This research demonstrates a reliable DNA-based method for authenticating reishi mushroom supplements. The study found that while many supplements are labeled as containing Ganoderma lucidum, they actually contain the closely related species Ganoderma lingzhi. This finding has important implications for consumers and the supplement industry. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps ensure consumers get authentic reishi supplements they’re paying for • Provides a way to verify supplement quality and detect substitutions • Improves transparency in the herbal supplement industry • Protects consumers from potentially harmful ingredient substitutions • Enables better quality control standards for supplement manufacturers