Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is one of the most studied and used medicinal mushrooms in traditional Chinese medicine. For centuries it has been considered an adaptogenic remedy, used to support longevity, immune balance, and resilience to stress. In recent years, scientific interest in Reishi has also expanded into the neurological and neuropsychiatric fields, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. And although there are no specific clinical studies on AuDHD/autism/ADHD, several mechanisms of action of Reishi are biologically relevant for the neurodivergent brain.
One of the central aspects in neurodivergence concerns chronic low-grade neuroinflammation, often associated with immune dysfunction, altered intestinal permeability, and persistent activation of the HPA axis. The polysaccharides and triterpenes in Reishi show a marked immunomodulatory action, capable of:
reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α and IL-6),
promoting a more regulated immune profile,
counteracting systemic inflammatory states that can influence brain function.
From a PNEI perspective, this effect is particularly interesting for those neurodivergent profiles in which inflammation contributes to emotional dysregulation, cognitive fatigue, and vulnerability to stress.
Oxidative stress is another element frequently observed in neurodivergence, especially in the presence of chronic stress, sleep disorders, or intestinal dysbiosis.
Reishi possesses powerful antioxidant properties, able to:
neutralize free radicals,
protect neurons from oxidative damage,
support synaptic plasticity and the health of cell membranes.
These effects are relevant for the maintenance of cognitive functions and for the protection of a nervous system often more sensitive to environmental stimuli.
Sleep disorders and anxiety states are extremely common in people with ADHD, autism, and AuDHD.
Reishi is classified as an adaptogen, that is, a substance capable of improving the body's response to stress, promoting a return to physiological balance.
Several studies suggest that Reishi may:
improve sleep quality,
reduce neuroendocrine hyperactivation,
modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
More stable sleep and better stress regulation are fundamental prerequisites for cognitive and emotional functioning, especially in neurodivergent brains.
The available evidence comes mainly from preclinical studies, which indicate a possible role for Reishi in:
supporting memory,
protecting executive functions,
reducing neuronal damage associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.
It is important to emphasize that these results do not authorize direct clinical conclusions, but provide a plausible biological basis for a reasoned use within an integrated approach.
The dosage commonly used in studies and nutraceutical practice is about:
→ 1.5 g per day of standardized dry extract.
The choice of product, duration of intake, and any pharmacological interactions must always be evaluated case by case, especially in the presence of ongoing therapies. Reishi is not a therapy and does not replace clinical interventions, but can represent a complementary support within a personalized and neurodiversity-affirming approach.
Reishi, thanks to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, can be included in an integrated care model that takes into account the biological complexity of the neurodivergent brain. In nutraceuticals, as in neuroscience, the key word remains the same: personalization.
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