ReishiMax GLp is the ultimate immune-boosting solution! Harness the power of Reishi, renowned for its health-promoting benefits. Experience heightened immune function, enhanced cell proliferation, and the highest level of actives available. With our unique cracked spore technology, ReishiMax GLp offers unrivaled immune support. Elevate your well-being today and unlock the extraordinary benefits of ReishiMax GLp!
Discover the incredible power of the rare and potent Reishi mushroom with ReishiMax GLp. For over 2,000 years, the people of Asia have revered Reishi for its remarkable health-promoting benefits. Now, Pharmanex brings you the most bioavailable and potent form of Reishi through our proprietary cracked spore technology.
Unlock the natural defense system of your body with ReishiMax GLp. The Reishi mushroom supports cell-mediated immunity, promoting the activity of your antibodies and Natural Killer Cells to recognize and destroy foreign organisms. With a rich concentration of active ingredients, including 6% triterpenes and 13.5% polysaccharides, ReishiMax GLp harnesses the full potential of Reishi.
Derived from the highest quality red Reishi and backed by extensive scientific evaluation, ReishiMax GLp is the ultimate solution for maintaining a healthy immune system. Enhance your body’s defenses, combat environmental pollutants, and boost your overall well-being with the power of ReishiMax GLp.
Unleash the true potential of the Reishi mushroom and experience its remarkable benefits. Take charge of your immune health and embrace a healthier, stronger you.
History of Reishi Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushroom is a fungus occurring as a shelf-like form on the sides of fallen broad leaf trees and stumps. Reishi, also known in Asia as Lingzhi, is a basidiomycete and belongs to the family Polyporaceae. In nature, Reishi grows in densely wooded mountains with high humidity and low light and has been found primarily in China and Taiwan. The spores of Reishi have very tough outer husks with several layers. Reishi is a rare mushroom and is extremely hard to cultivate. In 1971, Yukio Naoi, a researcher at Japan’s Kyoto University, successfully developed artificial wood log cultivation of Reishi. This discovery led to the ability to cultivate Reishi in large quantities with reproducible and consistent production. There are 62 types of Reishi, of which six are most common — red, purple, blue, yellow, black, and white. Pharmanex has chosen to use red Reishi in ReishiMax because it can produce the highest quality extract and has been subject to the most scientific evaluation (INPR 1998, HKU 2001).
Reishi is one of the earliest herbal remedies recorded in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, between the years of 206 B.C. — 8 A.D. (Shen 1997). Reishi, also known as Lingzhi, is one of the most valued and potent herbal products in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In China, Reishi is a TCM herb of choice as a general tonic for promoting longevity, vitality and endurance, and for health preservation*. As recorded in New Compilation of Materia Medica (y. 1757), Reishi “benefits heart and lung, nourishes the essence and vital energy, prevents from illness, and acts for millennia as a longevity-promoting herbal tonic.”* (Chang 1986, Ying 1987, Hsu 1986). Reishi is listed in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as ‘superior grade’ (Shen 1997). This grade is reserved only for TCM herbs that are non-toxic tonic herbs that are without side effects even when taken for a prolonged period of time.
Cell-Mediated Immunity
The immune system is intricate, with a variety of functions vital to health. When functioning properly, the immune system is a formidable defense mechanism essential to maintaining optimal health. It recognizes a seemingly infinite number of viruses and bacteria and will even defend against changes in our own cells that pose serious threats to our well being. The immune system helps to prevent the consequences of these changes by removing damaged or aged cells and identifying and destroying altered cells damaged by oxidative stress.
There are two main functional components of the acquired immune system — humoral immunity and cellular immunity. Both of these systems overlap and work together synergistically to afford an effective immune system. The first — humoral immunity — hinges on the antibody. Produced by lymphocytes called B cells, antibodies latch onto and neutralize foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
The second arm of the acquired immune system, cell- mediated immunity, is directed by T lymphocytes. This system differs not only in its function, but also in the way that it detects foreign invaders. When a T cell encounters a problem it will react in one of two ways depending upon whether the T cell is a helper (CD4) or a cytotoxic (CD8) T cell. Helper T cells send for help from other cells, including B cells, via chemical signals. Cytotoxic T cells, on the other hand, develop the ability to attack target cells directly and secrete chemicals that kill infected or aberrant cells.
Both B and T lymphocytes get a helping hand from various other cells in the immune system such as monocytes and macrophages, neutrophils, and a host of other cell types. Maintaining a healthy immune system includes getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and avoiding toxins such as cigarette smoke and industrial pollution that put an extra burden on our natural defenses. A healthy, balanced diet rich in dietary ingredients that have been demonstrated to support optimal immune function can also provide much needed support to a healthy immune system.
