Natural products of the medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum: occurrence, biological activities, and pharmacological functions

Improved polysaccharide production in submerged culture of Ganoderma lucidum by the addition of coixenolide

Polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum have various bioactivities and have been widely used as nutraceuticals and functional foods. Coixenolide was added into the media to enhance the production of mycelia biomass and polysaccharides in the submerged culture of G. lucidum in this work. The results showed that when a level of 0.2% coixenolide was added at day 1, the biomass, exopolysaccharide, and intracellular polysaccharide reached 5.224, 0.222, and 0.399 g l(-1), respectively, which were 1.39-fold, 2.58-fold, and 2.24-fold compared to that of control. Analysis of the fermentation kinetics of G. lucidum suggested that glucose concentration in the coixenolide-added group decreased more quickly as compared to the control group from days 3 to 9 of the fermentation process, and the polysaccharides biosynthesis were promoted at the same culture period. However, the culture pH profile was not affected by the addition of coixenolide. Enzyme activities analysis indicated that coixenolide affected the synthesis level of phosphoglucose isomerase and α-phosphoglucomutase.

Effect ofGanoderma lucidumon human DNA is dose dependent and mediated by hydrogen peroxide

Ganoderma lucidum, an oriental fungus, is widely used for the promotion of health and longevity and is reported to have antioxidant and genoprotective properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of G. lucidum on human lymphocytic DNA ex vivo using the comet assay, and to explore the mechanism of action and the effect of dose. Results showed that G. lucidum has a genoprotective effect at low concentration (0.0001% w/v), but damaged DNA at higher concentrations. The mechanism of damage appeared to be mediated by hydrogen peroxide, which was generated in vitro by G. lucidum, as the effect was ameliorated by the presence of catalase. At concentrations at which no damage was induced, G. lucidum appeared to confer protection against subsequent oxidant challenge to cells. The production of hydrogen peroxide by G. lucidum and its cytotoxic effects should be considered as a factor in future studies. However, the protective effect of G. lucidum at low concentration may explain, in part, some of the reported health benefits of this herb.

Biotransformation of ginsenoside Rd in the ginseng extraction residue by fermentation with lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Ginseng and lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) both are valuable traditional Chinese medicines and have been extensively utilised in functional foods and traditional medicines in many Asian countries. However, massive quantity of ginseng residue is produced after extraction of ginseng which still contains a lot of bioactive compounds such as ginsenosides. The goal of this study was to reuse the American ginseng extraction residue as the fermentation medium of G. lucidum to produce bioactive ginsenoside enriched biotransformation products. The changes of ginsenosides in the fermentation products were analysed during fermentation. Our results showed that after 30 days of fermentation, ginsenoside Rg1, Rd, and compound K (CK) significantly increased, especially Rd, while other ginsenosides (Re, Rb1 and Rc) decreased during fermentation. Ginsenoside Rd is the major ginsenoside in the final fermentation product. Furthermore, the biotransformation of ginsenosides was the major reaction in this fermentation process.

Isolation of farnesylhydroquinones from the basidiomycete Ganoderma pfeifferi

Two farnesylhydroquinones were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma pfeifferi, farnesylhydroquinone (1) and the new compound ganomycin K (2), (5S)-3-[(E)-7,8-dihydroxy-4,8-dimethylnon-3-enyl]-5-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-furan-2(5H)-one. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined on the basis of mass spectrometric and NMR spectroscopic evidence. The antibacterial activity of the isolated compounds was neglectable.

Pharmacokinetics of ganoderic acid D and its main metabolite by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

The present study aims to investigate the pharmacokinetics of ganoderic acid D (GD), a representative active triterpenoid from Ganoderma lucidum. A sensitive and selective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous determination of the concentrations of GD and its main metabolite (ganoderic acid B) in rat plasma. Following protein precipitation, the analytes were separated on a reversed-phase C18 column. Acetonitrile-water-acetic acid (40:60:0.01) was used at a flow-rate of 0.2ml/min. A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source was used as the detector and was operated in the negative ion mode. Multiple reaction monitoring using the characteristic transitions was performed to quantify the analytes. The method had a lower limit of quantification of 8.19ng/ml for GD, and 8.59ng/ml for ganoderic acid B (GB). The calibration curves were demonstrated to be linear over the concentration range of 8.19-4096ng/ml and 8.59-2149ng/ml, respectively. Variations within- and between-batch were less than 6.4% and 4.6%, respectively. The extraction recovery rates ranged from 98.8 to 105.2% and 100.7 to 113.6%, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to the quantification of GD and GB concentrations in rat plasma after oral administration (or intravenous administration) of GD preparations at a dose of 15mg/kg. The data showed that the absolute bioavailability increased from 22% to 70% after the GD suspension was changed to GD loaded solid lipid nanoparticles. In the meantime, the Cmax increased from 107.2 to 1555.6ng/ml; the tmax changed from 2.0h to 0.3h. These results are very helpful in the further studies.

