Triterpenoids

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.

Triterpenoids

There are over 100 Ganoderma triterpenoids with seven basic molecular structures have been isolated and identified. It includes ganoderic acid, lucidenic acid, ganodermic acid, etc. Some of these triterpenoids like the ganoderic acid showed anti-allergy action in clinical studies. Ganoderic acid A, K and S as well as Ganoderol A & B also showed anti-hypertensive action in patients with high blood pressure. It has been reported that it blocks angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE), preventing the patients’ blood pressure to increase above normal.

Triterpenoids are important component of Ganoderma as it is responsible for mind calming, muscle spasm relief, primary liver protector, cholesterol reducer, inhibitor for the release of histamine for allergic patient, relieve asthma symptoms activities. Studies regarding promising human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) inhibition is also believe to be the function of triterpenoids.

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