Evaluation of Anticonvulsant, Antidepressant-, and Anxiolytic-like Effects of an Aqueous Extract from Cultured Mycelia of the Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Higher Basidiomycetes) in Mice

Abstract

Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known medicinal mushroom with a long history of use. This study was designed to assess the anticonvulsant potential of an aqueous extract from cultured G. lucidum mycelium in 3 acute seizure models: timed intravenous pentylenetetrazole infusion, maximal electroshock seizure threshold, and 6-Hz-induced psychomotor seizure tests in mice. Moreover, antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of G. lucidum were evaluated using the forced swim test and the elevated plus maze test in mice, respectively. No changes in seizure thresholds in the intravenous pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock seizure threshold tests after acute treatment with G. lucidum extract (200-600 mg/kg) was observed. However, the studied extract (100-400 mg/kg) significantly increased the threshold for psychomotor seizures in the 6-Hz seizure test. In the forced swim test, G. lucidum (100-400 mg/kg) significantly reduced the duration of immobility. No anxiolytic-like or sedative effects were reported in mice pretreated with the extract (400-600 mg/kg). G. lucidum extract (50-2400 mg/kg) did not produce toxic effects in the chimney test (motor coordination) or grip-strength test (neuromuscular strength). Further studies are required to explain the neuropharmacological effects of G. lucidum and to identify its active ingredients that may affect seizure threshold, mood, or anxiety.

Neuroprotective Effects of Ganoderma curtisii Polysaccharides After Kainic Acid-Seizure Induced

“…There are few reports describing anticonvulsant activity of polysaccharides isolated from Ganoderma species. 14,15 The anticonvulsant activity induced by GCPS-2 is similar to that reported by us with an oligosaccharide fraction from a Ganoderma lucidum strain collected in a Mexican forest. 16 These results suggest that GCPS-2 is a natural compound with potential anticonvulsant activity.…”

Self-Medication with Ganoderma lucidum (“Reishi”) to Combat Parkinson's Disease Symptoms: A Single Case Study

“…10 Preclinical research demonstrated a reduction in the duration of immobility in the forced swimming test in mice and rats orally treated with 100-400 mg/kg and 1 g/kg, respectively, of MAK. 10,11 Notably, these findings are similar to those after the administration of serotonergic (5-HT) antidepressants. 12 Of note, head-twitch responses that signal 5-HT2A receptor activation were reduced by MAK, suggesting the involvement of this receptor in MAK's antidepressant actions.…”

“…15 Importantly, preclinical research has also shown the absence of toxic, anxiolytic-like, or sedative effects in mice, after treatment with MAK, in doses up to 2500 mg/kg, for some parameters. 11 Also, clinical trials seem to support this safety profile of GL, or fractions (polysaccharides) of GL, as it is generally well tolerated after repeated administrations, for several months. 16,17 A patient with PD who just started using Ganoderma lucidum contacted the author.…”

Ganoderma lucidumAmeliorates Neurobehavioral Changes and Oxidative Stress Induced by Ethanol Binge Drinking

“…The lyophilized G. lucidum mycelium, provided by BRASMICEL-SP was deposited on the Micoteca of the Laboratório de Bioprocessos de Cogumelos—DEALI (UNICENTRO, Guarapuava, Paraná, Brazil) and triturated, mixed with distilled water and homogenized in the vortex for five minutes. The resulting suspension was filtered and administered orally at a final volume of 0.1 ml for each 100 g of animal weight, equivalent to 100 mg/kg/day [ 25 ].…”