Effects of a water-soluble extract of Ganoderma lucidum mycelia on aberrant crypt foci induced by azoxymethane and small-intestinal injury by 5-FU in F344 rats

The present study investigated whether a water-soluble extract from the culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum mycelia (Japanese: Reishi or Mannentake) (designated as MAK) exerted a protective effect against induction of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) by azoxymethane (AOM) and small-intestinal damage induced by the anticancer drug 5-FU. Six-week-old male F344 rats were fed a basic diet (MF), either alone or containing 2.5 % MAK, beginning 1 week before treatment with AOM. The rats were then given subcutaneous injections of AOM (15 mg/kg body weight) once in a week for 3 weeks. Next, beginning 1 day after the final AOM treatment, 25 or 80 mg/kg 5-FU was injected intraperitoneally three times at 5-day intervals. Finally, the rats were killed 3.5 days after the last injection of 5-FU. The large and small intestines were removed, and tissue specimens were examined for both ACF in the large intestine and regeneration of small-intestinal crypts. The number of ACF was significantly decreased by treatment with 25 mg 5-FU and further decreased by 25 mg 5-FU + MAK in comparison with 5-FU alone. Moreover, there was a greater degree of recovery from small-intestinal damage in the 5-FU + MAK groups than in rats that had received 5-FU alone. The present results indicate that MAK ameliorates the colon precancerous lesions induced by AOM and the small-intestinal injury caused by 5-FU, suggesting that MAK could have potential as a preventive agent against colonic precancer, which is a common adverse effect of chemotherapy.

A novel approach to enhancing ganoderic acid production by Ganoderma lucidum using apoptosis induction

Ganoderma lucidum is one of most widely used herbal medicine and functional food in Asia, and ganoderic acids (GAs) are its active ingredients. Regulation of GA biosynthesis and enhancing GA production are critical to using G. lucidum as a medicine. However, regulation of GA biosynthesis by various signaling remains poorly understood. This study investigated the role of apoptosis signaling on GA biosynthesis and presented a novel approach, namely apoptosis induction, to increasing GA production. Aspirin was able to induce cell apoptosis in G. lucidum, which was identified by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUPT nick end labeling assay positive staining and a condensed nuclear morphology. The maximum induction of lanosta-7,9(11), 24-trien-3α-01-26-oic acid (ganoderic acid 24, GA24) production and total GA production by aspirin were 2.7-fold and 2.8-fold, respectively, after 1 day. Significantly lower levels of GA 24 and total GAs were obtained after regular fungal culture for 1.5 months. ROS accumulation and phosphorylation of Hog-1 kinase, a putative homolog of MAPK p38 in mammals, occurred after aspirin treatment indicating that both factors may be involved in GA biosynthetic regulation. However, aspirin also reduced expression of the squalene synthase and lanosterol synthase coding genes, suggesting that these genes are not critical for GA induction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that GA biosynthesis is linked to fungal apoptosis and provides a new approach to enhancing secondary metabolite production in fungi.

Target proteins of ganoderic acid DM provides clues to various pharmacological mechanisms

Ganoderma fungus (Ganodermataceae) is a multifunctional medicinal mushroom and has been traditionally used for the treatment of various types of disease. Ganoderic acid DM (1) is a representative triterpenoid isolated from G. lingzhi and exhibits various biological activities. However, a universal starting point that triggers multiple signaling pathways and results in multifunctionality of 1 is unknown. Here we demonstrate the important clues regarding the mechanisms underlying multi-medicinal action of 1. We examined structure–activity relationships between 1 and its analogs and found that the carbonyl group at C-3 was essential for cytotoxicity. Subsequently, we used 1-conjugated magnetic beads as a probe and identified tubulin as a specific 1-binding protein. Furthermore, 1 showed a similar Kd to that of vinblastine and also affected assembly of tubulin polymers. This study revealed multiple biological activities of 1 and may contribute to the design and development of new tubulin-inhibiting agents.

