Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Lingzhi vs Dog-rose
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
Lingzhi and Dog-rose: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), inflammation (general), …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Lingzhi | Dog-rose | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 8/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Lingzhi |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
| Metabolic support | 1/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Dog-rose |
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
Principal immunomodulatory constituents, the main focus of anticancer-adjunct and immune research.
Bitter triterpenes associated with anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and adaptogenic activity.
The hip is exceptionally rich in vitamin C and carotenoids, underpinning its traditional tonic use. Quantified in commercial dried fruit at beta-carotene 7.25 mg/100 g and lycopene 2.34 mg/100 g fresh weight.
A specific galactolipid fraction studied as the likely active anti-inflammatory constituent in osteoarthritis trials of standardised rosehip powder.
Contribute to antioxidant activity. Leaves carry a higher total phenolic, flavonoid and phenolic-acid content than the hips, and leaf infusions were the only preparation to show antibacterial activity in vitro.
Cold-pressed rose hip seed oil is high in linolenic acid, with phytosterols up to 6485 mg/kg, tocopherols up to 1125 mg/kg and carotenoids up to 108 mg/kg; p-coumaric acid methyl ester predominates among its phenolics.
Pharmacological Actions
In vitro, the lipophilic (n-hexane and dichloromethane) rose hip extracts inhibited COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX-mediated leukotriene B4 formation; the aqueous and methanol extracts were inactive.
Traditional & Indicated Uses
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
Two placebo-controlled crossover RCTs of standardised rosehip powder (5 g/day) report reduced WOMAC pain and reduced rescue-medication use in knee/hip osteoarthritis, consistent with the existing meta-analysis.
inferred from anticancer action
Animal evidence only. In high-fat-diet/streptozotocin diabetic rats, R. canina ethanol extract (250 mg/kg) improved recall and long-term memory and reduced hippocampal insulin resistance, amyloid-beta and acetylcholinesterase activity. No human data; the effect is reported in a diabetes model, not in healthy or cognitively impaired people.
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
One triple-blind placebo-controlled RCT (n=400) found that 500 mg R. canina fruit capsules twice daily for 20 days after caesarean section reduced the incidence of urinary tract infection. The incidence of cystitis specifically did not differ significantly between groups. Prevention in a post-surgical population; not evidence for treating an established UTI.
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
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).
Rosa canina (dog rose) hips are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption, widely used in teas, jams, and supplements. They are highly nutritious but may cause minor digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea) in some users. The small, irritating hairs around the seeds should be removed before consumption.
Duke (2002) rates dog rose hips as +++ with clinical evidence (score 2) for astringent activity and experimental support for antioxidant and diuretic effects. Dog rose hips are exceptionally rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids. They are traditionally used for cold and influenza prevention, urinary tract health, and mild diarrhea. Duke notes the diuretic (score 1) and lipoxygenase-inhibitory activities as experimentally documented. The fruit is considered food-grade safe (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
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]
Scrambling, thorny deciduous shrub (Rosaceae), 1-5 m, with arching, prickly stems bearing hooked thorns. Leaves are pinnate with 5-7 oval, toothed leaflets. Pale pink to white, five-petalled flowers are followed by bright red-orange, egg-shaped hips (the fleshy hip is an accessory fruit; the true fruits are small hairy achenes inside it) that ripen in autumn and often persist into winter.[2]
Habitat
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.
Native throughout Europe, north-west Africa and western Asia, common in hedgerows, woodland edges, scrub and roadside verges on a wide range of soils.[2]
Harvesting
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.
Hips are picked in autumn once fully coloured, then dried for tea or powder, or processed fresh for syrup. The fine, irritant hairs surrounding the seeds inside the hip must be removed before consumption.[5]
Traditional Uses
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]
Rosehip has a long European folk tradition as a vitamin-C-rich tonic for colds and general immunity, and as a mild diuretic and astringent for urinary and digestive complaints. Modern clinical trials on standardised rosehip powder show a modest, reproducible benefit for osteoarthritis pain and stiffness.[1, 2]
Preparations
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
Dosage
Not documented
Clinical trials for osteoarthritis have most often used around 5 g/day of standardised rosehip powder. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References & Sources
- 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
- Christensen, R., Bartels, E.M., Altman, R.D., Astrup, A. and Bliddal, H (2008) 'Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? - a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 16(9), pp. 965-972. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2008.03.001 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2008.03.001 - Gruenwald, J., Uebelhack, R. and More, M.I (2019) 'Rosa canina - Rose hip pharmacological ingredients and molecular mechanics counteracting osteoarthritis - A systematic review', Phytomedicine, 60, pp. 152958. