Research Progress on the Anticancer Activities and Mechanisms of Polysaccharides From Ganoderma

Abstract

Cancer ranks as a primary reason for death worldwide. Conventional anticancer therapies can cause severe side effects, and thus natural products may be promising drug candidates for cancer therapy. Accumulating evidence has verified the prominent anticancer properties of Ganoderma polysaccharides, suggesting that Ganoderma polysaccharides may be effective chemopreventive agents of natural origin. Based on their abilities to prevent cancer development by regulating the DNA damage response, cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, host immunity, gut microbiota and therapeutic sensitivity, there has been increasing interest in elucidating the clinical implication of Ganoderma polysaccharides in cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize recent findings pertaining to the roles of bioactive polysaccharides from Ganoderma in cancer pathogenesis, discuss the multifarious mechanisms involved and propose future directions for research. A more sophisticated understanding of the anticancer benefits of Ganoderma polysaccharides will be helpful for improving current treatments and developing novel therapeutic interventions for human malignancies.

Novel therapeutic role of Ganoderma Polysaccharides in a septic mouse model - The key role of macrophages

“…Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides have been found to exhibit remarkable anti-cancer activity. They can inhibit the proliferation and migration of cancer cells through various mechanisms, such as blocking the DNA damage repair pathway within the cancer cells [ 37 ]. Furthermore, the aqueous extract of G. lucidum polysaccharides has been discovered to activate the expression levels of the NKG2D/NCR receptors within NK cells, thereby enhancing the cytotoxic effect of NK cells against tumor cells [ 38 ].…”

Non-coding RNAs in lung cancer: molecular mechanisms and clinical applications

“…The invasion and metastasis of tumor cells are major causes of cancer recurrence and mortality (125,126). Therefore, elucidating the potential mechanisms involved in invasion and metastasis is essential for developing therapeutic strategies to ameliorate prognosis for LC patients.…”

Ganoderma tsuage promotes pain sensitivity in aging mice

“…Reshi, a mushroom type of the Ganoderma genus, has been used as medicine for thousands of years in China, Korea, Japan, and other Asian regions. Its metabolites, polysaccharides, and terpenoids are functional ingredients for multiple disease prevention and treatment 12 with anticancer, blood sugar regulatory, antioxidation, antibacterial, antiviral, and liver and stomach protective properties 13 – 19 . Among the different Reshi types, only red, purple, and spruce ones are officially recognized for their medical effects with Ganoderma tsugae (GT) being the best antioxidant 20 , 21 .…”