Plant Comparison
Midland Hawthorn vs Lingzhi
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Midland Hawthorn and Lingzhi: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cardiovascular / heart health, inflammation (general), …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Midland Hawthorn | Lingzhi | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cardiovascular / heart health | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Insomnia / sleeplessness | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
The principal cardioactive and antioxidant constituents, the basis for extract standardisation.
Additional antioxidant constituents of the flower, leaf and fruit.
Principal immunomodulatory constituents, the main focus of anticancer-adjunct and immune research.
Bitter triterpenes associated with anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and adaptogenic activity.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antiviral action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antidiabetic action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally safe and well tolerated. High doses may cause low blood pressure and sedation. May interact with cardiac glycosides (digoxin) and antihypertensive drugs. Consult a physician before using with existing heart medications.
Duke (2002) rates hawthorn (Crataegus spp., including C. laevigata) as a triple-plus herb (+++) with Commission E approval (score 2-3) for decreasing cardiac output in functional Stage II heart insufficiency (NYHA). Clinical evidence supports hawthorn standardized extracts (80-500 mg, standardized to flavonoids or procyanidins) for angina, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Hawthorn may potentiate digitalis and other cardiac medications and is not considered suitable for self-medication without professional guidance (Duke, 2002).
Generally well tolerated at standard doses. May cause mild digestive upset, dry mouth, or dizziness in some individuals. May enhance the effects of anticoagulant and antihypertensive medications. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Extended use beyond 6 months is not well studied in humans.
Duke (2002) rates reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) as + and notes immunostimulant, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antitumor, and hypoglycemic activities at the experimental level (score 1). It is a key adaptogen in traditional Chinese medicine, valued for its polysaccharide (beta-glucan) content. Duke notes antiviral (score 1) and anti-aggregant activities. No strong clinical trials existed at time of publication, but lentinan and polysaccharide fractions from related species show immunomodulatory potential. Duke suggests caution in bleeding disorders due to anti-aggregant activity (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Small deciduous tree or large shrub with thorny branches and glossy, shallowly lobed leaves (less deeply cut than common hawthorn). Clusters of small, five-petalled white (occasionally pink) flowers with a strong scent appear in spring, followed by small red berries (haws), each usually containing two seeds (nutlets).[1]
Bracket (shelf) fungus (not a true plant) that grows on the trunks and stumps of deciduous trees. It develops a hard, kidney- or fan-shaped cap with a glossy, varnished, red-brown to mahogany crust and concentric growth rings, often on a lateral woody stalk; the pale underside is covered in fine pores that release rusty-brown spores. The mycelium spreads through the wood substrate before fruiting.[1]
Habitat
Grows in woodland, woodland edges, hedgerows and scrub, typically on richer, damper soils than common hawthorn; native to western and central Europe.[1]
Grows as a wood-decay fungus on the stumps and trunks of deciduous trees (notably maple and other hardwoods) in East Asian forests; also widely cultivated commercially on hardwood logs or sawdust substrate.
Harvesting
Flowers are picked as they open in spring, leaves are picked with the young flowering shoots, and the ripe red berries (haws) are gathered in autumn; all three parts are used, often combined, in hawthorn preparations.[1]
Wild fruiting bodies are collected once mature; cultivated material is harvested from logs or substrate at maturity, then dried and processed into slices, powder or extract.
Traditional Uses
Hawthorn flower, leaf and berry have a long European tradition, and substantial modern clinical study, as a cardiovascular tonic - supporting heart function, mild circulatory complaints and calming nervous tension - reflected in its traditional use for 'heart strengthening' and its modern standing as a well-studied botanical for mild heart failure symptoms.[1]
Reishi/lingzhi, the 'mushroom of immortality', is one of the most revered tonic fungi in traditional Chinese medicine, used for centuries to support vitality, calm the spirit, strengthen immunity and promote longevity; this traditional tonic reputation is now studied for immunomodulatory, anticancer-adjunct and metabolic effects.[1, 4]
Preparations
Leaf-and-flower extract standardised to flavonoid or oligomeric proanthocyanidin content, taken as tablets or capsules; the best-studied clinical form.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph on Crataegus spp., folium cum flore gives dry extracts in divided daily doses of 240-900 mg (single dose 80-450 mg) or, for one quantified extract, 570-1750 mg daily (single dose 190-350 mg), in adults and elderly. If symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks a doctor should be consulted, and hawthorn is never used as a substitute for prescribed heart medication without medical supervision. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-2 g of the comminuted leaf and flower in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, up to 4 times daily (maximum 6 g daily), in adults and elderly. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Not documented