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152958 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152958 - Sanz-Lamora, H., Nicola-Llorente, M., Torres-Oteros, D., Perez-Marti, A. and others (2024) 'The Antiobesity Effects of Rosehip (Rosa canina) Flesh by Antagonizing the PPAR Gamma Activity in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice', Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 68(5), pp. e2300539. doi:10.1002/mnfr.202300539 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202300539 - Tumbas, V.T., Canadanovic-Brunet, J.M., Cetojevic-Simin, D.D., Cetkovic, G.S. and others (2011) 'Effect of rosehip (Rosa canina L.) phytochemicals on stable free radicals and human cancer cells', Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 92(6), pp. 1273-1281. doi:10.1002/jsfa.4695 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.4695 - Pena, F., Valencia, S., Tereucan, G., Nahuelcura, J. and others (2023) 'Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in the Fruit of Rosehip (Rosa canina L. and Rosa rubiginosa L.)', Molecules, 28(8), pp. 3544. doi:10.3390/molecules28083544 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083544 - Hendrysiak, A., Brzezowska, J., Nicolet, N., Bocquel, D. and others (2023) 'Juice Powders from Rosehip (Rosa canina L.): Physical, Chemical, and Antiglycation Properties', Molecules, 28(4), pp. 1674. doi:10.3390/molecules28041674 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041674 - Igual, M., Garcia-Herrera, P., Camara, R.M., Martinez-Monzo, J. and others (2022) 'Bioactive Compounds in Rosehip (Rosa canina) Powder with Encapsulating Agents', Molecules, 27(15), pp. 4737. doi:10.3390/molecules27154737 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154737 - Truong, V.L. and Jeong, W.S (2023) 'Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Seed Oil in C57BL/6 Mice', Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, 28(4), pp. 411-417. doi:10.3746/pnf.2023.28.4.411 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3746/pnf.2023.28.4.411 - Michalska-Ciechanowska, A., Brzezowska, J., Nicolet, N., Haladyn, K. and others (2025) 'Valorization of Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Pomace Using Unconventional Carbohydrate Carriers for Beverage Obtainment', Molecules, 30(1), pp. 141. doi:10.3390/molecules30010141 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30010141 - Vlaicu, P.A., Untea, A.E., Turcu, R.P., Panaite, T.D. and Saracila, M (2022) 'Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Meal as a Natural Antioxidant on Lipid and Protein Quality and Shelf-Life of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Enriched Eggs', Antioxidants (Basel), 11(10), pp. 1948. doi:10.3390/antiox11101948 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11101948 - Phetcharat, L. and Wongsuphasawat, K. and Winther, K (2015) 'The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity', Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, pp. 1849--1856. doi:10.2147/CIA.S90092 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S90092 - Golsorkhi, H. and Montazerlotfelahi, H. and Abniki, E. and Vafaee-Shahi, M. and Kamalinejad, M. and Qorbani, M. and Bahrami, M. and Dadmehr, M (2025) 'Efficacy and safety of Rosa canina L. and a traditional polyherbal formulation syrup in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a factorial randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial', Phytotherapy Research, 39(9), pp. 4116--4125. doi:10.1002/ptr.70061 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.70061 - Miljkovi\'c, V. M. and Nikoli\'c, L. and Mrmo\v sanin, J. and Gaji\'c, I. and Mihajilov-Krstev, T. and Zvezdanovi\'c, J. and Miljkovi\'c, M (2024) 'Chemical profile and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Rosa canina L. dried fruit commercially available in Serbia', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(5), pp. 2518. doi:10.3390/ijms25052518 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052518 - Polumackanycz, M. and Kaszuba, M. and Konopacka, A. and Marzec-Wr\'oblewska, U. and Wesolowski, M. and Waleron, K. and Buci\'nski, A. and Viapiana, A (2020) 'Phenolic composition and biological properties of wild and commercial dog rose (Rosa canina L.) fruits and leaves', Molecules, 25(22), pp. 5272. doi:10.3390/molecules25225272 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25225272 - Grajzer, M. and Prescha, A. and Korzonek, K. and Wojakowska, A. and Dziadas, M. and Kulma, A. and Grajeta, H (2015) 'Characteristics of rose hip (Rosa canina L.) cold-pressed oil and its oxidative stability studied by the differential scanning calorimetry method', Food Chemistry, 188, pp. 459--466. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.05.034 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.05.034 - Chrubasik, C., Roufogalis, B.D., Müller-Ladner, U. and Chrubasik, S (2008) 'A systematic review on the Rosa canina effect and efficacy profiles', 22(6), pp. 725--733. doi:10.1002/ptr.2400 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2400 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Wenzig, E. M. and Widowitz, U. and Kunert, O. and Chrubasik, S. and Bucar, F. and Knauder, E. and Bauer, R (2008) 'Phytochemical composition and in vitro pharmacological activity of two rose hip (Rosa canina L.) preparations', Phytomedicine, 15(10), pp. 826--835. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2008.06.012 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2008.06.012 - Winther, K. and Apel, K. and Thamsborg, G (2005) 'A powder made from seeds and shells of a rose-hip subspecies (Rosa canina) reduces symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial', Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 34(4), pp. 302--308. doi:10.1080/03009740510018624 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/03009740510018624 - Rein, E. and Kharazmi, A. and Winther, K (2004) 'A herbal remedy, Hyben Vital (stand. powder of a subspecies of Rosa canina fruits), reduces pain and improves general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial', Phytomedicine, 11(5), pp. 383--391. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2004.01.001 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2004.01.001 - Ertas, B. and Hazar-Yavuz, A. N. and Topal, F. and Keles-Kaya, R. and Karakus, \"O. and Ozcan, G. S. and Taskin, T. and Cam, M. E (2023) 'Rosa canina L. improves learning and memory-associated cognitive impairment by regulating glucose levels and reducing hippocampal insulin resistance in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 313, pp. 116541. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116541 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116541 - Seifi, M. and Abbasalizadeh, S. and Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, S. and Khodaie, L. and Mirghafourvand, M (2017) 'The effect of Rosa (L. Rosa canina) on the incidence of urinary tract infection in the puerperium: a randomized placebo-controlled trial', Phytotherapy Research, 32(1), pp. 76--83. doi:10.1002/ptr.5950 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5950 - 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
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.