Ganoderma lucidum: A Potential for Biotechnological Production of Anti-Cancer and Immunomodulatory Drugs

Abstract

Based on the analysis of more than 270 patents and scientific articles, this state-of-the-art review presents Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal basidiomycete mushroom with immunomodulatory and anti-cancer effects. Cultivation methods for the commercial production of G. lucidum fruit bodies and mycelia are summarized, with main active compounds of triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and proteins, often found in forms of proteoglycans or glycopeptides. Pharmacological effects with emphasis on anti-cancer and immunomodulatory functions are presented, separately for spores and dry mycelia, and for the groups of triterpenoids, polysaccharides, proteins and glycoproteins. Patents disclosing preparation methods of extracts and purified pharmaceutical isolates are reviewed, and examples of anti-cancer formulations, used as pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals, are given. The review suggests that according to the present understanding, the anti-cancer activity of G. lucidum may be attributed to at least five groups of mechanisms: (1) activation/modulation of the immune response of the host, (2) direct cytotoxicity to cancer cells, (3) inhibition of tumor-induced angiogenesis, (4) inhibition of cancer cells proliferation and invasive metastasis behaviour, and (5) carcinogens deactivation with protection of cells. Although, the data from recent in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate promising anti-cancer effects, a need is identified for further (1) isolation and purification of compounds, with deeper understanding of their individual and synergistic pharmacological effects, (2) molecular level studies of the antitumor and immuno-supportive mechanisms, (3) well designed in vivo tests and controlled clinical studies, and (4) standardisation and quality control for G. lucidum strains, cultivation processes, extracts and commercial formulations.

Development of two novel specific SCAR markers by cloning improved RAPD fragments from the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidium (Leysser: Fr) Karst

“…Due to their significant medicinal importance, mushrooms of the Ganoderma species have gained noticeable interest from biomedical researchers. A number of studies have revealed the medicinal values of Ganoderma mushrooms against various life-threatening diseases and health complications like cancer, immunodeficiency, cardiovascular complications, diabetes, hepatic disease, neurodegeneration, and infectious disease (Hajjaj et al, 2005;Paterson, 2006;Ma et al, 2011;Chu et al, 2012;Tie et al, 2012;Xiao et al, 2012;Boh, 2013;Wang et al, 2013;Wu et al, 2013;Yue et al, 2013). There are numerous variations in the size, shape, and color of Ganoderma mushrooms, and they differ in biological properties as well.…”

Effect of Ganoderma Lucidum Pharmacopuncture on Chronic Liver Injury in Rats※

“…This mushroom, as a traditional oriental medicine, has been widely used as a tonic in promoting longevity and health for thousands of years in Asian countries including China, Japan and Korea 23) . The pharmacological activities of Ganoderma lucidum, especially its intrinsic immunomodulating, and anti-tumor properties, have been well documented extensively 24) . Ganoderma lucidum has been shown to have anti-cancer, immunomodulatory and immunotherapeutic effects 14) .…”

Ganoderma lucidum for Cancer Treatment

“…17 According to the latest laboratory and preclinical studies both in vitro and in vivo, the promising anticancer activity of G. lucidum can be attributed to a variety of different mechanisms. 18 …”