Ganoderma lucidum has traditionally been indicated for the treatment of insomnia1-3 and aqueous extract from G. lucidum fruiting body decreased sleep latency, increased sleeping time, non-REM sleep time and light sleep time in pentobarbital-treated rats in a benzodiazepine-like manner4.
Clinically Hericium erinaceus (3-5g/day) produces consistent improvements in anxiety and insomnia, especially in menopausal and peri-menopausal women and one study reports reduction in anxiety from 2g/day5.
CLINICAL NOTE
Both G. lucidum and H. erinaceus are helpful in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia and Christopher Hobbs reports preferring G. lucidum to valerian for deficiency type insomnia6.
REFERENCES
1. Sleep-promoting effects of Ganoderma extracts in rats: comparison between long-term and acute administrations. Honda K, Komoda Y, Inoué S. Tokyo Ika Shika Daigaku Iyo Kizai Kenkyusho Hokoku. 1988;22:77–82.
2. The hypnotic and sedative actions of the spores of Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) in mice. Yu L, Wei H. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2000;2(4):323–328.
3. Ganoderma lucidum: a potent pharmacological macrofungus. Sanodiya BS, Thakur GS, Baghel RK, Prasad GB, Bisen PS. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2009;10(8):717–742.
4. Extract of Ganoderma lucidum potentiates pentobarbital-induced sleep via a GABAergic mechanis. Chu QP, Wang LE, Cui XY, Fu HZ, Lin ZB, Lin SQ, Zhang YH. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2007;86(4):693–698.
5. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, Hayashi C, Sato D, Kitagawa K, Ohnuki K. Biomed Res. 2010;31(4):231–237.
6. Hobbs C. Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing and Culture. Williams : Botanica Press, 1986.