References
Drug Class Interactions
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Fong, H.H.S. and Bauman, J.L (2002) 'Hawthorn', Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 16(4), pp. 1-8. doi:10.1097/00005082-200207000-00002 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1097/00005082-200207000-00002 - Orhan, I.E (2018) 'Phytochemical and Pharmacological Activity Profile of Crataegus oxyacantha L. (Hawthorn) - A Cardiotonic Herb', Current Medicinal Chemistry, 25(37), pp. 4854-4865. doi:10.2174/0929867323666160919095519 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2174/0929867323666160919095519 - Ahmadipour, B., Kalantar, M., Abaszadeh, S. and Hassanpour, H (2024) 'Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects of hawthorn extract (Crataegus oxyacantha) in broiler chickens', Veterinary Medicine and Science, 10(3), pp. e1414. doi:10.1002/vms3.1414 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1414 - Rigelsky, J.M. and Sweet, B.V (2002) 'Hawthorn: pharmacology and therapeutic uses', American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 59(5), pp. 417-422. doi:10.1093/ajhp/59.5.417 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1093/ajhp/59.5.417 - Saeedi, G., Jeivad, F., Goharbari, M., Gheshlaghi, G.H. and Sabzevari, O (2018) 'Ethanol Extract of Crataegus Oxyacantha L. Ameliorate Dietary Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rat', Drug Research, 68(10), pp. 553-559. doi:10.1055/a-0579-7532 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0579-7532 - Mecheri, A., Benabderrahmane, W., Amrani, A., Boubekri, N., Benayache, F., Benayache, S. and Zama, D (2019) 'Hepatoprotective Effects of Algerian Crataegus oxyacantha Leaves', Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture, 10(1), pp. 70-75. doi:10.2174/2212798410666180730095456 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/2212798410666180730095456 - Benabderrahmane, W., Lores, M., Benaissa, O., Lamas, J.P., de Miguel, T., Amrani, A., Benayache, F. and Benayache, S (2019) 'Polyphenolic content and bioactivities of Crataegus oxyacantha L. (Rosaceae)', Natural Product Research, 35(4), pp. 627-632. doi:10.1080/14786419.2019.1582044 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2019.1582044 - Ali, M., Muhammad, S., Shah, M.R., Khan, A., Rashid, U., Farooq, U., Ullah, F., Sadiq, A., Ayaz, M., Ali, M., Ahmad, M. and Latif, A (2017) 'Neurologically Potent Molecules from Crataegus oxyacantha; Isolation, Anticholinesterase Inhibition, and Molecular Docking', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, pp. 327. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00327 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00327 - Cuevas-Duran, R.E., Medrano-Rodriguez, J.C., Sanchez-Aguilar, M., Soria-Castro, E., Rubio-Ruiz, M.E., Del Valle-Mondragon, L., Sanchez-Mendoza, A., Torres-Narvaez, J.C., Pastelin-Hernandez, G. and Ibarra-Lara, L (2017) 'Extracts of Crataegus oxyacantha and Rosmarinus officinalis Attenuate Ischemic Myocardial Damage by Decreasing Oxidative Stress and Regulating the Production of Cardiac Vasoactive Agents', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(11), pp. 2412. doi:10.3390/ijms18112412 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18112412 - Alp, H., Soner, B.C., Baysal, T. and Sahin, A.S (2014) 'Protective effects of Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) extract against digoxin-induced arrhythmias in rats', Anatolian Journal of Cardiology, 15(12), pp. 970-975. doi:10.5152/akd.2014.5869 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.5152/akd.2014.5869 - Rothfuss, M.A., Pascht, U. and Kissling, G (2001) 'Effect of long-term application of Crataegus oxyacantha on ischemia and reperfusion induced arrhythmias in rats', Arzneimittel-Forschung, 51(1), pp. 24-28. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1299998 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1299998 - Khan, A., Akram, M., Thiruvengadam, M., Daniyal, M., Zakki, S.A., Munir, N., Zainab, R., Heydari, M., Mosavat, S.H., Rebezov, M. and Shariati, M.A (2022) 'Anti-anxiety Properties of Selected Medicinal Plants', Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 23(8), pp. 1041-1060. doi:10.2174/1389201022666210122125131 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201022666210122125131 - Rastogi, S., Pandey, M.M. and Rawat, A.K.S (2015) 'Traditional herbs: a remedy for cardiovascular disorders', Phytomedicine, 23(11), pp. 1082-1089. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2015.10.012 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2015.10.012 - European Medicines Agency (2016) 'European Union herbal monograph on Crataegus spp., folium cum flore'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=European%20Union%20herbal%20monograph%20on%20Crataegus%20spp.%2C%20folium%20cum%20flore - Hendel, N. and Hendel, M (2014) 'Hedgerow Medicine'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Hedgerow%20Medicine - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Hawthorn%20extract%20for%20treating%20chronic%20heart%20failure - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Tankanow, R., Tamer, H.R., Streetman, D.S., Smith, S.G., Welton, J.L., Annesley, T., Aaronson, K.D. and Bleske, B.E (2003) 'Interaction study between digoxin and a preparation of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha)', Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 43(6), pp. 637-642. doi:10.1177/0091270003253417 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1177/0091270003253417 - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008(1), pp. CD005312. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008(1), pp. CD005312. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003
