Hypercholesterolemia

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is manufactured by the liver. In some cases it is introduce to our body through ingestion of fatty foods such as butter, egg yolk and meat. It can be found all over our body and it plays important role in our day-to-day functioning

The liver places cholesterol into packages called lipoproteins made from lipids and protein. There are different types of cholesterol; the low density lipoprotein (LDL) which is often termed as bad cholesterol, the high density lipoprotein (HDL) which is considered as good cholesterol and the triglycerides which are a type of ingested fat. LDL functions as transporter of cholesterols to our body. It gained a bad reputation because it often get deposited in the arteries and can cause blockage in blood circulation. The build up of LDL in the arteries can lead to atherosclerosis and can produce other serious effects. HDL on the other hand sweeps excess cholesterol in the body and brought it back to the liver preventing the development of atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases. Triglycerides are often linked to cause vascular diseases. Raised triglycerides levels makes LDL more toxic and dangerous to artery linings and can significantly reduce the beneficial effects of HDL.

The increase of the level of cholesterol in our blood is termed as hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipedemia. As mentioned, cholesterol particularly the LDL forms fatty deposits in the arteries impairing the normal circulation of the blood. Chronic deposition of fats in the blood vessels can lead to serious illnesses such as arteriosclerosis and chronic hypertension which are precursors to other fatal diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

Polysaccharides in Ganoderma have been tested to be a good cholesterol regulator by normalizing lipid metabolism and can minimize lipid peroxidation. Clinical studies showed that the polysaccharides can greatly lower serum cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), serum lipid peroxides (LPO) and triglycerides content in the animal subjects. High density lipoprotein on the other hand was elevated and serum glutathione preroxidasde GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were improved in these studies.

Studies in molecular level also showed that Ganoderma can significantly inhibit LDL oxidation. This reduces the mononuclear adhesion to vascular endothelial cells due to the presence of oxidized LDL and glycosylated albumin. Oxidized LDL and glycosylated albumin induced intercellular adhesion molecules which promotes adhesion and accumulation of fat deposits in the blood vessels, thereby narrowing its lumen. Ganoderma’s action in reducing the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule impacts the monocyte-endothelial cell interaction thereby preventing artherosclerosis.

Triterpenoids in Ganoderma are also capable in limiting the enzyme that is responsible in cholesterol synthesis. By limiting 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase A, the result will be lowered serum cholesterol content in our body.

To learn more about Ganoderma in the Philippines and its therapeutic effects, please read Ganoderma lucidum therapeutic effects > Hypertension