Primary Active Constituents
ReishiMax is composed of Reishi fruiting bodies and cracked spores. The key active constituents found in Reishi include polysaccharides (beta-1,3-glucans) and triterpenes (ganoderic acids and others). Other ingredients naturally found in Reishi include nucleosides, fatty acids (oleic acid), and amino acids. The active ingredients in ReishiMaxTM are standardized to 6% triterpenes and 13.5% polysaccharides, which is the highest level of actives available in a Reishi extract. ReishiMaxTM also contains a 1% extract of 100% cracked spores.
In 2002, there were two studies published in peer-reviewed journals identifying new potentially active compounds in ReishiMaxTM GLp. The first study, conducted by Chi-Huey Wong at Academia Sinica in Taiwan, found that ReishiMax contains unique polysaccharides that are responsible for immuno-modulat- ing activities (Wang 2002). The second study, published in the Journal of Natural Products, conducted by Scientists at the Pharmanex Research Institute in Provo, Utah, identified three new lanostanoid compounds in ReishiMax (Ma 2002).
Health Benefits
ReishiMax supports healthy immune system function by stimulating cell-mediated immunity with a proprietary standardized Reishi formula. According to the results of animal and in vitro studies, Reishi has been demonstrated to stimulate the formation of antibodies, stimulate the ability of proliferation of immune cells, and modulate the functions of T cells. ReishiMax is intended for adults who wish to maintain a healthy immune system; who smoke or who are frequently exposed to environmental pollutants; who do not get enough sleep; or who feel run down.
Supports healthy immune system function
Promotes the proliferation and activity of your body’s own defensive immune cells
Proprietary cracked-spore technology frees more immune-supporting Reishi actives, making ReishiMax GLp an effective Reishi product
A high concentration of actives makes ReishiMax GLp a powerful Reishi product
Pharmanex uses the red Reishi in ReishiMax GLp because it yields the highest quality extract and has been subjected to extensive scientific evaluation
ReishiMax GLp is for adults interested in supporting their immune defense system and promoting their body’s defensive immune cells. Adults who smoke or who are frequently exposed to environmental pollutants can also derive significant benefits from ReishiMax GLp supplementation.
The six most common types of Reishi are the red, black, white, purple, yellow, and blue Reishi
Red Reishi, the kind used in ReishiMax GLp, is the highest quality and the most studied of the Reishi varieties
Reishi spores (mushroom equivalent to seeds) are the most potent source of active constituents, yet the spores of Reishi have very tough outer husks with several layers. This prevents the polysaccharides and triterpenes from being absorbed, a problem that was solved when Pharmanex employed cracked-spore technology
Pharmanex ReishiMax GLp has been used and mentioned by name in dozens of published abstracts and studies
Reishi has been shown to support immune function and enhance immune cell proliferation in animal, in vitro, and clinical studies.
Ample amounts of data from animal and in vitro studies strongly support that Reishi extracts can enhance cellular immunity by influencing lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, cytokines, macrophages, and histamine release from mast cells, thus resulting in improved health benefits*. The data from numerous animal models and in vitro studies performed with various Reishi extracts is summarized below:
An unpublished comparative study recently conducted by the Medical Institute at National Taiwan University found that ReishiMaxTM enhanced immune function in mice compared to placebo (Chiang 2002). After six weeks, ReishiMax increased serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA), increased proliferation of lymphocytes, and increased secretion of cytokines (IL-2, IL-5, IL-6) and IFN_ (see graphs below).
ReishiMax Product Guide
In relation to serum IgG, ReishiMax was 25% more effective than placebo, and just as effective as the leading Reishi competitor in Taiwan (at 0.585 g/kg). In relation to IL-2, ReishiMax was 405% more effective than placebo, and was also more effective than the leading Reishi competitor in Taiwan (at 0.585 g/kg).
In clinical studies, Reishi extracts have been shown to increase levels of T-cell counts, CD4/CD8 ratio, cytokine IL-2, complement C3 and immunoglobulin G, lower levels of T-suppressor cell counts, improve vigor and appetite, and shorten recovery time (Kupin 1992, Yang 1996)*. An open-label, comparative study evaluated the health benefits of Reishi supplementation in 48 indi- viduals. Compared to controls, immune cell proliferation was improved. No adverse effects were seen with Reishi administration (Kupin 1992).
Another open-label, comparative clinical study evaluated the health benefits of Reishi supplementation in 37 subjects. After six weeks, the values for debility and weak- ness were lowered by 53.6%. Their lymphoid transfor- mation rate increased, and levels of IL-2, complement C3, and immunoglobulin G were significantly higher after supplementation with Reishi (p<0.05) (Yang 1996).