Genome-wide analysis of simple sequence repeats in the model medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) or microsatellites are one of the most popular sources of genetic markers and play a significant role in gene function and genome organization. We identified SSRs in the genome of Ganoderma lucidum and analyzed their frequency and distribution in different genomic regions. We also compared the SSRs in G. lucidum with six other Agaricomycetes genomes: Coprinopsis cinerea, Laccaria bicolor, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Postia placenta, Schizophyllum commune and Serpula lacrymans. Based on our search criteria, the total number of SSRs found ranged from 1206 to 6104 and covered from 0.04% to 0.15% of the fungal genomes. The SSR abundance was not correlated with the genome size, and mono- to tri-nucleotide repeats outnumbered other SSR categories in all of the species examined. In G. lucidum, a repertoire of 2674 SSRs was detected, with mono-nucleotides being the most abundant. SSRs were found in all genomic regions and were more abundant in non-coding regions than coding regions. The highest SSR relative abundance was found in introns (108 SSRs/Mb), followed by intergenic regions (84 SSRs/Mb). A total of 684 SSRs were found in the protein-coding sequences (CDSs) of 588 gene models, with 81.4% of them being tri- or hexa-nucleotides. After scanning for InterPro domains, 280 of these genes were successfully annotated, and 215 of them could be assigned to Gene Ontology (GO) terms. SSRs were also identified in 28 bioactive compound synthesis-related gene models, including one 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), three polysaccharide biosynthesis genes and 24 cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs). Primers were designed for the identified SSR loci, providing the basis for the future development of SSR markers of this medicinal fungus.

Ergosterol peroxide isolated from Ganoderma lucidum abolishes microRNA miR-378-mediated tumor cells on chemoresistance

Due to an altered expression of oncogenic factors and tumor suppressors, aggressive cancer cells have an intrinsic or acquired resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. This typically contributes to cancer recurrence after chemotherapy. microRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that are involved in both cell self-renewal and cancer development. Here we report that tumor cells transfected with miR-378 acquired properties of aggressive cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-378 enhanced both cell survival and colony formation, and contributed to multiple drug resistance. Higher concentrations of chemotherapeutic drugs were needed to induce death of miR-378-transfected cells than to induce death of control cells. We found that the biologically active component isolated from Ganoderma lucidum could overcome the drug-resistance conferred by miR-378. We purified and identified the biologically active component of Ganoderma lucidum as ergosterol peroxide. We demonstrated that ergosterol peroxide produced greater activity in inducing death of miR-378 cells than the GFP cells. Lower concentrations of ergosterol peroxide were needed to induce death of the miR-378-transfected cells than in the control cells. With further clinical development, ergosterol peroxide represents a promising new reagent that can overcome the drug-resistance of tumor cells.

Genome sequence of the model medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum is a widely used medicinal macrofungus in traditional Chinese medicine that creates a diverse set of bioactive compounds. Here we report its 43.3-Mb genome, encoding 16,113 predicted genes, obtained using next-generation sequencing and optical mapping approaches. The sequence analysis reveals an impressive array of genes encoding cytochrome P450s (CYPs), transporters and regulatory proteins that cooperate in secondary metabolism. The genome also encodes one of the richest sets of wood degradation enzymes among all of the sequenced basidiomycetes. In all, 24 physical CYP gene clusters are identified. Moreover, 78 CYP genes are coexpressed with lanosterol synthase, and 16 of these show high similarity to fungal CYPs that specifically hydroxylate testosterone, suggesting their possible roles in triterpenoid biosynthesis. The elucidation of the G. lucidum genome makes this organism a potential model system for the study of secondary metabolic pathways and their regulation in medicinal fungi.

Ganoderma lucidum is a macrofungus in traditional Chinese medicine known to produce different bioactive compounds. In this study, the genome of G. lucidum is sequenced, making this organism a potential model system for future studies of secondary metabolic pathways and their regulation in medicinal fungi.

