Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides and Terpenoids: Profile and Health Benefits

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that mushrooms are recognized as a promising source of functional and nutraceutical compounds. The species Ganoderma lucidum (also called Reishi or Lingzhi) is a mushroom used in medicine because Chinese attributes to this fungus better health and longevity. Among the numerous bioactive compounds identified in G. lucidum are polysaccharides mostly β-glucans, heteropolysaccharides or glycoproteins, terpenoids mostly ganoderic acids and derivatives, as well as many other bioactive proteinases that contribute to health and diseases prevention. The aim of this review is to report on the profile of the most bioactive compounds, particularly polysaccharides and terpenoids of G. lucidum.

Extraction of triterpenoids and phenolic compounds from Ganoderma lucidum: optimization study using the response surface methodology

“…The HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analyses of the fruiting bodies have revealed the presence of triterpenes such as ganoderiol F, ganoderic acid B, ganoderiol B, lucidenic acid O, lucidenic lactone and cerevisterol. [9][10][11] Because of their well-reported bioactive properties, some studies focused on the optimization of the cultivation practices of this mushroom have been conducted. Among them, the use of submerged fer-mentation by manipulating parameters such as the medium components, oxygen supply and pH aiming at achieving the biotechnological production of triterpenes was reported.…”

Ganoderma terpenoid extract exhibited anti-plasmodial activity by a mechanism involving reduction in erythrocyte and hepatic lipids in Plasmodium berghei infected mice

“…In Nigeria and her neighboring West African states, mushroom are consumed for their nutritional benefit rather than for their medicinal values. The component parts of this mushroom including the mycelium, fruit bodies and spores have been demonstrated to exhibit different bioactive properties including antioxidant [15], antitumor [9], anti-inflammatory [10], antidiabetic [31], antimicrobial and antimalarial [12–14] activities, and they are currently being deployed in the management of diseases such as cancer hypertension), immunosuppression and hypercholesterolemia [32]. Based on the positive attributes of mushroom consumption on animal nutrition and health, increase awareness on the inclusion of mushroom in our daily meal is warranted.…”

“…Experimental evidences revealed that the terpenoids are the most important biologically active substances in Ganoderma lucidum due to their varying pharmacological applications [8, 9]. Terpenoids extracted from Ganoderma lucidum have been demonstrated to exhibit anti-hypertensive [8], hypocholesterolemic [10, 11], hepatoprotective [12], and cytotoxicity against numerous cancer cell lines [13]. A recent study by Oluba et al [15] demonstrated the promising potential of crude chloroform extract of Ganoderma lucidum fruit body as an anti-plasmodial agent.…”

Proximate Composition and Chemical Profiles of Reishi Mushroom (<i>Ganoderma lucidum</i> (Curt: Fr.) Karst)

“…It is called white rot fungus because of its ability to degrade lignocellulosic materials such as wood [4]. The mushroom is popular due to its pharmaceutical importance rather than its nutritional benefits because of its hard texture and bitter taste [5].This group of mushrooms is an underutilize source of bioactive pharmaceutical compounds [6]. The mushroom is used in folk medicine to prevent, manage or cure many diseases such as hepatitis, gastric ulcer, hypertension, bronchitis and hypercholesterolemia [7].…”

“…Antibacterial activity of G. lucidum extract from basidiocarp against Gram-positive bacteria has also been reported [8]. Chinese believes that G. lucidum contributes to longevity and also serve as therapeutic factory [5]. DNA protection from breakage of strand triggered by UV irradiation or hydroxyl radicals is another protective role of G. lucidum [9].…”