Ganoderma Lucidum Supplements

Active Ingredients of Ganoderma Lucidum

The most important pharmacologically active components of Ganoderma lucidum are triterpenes and polysaccharides, and their main pharmacological effects are summarized in the following figure. [1]

Triterpenoids from Ganoderma lucidum have hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, cholesterol-lowering and antihistamine effects, antitumor and antiangiogenic activities, and effects on platelet aggregation and complement inhibition.

Polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum fruiting bodies and mycelium, especially β-d-glucan, have antitumor effects through immunomodulation and anti-angiogenesis. In addition, polysaccharides are protective against free radicals and reduce cellular damage caused by mutagens.

Health Benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum

Boost immunity

An animal study confirms that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide ultrasonic/microwave (UMP) extract improves immune organ weight, restores delayed-type hypersensitivity to DFNB, increases hemolytic antibody levels and high-dose natural killer cell activity in immunocompromised mice. [2] Another human study also showed that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract had an enhanced immune function in patients with advanced cancer. [3]

Anticancer effect

Ganoderma lucidum can be used as a potential supplement for cancer patients. A review teased out the scientific evidence for the anticancer effects of Ganoderma lucidum, discussing tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis and their possible mechanisms. The anticancer activity of Ganoderma lucidum and the corresponding cancer stage are summarized in the following figure. [4]

Good for cardiovascular health

The active ingredients in Ganoderma lucidum have lipid-lowering, cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant properties. According to a recent review of the effects of Ganoderma lucidum on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, although the health benefits in clinical trials have been inconsistent, the evidence for the hypoglycemic effect of Ganoderma lucidum in patients with type 2 diabetes or hyperglycemia is the most convincing. [5]

Relieve fatigue and depression

Ganoderma lucidum has potential benefits in reducing fatigue, anxiety and depression, helping to improve the quality of life of patients with certain medical conditions, such as breast cancer patients. [6]

Precautions

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: There is currently insufficient information on the safety of Ganoderma lucidum in these groups and should be kept safe and avoided.
• People with poor coagulation function and 2 weeks before surgery: High doses of Ganoderma lucidum can delay blood coagulation and increase the risk of bleeding.
• Low blood pressure: Ganoderma lucidum may have the effect of lowering blood pressure. For safety, people with low blood pressure should avoid using Ganoderma lucidum.

References

1. Bojana Boh. (2007). "Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds," Biotechnol Annu Rev. 13, 265-301.
2. Sheng-quan Huang. (2010). "Extraction of polysaccharide from Ganoderma lucidum and its immune enhancement activity," International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 47(3), 336-341.
3. Yihuai Gao. (2009). "Effects of Ganopoly^® (A Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Extract) on the Immune Functions in Advanced‐Stage Cancer Patients," A Journal of Molecular and Cellular Immunology 32(3), 201-215.
4. John W M Yuen. (2005). "Anticancer effects of Ganoderma lucidum: a review of scientific evidence," Nutrition and Cancer 53(1), 11-7.
5. Sze Wa Chan. (2021). "The beneficial effects of Ganoderma lucidum on cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk," Pharm Biol. 59(1), 1161-1171.
6. Hong Zhao. (2012). "Spore Powder of Ganoderma lucidum Improves Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Pilot Clinical Trial," Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012, 809614.

※ These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.