The genome of Ganoderma lucidum provides insights into triterpenes biosynthesis and wood degradation [corrected]

Background

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi or Ling Zhi) is one of the most famous Traditional Chinese Medicines and has been widely used in the treatment of various human diseases in Asia countries. It is also a fungus with strong wood degradation ability with potential in bioenergy production. However, genes, pathways and mechanisms of these functions are still unknown.

Methodology/Principal Findings

The genome of G. lucidum was sequenced and assembled into a 39.9 megabases (Mb) draft genome, which encoded 12,080 protein-coding genes and ∼83% of them were similar to public sequences. We performed comprehensive annotation for G. lucidum genes and made comparisons with genes in other fungi genomes. Genes in the biosynthesis of the main G. lucidum active ingredients, ganoderic acids (GAs), were characterized. Among the GAs synthases, we identified a fusion gene, the N and C terminal of which are homologous to two different enzymes. Moreover, the fusion gene was only found in basidiomycetes. As a white rot fungus with wood degradation ability, abundant carbohydrate-active enzymes and ligninolytic enzymes were identified in the G. lucidum genome and were compared with other fungi.

Conclusions/Significance

The genome sequence and well annotation of G. lucidum will provide new insights in function analyses including its medicinal mechanism. The characterization of genes in the triterpene biosynthesis and wood degradation will facilitate bio-engineering research in the production of its active ingredients and bioenergy.

Oligosaccharide and peptidoglycan of Ganoderma lucidum activate the immune response in human mononuclear cells

The acid-hydrolyzed fragments of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPS) obtained by Smith degradation were separated by size-exclusion chromatography into two major water-soluble fractions: peptidoglycans (GLPS-SF1) and oligosaccharides (GLPS-SF2). Both fractions induced CD69 in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPB-MNCs), and they displayed distinct immunomodulating properties. GLPS-SF1, with a molecular weight of around 20 kDa, were heterogeneous peptidoglycans composed of glucose/mannose (4:1) that exhibited biological activities with Th1 cytokines IL-12, IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in hPB-MNCs and stimulated macrophage cytokine expression via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. For GLPS-SF2, with a molecular weight of around several kilodaltons, its sugar sequence was elucidated by mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as [-α-1,4-Glc-(β-1,4-GlcA)(3)-](n). This oligosaccharide displayed specific immune property with low monocyte induction, greatly stimulated cell activation and proliferation of NK and T cells. This oligosaccharide isolated from G. lucidum polysaccharides with internal glucuronic acids/glucose repeat unit in a 3:1 ratio may be responsible for the active stimulation of NK and T cells.

Macromolecular and small-molecule modulation of intracellular Aβ42 aggregation and associated toxicity

Aβ (amyloid β-peptide) has a central role in AD (Alzheimer's disease) where neuronal toxicity is linked to its extracellular and intracellular accumulation as oligomeric species. Searching for molecules that attenuate Aβ aggregation could uncover novel therapies for AD, but most studies in mammalian cells have inferred aggregation indirectly by assessing levels of secreted Aβ peptide. In the present study we establish a mammalian cell system for the direct visualization of Aβ formation by expression of an Aβ42–EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) fusion protein in the human embryonic kidney cell line T-REx293, and use this to identify both macromolecules and small molecules that reduce aggregation and associated cell toxicity. Thus a molecular shield protein AavLEA1 [Aphelenchus avenae LEA (late embryogenesis abundant) protein 1], which limits aggregation of proteins with expanded poly(Q) repeats, is also effective against Aβ42–EGFP when co-expressed in T-REx293 cells. A screen of polysaccharide and small organic molecules from medicinal plants and fungi reveals one candidate in each category, PS5 (polysaccharide 5) and ganoderic acid DM respectively, with activity against Aβ. Both PS5 and ganoderic acid DM probably promote Aβ aggregate clearance indirectly through the proteasome. The model is therefore of value to study the effects of intracellular Aβ on cell physiology and to identify reagents that counteract those effects.

Applied modern biotechnology for cultivation of Ganoderma and development of their products

A white-rot basidiomycete Ganoderma spp. has long been used as a medicinal mushroom in Asia, and it has an array of pharmacological properties for immunomodulatory activity. There have been many reports about the bioactive components and their pharmacological properties. In order to analyze the current status of Ganoderma products, the detailed process of cultivation of Ganoderma spp. and development of their products are restated in this review article. These include the breeding, cultivating, extracting bioactive component, and processing Ganoderma products, etc. This article will expand people's common knowledge on Ganoderma, and provide a beneficial reference for research and industrial production.

