A 1999 research paper reported Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) to have “the strongest antioxidant activity of five species of Ganoderma [Reishi] tested,” a more potent free radical scavenger than Vitamin E. [831] Other published papers have also reported extraordinary antioxidant levels in Hemlock Varnish Shelf. [827, 828, 829, 830]
Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) is the local variety of Reishi (Ganoderma spp.) for eastern United States. It is common on Eastern Hemlock trees (Tsuga canadensis) throughout the Appalachian range.
Much of the therapeutic benefits are the same as those of the Common Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), which is the oldest used medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine with a 2,000 year history.
Hemlock Varnish Shelf is not limited to the U.S., though, and plenty of Asian research has been conducted specifically on this species of Reishi.
The primary Asian source of Hemlock Varnish Shelf is commercially grown specimens from Taiwan that are exported to mainland China as medicinal mushrooms. The traditional use of Ganoderma tsugae in Chinese medicine is for the treatment of autoimmune conditions, asthma and other conditions involving inflammation.
As far as modern research goes, a 2001 study reported “improved the survival rate of lupus” [800] when patients were given Ganoderma tsugae extract in addition to the conventional treatment.
A bit more research has been conducted on asthma and lung inflammation. In 2007, it was reported that Ganoderma tsugae extract produced “anti-inflammatory effects on airway responses” [801] in broncheoalveolar inflammation, including allergic asthma. [802, 803]
In the annals of herbal medicine, several wood conks have been used to cauterize open wounds and speed up healing, including Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis) and Tinder Fungus (Fomes fomentarius). Now, modern medicine has discovered this unique application of mushrooms, and the species of choice is neither of the two mentioned above, but Hemlock Varnish Shelf. Sold as Sacchachitin, the skin substitute made from Hemlock Varnish Shelf has been said to support “rapid wound healing.” [804] A “wound area covered by SACCHACHITIN completely healed by 21 days, while that covered with cotton gauze did not,” concluded one study. [805, 806, 807]
Cancer research has also been conducted on Hemlock Varnish Shelf with encouraging results, [808, 809, 810, 811, 812] in particular in regards to breast [816] and lung cancer. [813, 814, 815] Ganoderma tsugae extract was shown in one study to be helpful in the prevention of metastatic tumors. [817]
Similarly as the Common Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Hemlock Varnish Shelf also exhibits immunomodulatory properties, [817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823] which means that it may adjust the immune response either up or down depending on what the situation calls for. [824, 825] While we mostly think of the immune system as something we wish to be strong, in autoimmune conditions and inflammatory diseases, the over-active immune system actually needs to be slowed down, or “put on ice” as it may be.
One study conducted in 2004 found Hemlock Varnish Shelf extract to posses liver protective properties and be anti-fibrotic. [826]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Dr. Markho Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, specifically working with the extracts from Paul Stamets, including synergistic reishi blends such as G5 (Five Ganoderma) and CordyChi. For research references to this article, please go to the Ganoderma tsugae research page.
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