Exploring the anti-cancer potential of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) and their versatile role in enhancing drug delivery systems: a multifaceted approach to combat cancer

Abstract

There has been a growing global interest in the potential health benefits of edible natural bioactive products in recent years. Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal mushroom, has gained attention for its decadent array of therapeutic and pharmaceutical compounds. Notably, G. lucidum exhibits significant anti-cancer effects against various cancer types. Polysaccharides, a prominent component in G. lucidum, are pivotal in conferring its diverse biological and medicinal properties. The primary focus of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer activities of G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs), with particular attention to their potential to mitigate chemotherapy-associated toxicity and enhance targeted drug delivery. Our findings reveal that GLPs exhibit anti-cancer effects through diverse mechanisms, including cytotoxicity, antioxidative properties, apoptosis induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and anti-proliferative effects. Furthermore, the potential of GLPs-based nanoparticles (NPs) as delivery vehicles for bioactive constituents was explored. These GLPs-based NPs are designed to target various cancer tissues, enhancing the biological activity of encapsulated compounds. As such, GLPs derived from G. lucidum represent a promising avenue for inhibiting cancer progression, minimizing chemotherapy-related side effects, and supporting their utilization in combination therapies as natural adjuncts.

A Phyto-mycotherapeutic Supplement, Namely Ganostile, as Effective Adjuvant in Brain Cancer Management: An In Vitro Study Using U251 Human Glioblastoma Cell Line

“…In the current investigation, the potential efficacy of Ganostile , a phyto-mycotherapeutic preparation composed of four diverse extracts, and its synergistic effect with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs were evaluated with the aim of assessing the usefulness of the blend as a valuable adjuvant in cancer treatment. Among the extracts composing Ganostile , G. lucidum , well known for its anticancer activity, due to its immunomodulatory properties and direct cytotoxic action on tumor cell lines [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ], has been already extensively investigated in gliomas and glioblastoma models [ 13 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. Similarly, new potential multitarget effects of A. membranaceus on glioma cells have been reported in recent years [ 53 , 54 , 55 ].…”