The Reishi mushroom(Ganoderma lucidum) is used in traditional Chinese medicine to help treat cancer and its consumption is associated with lower mortality rates and increased longevity. Some of the triterpenes isolated from Reishi show toxicity against cancer cells, and the polysaccharides in it stimulate the immune system.
Consumption of Ganoderma lucidum extracts can lower blood pressure and also counteract atherosclerosis.