Among China’s traditional supplements, Ganoderma lucidum and ginseng have the highest level of influence.
Ginseng is the “king of all herbs” and Ganoderma lucidum is the “resurrection fairy grass”.
With a long history and magical legends, coupled with modern extraction technology and research terminology packaging, various ginseng and Ganoderma health products are selling well in the market.
However, we might as well look at this article first to understand the functions of Ganoderma lucidum, ginseng and their health care products and judge whether they are worth buying at a large price.
Ganoderma lucidum is what?
Ganoderma lucidum and mushrooms are close relatives. However, compared with ordinary mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum is harder in texture, lignified and tastes bad.
Of course, no one cares whether it is delicious or not. The key is efficacy.
Is Ganoderma effective?
Unfortunately, although there are many studies, the conclusions they can draw are very [preliminary].
A large number of studies on Ganoderma lucidum [active ingredients] have been carried out to determine whether they are what substances by extracting the components from Ganoderma lucidum and using biochemical analysis methods, and then experiments have been carried out on cells and animals to explore their efficacy.
The [active ingredients] extracted from different kinds of Ganoderma lucidum are not exactly the same, and most of them are substances called triterpenes and polysaccharides. It mainly verified their anti-tumor, immune enhancement, antiviral and other effects.
However, over the years, the scientific and industrial circles have also made a lot of efforts, but no researcher has dared to stand up and say confidently [there is sufficient evidence to prove that Ganoderma lucidum has XX effect].
There is a big question mark over the credibility of the rhetoric in the advertisement.
Is Ganoderma lucidum spore powder something from what?
Ganoderma lucidum spores can be understood as cells that can grow new small Ganoderma lucidum after being separated from large Ganoderma lucidum.
There are many very old and lignified parts in Ganoderma lucidum, but the spores of Ganoderma lucidum contain more abundant [active ingredients].
So there are products such as [broken Ganoderma lucidum spores] [Ganoderma lucidum spore powder]. Are these all things from what?
The so-called “broken wall” refers to destroying a layer of hard [shell] outside Ganoderma lucidum spores through the production process. Doing so claims to be beneficial to the extraction of spore contents, and then polishing into powder, better absorption. The reason is similar to ground coffee or tea powder, which is easier to brew out.
However, the effect of [broken spore powder] is better, which is based on the assumption that the active ingredient in the spore is [really effective].
However, as mentioned earlier, these components have only been shown [possibly effective] in cell experiments and some animal experiments, and the conclusion is still uncertain.
Can related products be eaten?
Whether it works or not is put aside first.
To be able to eat, the most basic guarantee is not to endanger health.
The recommendations of the National Institutes of Health are as follows:
It means: oral administration of [Ganoderma lucidum extract] for no more than one year may be safe; Oral administration of [Ganoderma lucidum spore powder] for more than one month may not be safe-there have been reports of liver damage caused by Ganoderma lucidum spore powder.
How is ginseng?
Similar to Ganoderma lucidum, ginseng research is mainly to extract and separate the [bioactive components], analyze and determine its biochemical characteristics, and explore the functions of these extracts in cell experiments and animal experiments.
At present, the most popular [active ingredients] are ginsenosides, polysaccharides, flavonoids, etc. There are also many clinical studies, and the summary of the studies is as follows:
This summary is extremely simple and clear.
1. There are many studies on human body, but there are few high-quality studies, so people have limited understanding of the efficacy of ginseng.
2. Current research evidence does not support any health effects of ginseng.
American ginseng is actually a close relative of native ginseng. The research conclusion of American ginseng is similar: some preliminary studies show [seem to have] some effects, but scientific evidence is insufficient.
Can ginseng be eaten casually?
Judging from the information reported so far, there is no obvious problem in eating ginseng in a short period of time and in a small amount.
Ginseng contains some [hormone-like] substances, which may cause some harm if taken in large quantities or for a long time. In most cases, its side effect is to affect sleep, contrary to the legendary [tranquilizing] effect.
Other uncommon side effects include menstrual disorders, chest pain, increased heart rate, headache, etc. But many times, people regard these [discomfort] as [effective] reactions.
For pregnant women, parturients and children, ginseng safety data are very few. From the perspective of caution and conservatism, it is best not to eat ginseng. Especially for pregnant women, starting from the principle of “safety first”, ginseng is not recommended.
In addition, ginseng may also have drug reactions with some drugs, such as insulin, which may lead to hypoglycemia.
How do you view traditional supplements?
There are many traditional supplements all over the world, and China is no exception.
They are believed to have various [health preserving effects], but most of the effects are mainly supported by [legends] and [beliefs], lacking systematic research and clear and reliable conclusions.
Instead of spending a lot of money on these [unclear] supplements, it is better to buy really high-quality healthy food and things that help improve living comfort. A balanced diet, moderate exercise and a comfortable living condition are the protection of health.
Just like the sentence in < < Zuo Zongtang’s Letter > >:
It is useless to nourish and investigate. One must always add one’s own ideas and practice. There is no other worry about it.