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 lucidumthrough 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.

Adenosine

Just like most other mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum have nucleosides which contain adenosine. These components possess platelet aggregation inhibition action which reduces blood viscosity thereby preventing unnecessary blood clot formation which is responsible for the formation of thrombus and embolus. Its effect is also excellent in improving blood microcirculation, prevent hypoxia and can increase anti-anoxia capacity. Adenosine is the main reason for the use of Ganoderma in treatment of coronary heart disease.

To learn more about Ganoderma in the Philippines and its roots to Chinese Culture, please read Lingzhi-8 (LZ-8)