The combination of quality ingredients, qualified manufacturers, certified independent laboratory verifi- cation, and a continuous drive to supply leading edge products, ensure our distributors and consumers the highest quality products available in the industry. The constituents in ReishiMax are standardized through scientific and analytical methods to ensure that every capsule contains the specific level of constituents, every time. The production, quality control, safety, and efficacy studies for ReishiMax have been reviewed and approved by the Taiwan Department of Health (DOH) and Expert Committee (DOH 2002). A health food license was granted for ReishiMax by the Taiwan DOH in April 2002, one of only 23 licenses that have been issued for health foods by the DOH.
ReishiMax is produced through solid wood log cultivation, which requires a 120–200 day cultivation period. This method is preferred to sawdust and liquid cultivation because it yields both polysaccharides and triterpenes from the fruiting body. In addition, other cultivation methods are prone to contamination and are difficult to control quality. Pharmanex has developed an exclusive multi-step extraction process that increases the yield and concentration of active ingredients. Most Reishi products only use one extraction process, which results in a product with lower concentrations of active ingredients, and often lacks the triterpene compounds. The first step of Pharmanex’s extraction process concentrates the triterpenes, while the second step concentrates the polysaccharides. The third and final step in Pharmanex extraction process utilizes an exclusive technology that detaches additional polysaccharides from the cell walls. The resulting product, ReishiMax, is standardized to 6% triterpenes and 13.5% polysaccharides, which is the highest level of actives currently available in a Reishi product.
ReishiMax also incorporates a novel cracked spore technology, which releases additional active ingredients, providing unique immune activity not found in other Reishi products.* Reishi spores are minute brown egg- shaped reproductive cells that are released by the mushroom at maturity. The spores are protected by an extremely hard shell, which prevents the polysaccharides and triterpenes contained in the spore from being absorbed. Pharmanex uses technology which mechanically ‘cracks’ the spores, making the active ingredients bioavailable (see picture below).
All ingredients are tested for purity, and where applicable, ingredients are certified pure by microbial testing, such as tests for Salmonella, E. coli, other coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, total plate counts, yeasts, and molds. Our manufacturers go through a detailed selection and certification process to assure their compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
As a dietary supplement, take one to two capsules of ReishiMax with liquid at your morning and evening meals. For optimal health benefits, take one (1) capsule twice daily for health maintenance, and two (2) capsules twice daily for more proactive immune modulation.
ReishiMax is safe and well tolerated at the recommended dosage. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reishi is categorized as ‘superior grade’ and has no toxic effects (Shen 1997). In animal studies, Reishi has been shown to be non-carcinogenic, has not produced hepatic toxicity, and has not impaired growth or development (Chang 1986).
Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. A varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important. A food supplement should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Do not use if safety seal is broken, damaged or missing. Keep away from heat and humidity. Keep out of reach of young children. Consult a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant, lactating or under medical treatment.
ReishiMax GLp is a proprietary Reishi extract containing one of the highest levels of active ingredients currently on the market.
This standardized product also incorporates cracked spores, a novel technology that releases Reishi’s active ingredients, providing unique immune activity not found in other Reishi products. Pharmanex has developed an exclusive multi-step extraction process that increases the yield and concentration of active ingredients. Most Reishi products only use one extraction process, which results in a product with lower concentrations of active ingredients, and often lack the triterpene compounds. The exclusive Pharmanex technology detaches additional polysaccharides from the cell walls, providing ReishiMax GLp with one of the highest levels of active ingredients currently available in a Reishi product.
ReishiMax GLp is produced through solid wood log cultivation, which requires a 120 to 200 day cultivation period. This method is preferred over sawdust and liquid cultivation because it yields both polysaccharides and triterpenes from the fruiting body. In addition, other cultivation methods are prone to contamination and are difficult to control. Pharmanex has chosen to use red Reishi because it produces the highest quality extract and has been subject to the most scientific evaluation. Our manufacturers go through a detailed selection and certification process to ensure compliance with the Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) standards set by the Food and Drug Administration.
ReishiMax GLp supports healthy immune system function by stimulating cell-mediated immunity. According to the results of animal and in vitro studies, the Reishi mushroom has been shown to stimulate the formation of antibodies as well as stimulate the ability of immune cells to proliferate and modulate the functions of Natural Killer Cells.
Reishi has been shown in clinical studies to support immune function and promote immune cell proliferation both in animal and in vitro clinical studies. An unpublished, comparative study conducted by the Medical Institute at National Taiwan University found that ReishiMax GLp supported immune function when compared to a placebo. A study comparing Reishi products from China, Taiwan, and the U.S. found ReishiMax GLp to be the most potent and effective Reishi product available (Sliva, 2003).
ReishiMax GLp is safe and well tolerated at the recommended dosage. Individuals with known fungal allergies should be cautious when taking Reishi products.
