Reishi (Mannentake / Lingzhi)
霊芝 / 万年茸 (Reishi / Mannentake)
Why source from Japan
Nagano and Niigata's high-altitude cultivation produces reishi with triterpene concentrations the wild Chinese supply rarely matches; domestic Japanese R&D drives modern spore-extract methodology.
Key spec
Beta-glucan 15-35% (fruiting body); triterpene 1-5% in standardised extracts; ganoderic-acid content used for retail grading.
Typical end-product
Premium immune-support supplements, functional coffee blends, sleep-support nutraceuticals.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 3 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 1–10 kg powder; 100 g – 1 kg spore extract
- Typical lead time
- 8–14 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Nagano, Niigata, Gifu
- Category
- Medicinal plants
- Harvest season
- Year-round (controlled cultivation); spore harvest in cycle peaks
- Japan regulatory status
- FFC notifications exist; food product status; pharmaceutical-grade also available under MHLW
- Japanese name
- 霊芝 / 万年茸
- Romaji
- Reishi / Mannentake
About this ingredient
A foundational TCM/Kampo medicinal mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum). Japanese cultivation, primarily in Nagano and Niigata, evolved beyond traditional wild collection into standardised indoor cultivation in the 1970s. Modern Japanese reishi suppliers produce both fruiting-body and spore (hoshi) extracts, with the spore variant carrying premium pricing on the back of triterpene concentration. FFC notifications support immune-support positioning domestically. Substantial export to North American supplement and functional-coffee categories.
Regulatory status
| Japan | FFC notifications exist; food product status; pharmaceutical-grade also available under MHLW |
|---|---|
| EU | Novel Food consideration; CosIng comparable for cosmetic use |
| United States | DSHEA NDI; GRAS by long traditional use |
| China | NMPA / TCM herbal context; well-precedented import |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Reishi (Mannentake / Lingzhi) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Japanese Reishi Mushroom
日本産霊芝
Ganoderma lucidum; Ganoderma japonicum source; FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Sake Extract
日本酒エキス
INCI Sake Extract (cosmetic) — JSCI ingredient; MOQ from 10–30 kg (cosmetic extract) / 50–500 L (bulk for food use).
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Easier EU regulatory path
Reishi (Mannentake / Lingzhi) faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in EU. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Shōchū Kasu (Distillation Residue)
焼酎粕
Free amino acid 0.5–2% (wet basis); polyphenol content elevated in imo-shōchū kasu vs mugi.
Simpler in EU· shares 3 categories
Sasa Bamboo Leaf Extract
クマザサエキス
Alkaline polysaccharide 5-15%; chlorophyll-derived bioactives 0.5-2%; minimal allergen profile.
Simpler in EU· shares 3 categories
Sake Extract
日本酒エキス
INCI Sake Extract (cosmetic) — JSCI ingredient; MOQ from 10–30 kg (cosmetic extract) / 50–500 L (bulk for food use).
Simpler in EU· shares 2 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd.
協和発酵バイオ株式会社
TokyoEst. 2008English supportExport experienceGMP (pharmaceutical-grade)Oryza Oil & Fat Chemical Co., Ltd.
オリザ油化株式会社
Ichinomiya, AichiEst. 1954English supportExport experienceTriterpene-standardised reishi
Uchida Wakanyaku Ltd.
ウチダ和漢薬株式会社
Bunkyo, TokyoEst. 1947English supportExport experienceGMP (pharmaceutical)ISO 9001Pharmaceutical-grade reishi
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Last updated: 2026-05-05