- Li, W., Zhou, Q., Lv, B., Li, N. et al (2024) 'Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Supplementation Significantly Activates T-Cell-Mediated Antitumor Immunity and Enhances Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy Efficacy in Colorectal Cancer', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 72(21), pp. 12072-12082. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08385 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08385 - Cai, Q., Li, Y. and Pei, G (2017) 'Polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum attenuate microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and modulate microglial phagocytosis and behavioural response', Journal of Neuroinflammation, 14(1), pp. 63. doi:10.1186/s12974-017-0839-0 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-017-0839-0 - Zheng, G., Zhao, Y., Li, Z., Hua, Y. et al (2023) 'Ganoderma lucidum spore powder and derived triterpenes attenuate atherosclerosis and aortic calcification by stimulating ABCA1/G1-mediated macrophage cholesterol efflux and inactivating RUNX2-mediated VSMC osteogenesis', Theranostics, 13(4), pp. 1325-1341. doi:10.7150/thno.80250 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.7150/thno.80250 - Sohretoglu, D. and Huang, S (2018) 'Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides as An Anti-cancer Agent', Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 18(5), pp. 667-674. doi:10.2174/1871520617666171113121246 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1871520617666171113121246 - Seweryn, E., Ziala, A. and Gamian, A (2021) 'Health-Promoting of Polysaccharides Extracted from Ganoderma lucidum', Nutrients, 13(8), pp. 2725. doi:10.3390/nu13082725 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082725 - Liu, X., Yang, L., Li, G., Jiang, Y., Zhang, G. and Ling, J (2022) 'A novel promising neuroprotective agent: Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 229, pp. 168-180. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.276 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.276 - Zhu, M., Chang, Q., Wong, L.K., Chong, F.S. and Li, R.C (1999) 'Triterpene antioxidants from Ganoderma lucidum', Phytotherapy Research, 13(6), pp. 529-531. doi:10.1002/(sici)1099-1573(199909)13:6<529::aid-ptr481>3.0.co;2-x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1099-1573(199909)13:6<529::aid-ptr481>3.0.co;2-x - Zeng, P., Chen, Y., Zhang, L. and Xing, M (2019) 'Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide used for treating physical frailty in China', Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science, 163, pp. 179-219. doi:10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.02.009 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.02.009 - Wu, P., Zhang, C., Yin, Y., Zhang, X., Li, Q., Yuan, L., Sun, Y., Zhou, S., Ying, S. and Wu, J (2024) 'Bioactivities and industrial standardization status of Ganoderma lucidum: A comprehensive review', Heliyon, 10(19), pp. e36987. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36987 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36987 - Xu, Z., Chen, X., Zhong, Z., Chen, L. and Wang, Y (2011) 'Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides: immunomodulation and potential anti-tumor activities', The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 39(1), pp. 15-27. doi:10.1142/S0192415X11008610 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X11008610 - Geng, X., Zhong, D., Su, L., Lin, Z. and Yang, B (2019) 'Preventive and therapeutic effect of Ganoderma lucidum on kidney injuries and diseases', Advances in Pharmacology, 87, pp. 257-276. doi:10.1016/bs.apha.2019.10.003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.apha.2019.10.003 - Sliva, D (2004) 'Cellular and physiological effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)', Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 4(8), pp. 873-879. doi:10.2174/1389557043403323 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1389557043403323 - Boh, B., Berovic, M., Zhang, J. and Zhi-Bin, L (2007) 'Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds', Biotechnology Annual Review, 13, pp. 265-301. doi:10.1016/S1387-2656(07)13010-6 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1387-2656(07)13010-6 - Bao, X. et al (2001) 'Structural requirements for the immunological activities of polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum', 41(9), pp. 2603--2611. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Structural%20requirements%20for%20the%20immunological%20activities%20of%20polysaccharides%20from%20Ganoderma%20lucidum - Jin, X. et al (2012) 'Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Ganoderma%20lucidum%20%28Reishi%20mushroom%29%20for%20cancer%20treatment - Wachtel-Galor, S., Yuen, J., Buswell, J.A. and Benzie, I.F.F (2011) 'Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Ganoderma%20lucidum%20%28Lingzhi%20or%20Reishi%29%3A%20A%20Medicinal%20Mushroom - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Ahn, J.Y. and Seok, S.J. and Song, J.E. and Choi, J.H. and Han, S.H. and Choi, J.Y. and Kim, C.O. and Song, Y.G. and Kim, J.M (2013) 'Two cases of mushroom poisoning by Podostroma cornu-damae', Yonsei Medical Journal, 54(1), pp. 265-8. doi:10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.265 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.265 - Choe, S. and In, S. and Jeon, Y. and Choi, H. and Kim, S (2018) 'Identification of trichothecene-type mycotoxins in toxic mushroom Podostroma cornu-damae and biological specimens from a fatal case by LC-QTOF/MS', Forensic Science International, 291, pp. 234-244. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.08.043 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.08.043
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.