Exploring the Potential Medicinal Benefits of Ganoderma lucidum: From Metabolic Disorders to Coronavirus Infections

Abstract

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom that has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It has been found to have a wide range of medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects. Recent research has focused on the potential benefits of G. lucidum in treating metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, as well as its possible role in preventing and treating infections caused by the coronavirus. Triterpenoids are a major group of bioactive compounds found in G. lucidum, and they have a range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds have been found to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in animal models of diabetes. Additionally, G. lucidum polysaccharides have been found to reduce bodyweight and improve glucose metabolism in animal models of obesity. These polysaccharides can also help to increase the activity of certain white blood cells, which play a critical role in the body’s immune response. For coronavirus, some in vitro studies have shown that G. lucidum polysaccharides and triterpenoids have the potential to inhibit coronavirus infection; however, these results have not been validated through clinical trials. Therefore, it would be premature to draw any definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of G. lucidum in preventing or treating coronavirus infections in humans.

In silico identification of multi-target inhibitors from medicinal fungal metabolites against the base excision repair pathway proteins of African swine fever virus

“… 29 Ganoderma lucidum has a long history of traditional use in Chinese medicine, known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects. 53 Conversely, Antrodia cinnamomea is also recognized for its various medicinal benefits, including hepatoprotection, anti-allergy, antihypertension, and antioxidant properties. 54 To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that methyl ganoderate E and antcamphin M are investigated as antiviral compounds.…”

A Further Step toward Sustainable Development: The Case of the Edible Mushroom Supply Chain

“…Tuber spp. is also widely used, and interestingly, Ganoderma lucidum , which is known for its medicinal properties [ 49 ], is the only species used to enrich coffee or tea. Moreover, Lentinula edodes is widely processed by companies that produce burgers.…”

“…In addition, greater harmonization at the European and Italian legislative levels, especially with regard to wild mushrooms, would make it easier for producers and collectors to access new markets and find new business opportunities, enabling the development of the supply chain and, therefore, limiting the poisoning phenomena. Finally, the success of the “Fungo italiano certificato” certification [ 49 ], which is held by many companies, is another means of differentiating between companies and could be taken as inspiration in other European countries or even for the creation of a Europe-wide certification.…”

Ganoderma adspersum (Ganodermataceae): Investigation of Its Secondary Metabolites and the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Potential of Its Extracts

“…The fungi of this genus grow on the trunks of different deciduous trees, such as oak, willow, elm, acacia, etc. [ 2 ]. The genus was first reported and named by Finnish mycologist Petter Adolf Karsten in 1881 [ 3 ].…”