and loss of protein in the dermis.
Changes in mitochondrial function were first observed in aging cells, then confirmed in a skin photoaging model created by exposing mice to ultraviolet A.
What the researchers say
Declining mitochondrial function is one of the key signs of aging in cells and in the whole body.
Researchers applied a gel containing 2% lingzhi to skin wounds in mice; the wounds healed faster, with higher energy levels and lower reactive oxygen species levels in the wound tissue. The researchers believe lingzhi extract can improve mitochondrial function in aging skin and promote wound healing.
Mitochondrial function was first observed in aging cells; then full-thickness skin wounds were made in mice, the gel was applied, and healing was observed.
What the researchers say
This study used a gel applied to the skin.
Source
Tao L, Tai M et al., A Ganoderma lucidum Extract Improves Mitochondrial Function in Aging Skin and Promotes Wound Healing, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2026, 19
In zebrafish experiments, a hot-water of lingzhi clearly inhibited pigment formation, more effectively than a Cordyceps militaris extract; in mouse fibroblast experiments, it promoted production of type I collagen and fibronectin, scavenged reactive oxygen species and protected cellular DNA from oxidative damage.
Pigment formation was observed in zebrafish, collagen production and antioxidant effects were observed in cell experiments, and the related genes and signaling pathways were analyzed.
What the researchers say
The researchers believe lingzhi extract has strong potential for whitening and anti-aging skin care products.
Source
Chen Yi-Ting, 药用真菌灵芝及北虫草在皮肤抗衰老及美白功效与机制之探讨 [The skin anti-aging and whitening effects and mechanisms of the medicinal fungi lingzhi and Cordyceps militaris], master’s thesis, National Taiwan University, 2019
In aging skin-related cells, lingzhi reduced excess reactive oxygen species (a type of ) produced by mitochondria and helped maintain normal mitochondrial function; in mice with skin photoaging caused by ultraviolet light, it also reduced mitochondrial dysfunction, thickening of the epidermis and loss of protein in the dermis.
In aging cells cultured in the laboratory, the researchers measured changes in oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial number; they then created a skin photoaging model by exposing mice to ultraviolet A (UVA), observed the effects of lingzhi extract, and analyzed the main components of the extract.
What the researchers say
The researchers believe these effects may relate to the abundant in the extract.
Italian researchers working with human epidermal keratinocytes found that an ethanol of lingzhi promoted cell growth and migration so that “scratch wounds” closed faster; it also protected the cells from damage by hydrogen peroxide (a source of free radicals) and reduced cell death.
The extract’s components were first analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (with ganoderic acid A as a reference), then its effects on growth, migration and antioxidant protection were observed in cultured keratinocytes.
What the researchers say
The researchers consider this the first study to show that lingzhi can speed up skin repair and protect cells from free-radical damage, providing a basis for developing lingzhi skin care products.
Source
Abate M et al. (University of Salerno, Italy, and others), Ganoderma lucidum Ethanol Extracts Enhance Re-Epithelialization and Prevent Keratinocytes from Free-Radical Injury, Pharmaceuticals, 2020, 13(9): 224
Clinical reports from China show some benefit from Bozhi preparations (Ganoderma capense, a lingzhi relative) for alopecia areata, and from lingzhi for psoriasis vulgaris and melasma. Water extracts of lingzhi fruiting bodies and lingzhi polysaccharides also help wounds heal.
Book on lingzhiSummarized from a published book; verifiable by title and ISBN
Published book · see title and ISBN in the source
How the study was done
A compilation of several clinical reports and pharmacological studies from China.
What the researchers say
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune-related form of hair loss, different from hair loss caused by chemo- or radiotherapy.
Source
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. 3 and 12
As reported in the monograph; original sources still to be checkedLast updated: 2026-10-06
This review summarizes research on lingzhi and the skin: lingzhi extracts, especially lingzhi , have been used to promote skin wound healing, reduce infection after burns and prevent ischemia-reperfusion injury in skin flaps; in skin care, lingzhi has been linked to fighting photoaging and to whitening; and its anti-inflammatory effects have also been studied in atopic dermatitis and cutaneous sarcoidosis.
Summary of composition and pharmacology researchCompiled from books and scientific reviews