Polysaccharides

Ganoderma lucidum active and pharmacological components

One of the greatest products of artificial cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum is the production of the fungi in large scale for research. Lin Zhi-Bin et al embarked on separate studies to prove the efficacy of this famous herb. Their work has resulted not only in the improvement of its cultivation and extraction method but more importantly it surfaced the science behind this wonder herb. They had identified the major bio-active components of the Ganoderma and its specific action to its revered use.

About one thousand compounds have been isolated from Ganoderma lucidum through extensive researches. These include polysaccharides, glycopeptides, triterpenoids, adenosine and other nucleosides, ergosterol, ergosta-palmitate, β-sitosterol and about 100 other kinds of steroid compounds such as palmitic acid, Ganoderma aldehyde, ganoderic triterpene ketone, 19-montanic lipoid, phosphatidyl choline, lycine, ganoderic alkali A, ganoderic alkali B, substitute furans, tuarine and manitol, etc. A lot of these compounds showed promise in curing diseases. Polysaccharides, triterpenoids, adenosine and Lingzhi-8 are the group of compounds extracted from Ganoderma which was proven clinically in treatment diseases as well as enhancing resistance to reduce chances of acquiring one.

Polysaccharides

Ganoderma lucidum contain many sugar molecules in various combinations, sizes and chemical sequences. These are monosaccharide components of the Ganoderma which forms into different complex polysaccharides. There are more than 200 kinds of Ganoderma ploysachharides and their classification is based on its structural configuration. Their molecular weights range from 1,000 to 1,000,000.

Some of these polysaccharides are credited for the potent effects of Ganoderma in enhancing immune system as well as its activity in tumor inhibition. Strong anti-tumor activities of polysaccharides were found in various hetero-β-8-D-glycans. Ganoderma polysaccharides showed powerful effect in enhancing immune-response to bacteria, fungi, protozoa and yeast. It also helps patients recover more easily from radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

Other pharmacological actions associated with Ganoderma’s water soluble component are: analgesic, sedation and cardiac anti-ischemic effect, cerebral hypoxia re-oxygenation, blood sugar and pressure lowering effect, anti oxidative, immunological liver and gastric injury prevention, and anti-ageing properties.

To learn more about Ganoderma in the Philippines and its roots to Chinese Culture, please read Triterpenoids