Apoptotic and Immune Restoration Effects of Ganoderic Acids Define a New Prospective for Complementary Treatment of Cancer

Considering the fact that a key factor in tumor development is the evasion of immune detection, the search for natural products, which have reduced toxicity towards normal tissues as well as immunostimulatory capabilities has received growing interest. One attractive source of antitumor products is the Ganoderma lucidum mushroom, which has been used for centuries as an herbal medicine for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancer, and has been shown to improve immune function. Interestingly, its methanol soluble triterpenoid extracts, namely Ganoderic Acids (GAs), have been the subject of several recent investigations on their chemotherapeutic effects. While current research has revealed GAs' role in inducing apoptosis of cancer cells with a much lower toxicity to healthy cells, little information is available on their in vitro and/or in vivo immune activities. In this review, we aim to discuss the current knowledge on GAs, and their potential as apoptosis inducing as well as immune activating molecules that could be a potential alternative approach for designing novel chemoimmunotherapeutics against malignant diseases. We also discuss other new approaches for exploiting the advantages of using a nanoparticle polymer-GA conjugate as a tool for a sustained and targeted delivery of drug in vivo.

Semisynthesis and biological evaluation of ganodermanontriol and its stereoisomeric triols

The first synthesis of ganodermanontriol, a bioactive lanostane triterpene from the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum, has been achieved in 15.3% yield over nine steps, along with its three stereoisomeric triols and ganoderol A. The key steps leading to this family of isomers involve the reconstruction of the trisubstituted alkene by stereoselective and chemoselective phosphonate reactions and the formation of the unusual Δ7,9(11)-diene core by the mild acidic opening of a lanosterone-derived epoxide. Ganodermanontriol showed promising activity on the inhibition and proliferation of breast cancer cells. The effect of ganodermanontriol and its isomers on cell proliferation was assayed; IC50 values of 5.8 and 9.7 μM on breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, respectively, were found for ganodermanontriol.

Study of potential cardioprotective effects ofGanoderma lucidum(Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial

Previous studies have suggested that Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) has antioxidant effects and possibly beneficial effects on blood pressure, plasma lipids and glucose, but these have not been confirmed in subjects with mild hypertension or hyperlipidaemia. The objective of the present study was to assess the cardiovascular, metabolic, antioxidant and immunomodulatory responses to therapy with Lingzhi in patients with borderline elevations of blood pressure and/or cholesterol in a controlled cross-over trial. A total of twenty-six patients received 1·44 g Lingzhi daily or matching placebo for 12 weeks in a randomised, double-blind, cross-over study with placebo-controlled run-in and cross-over periods. Body weight, blood pressure, metabolic parameters, urine catecholamines and cortisol, antioxidant status and lymphocyte subsets were measured after each period. Lingzhi was well tolerated and data from twenty-three evaluable subjects showed no changes in BMI or blood pressure when treated with Lingzhi or placebo. Plasma insulin and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance were lower after treatment with Lingzhi than after placebo. TAG decreased and HDL-cholesterol increased with Lingzhi but not with placebo in the first treatment period, but significant carry-over effects prevented complete analysis of these parameters. Urine catecholamines and cortisol, plasma antioxidant status and blood lymphocyte subsets showed no significant differences across treatments. Results indicate that Lingzhi might have mild antidiabetic effects and potentially improve the dyslipidaemia of diabetes, as shown previously in some animal studies. Further studies are desirable in patients with hyperglycaemia.

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides attenuate endotoxin-induced intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression in cultured smooth muscle cells and in the neointima in mice

The expression of adhesion molecules on vessels and subsequent leukocyte recruitment are critical events in vascular diseases and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of an extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) polysaccharides (EORP), which is effective against cancer and immunological disorders, on adhesion molecule expression by human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and the underlying mechanism. EORP significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA and protein expression and reduced the binding of human monocytes to LPS-stimulated HASMCs. Immunoprecipitation and real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that EORP markedly reduced the interaction of human antigen R protein (HuR) with the 3'-UTR of ICAM-1 mRNA in LPS-stimulated HASMCs. EORP treatment also suppressed extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and reduced the density of the shifted bands of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB after LPS-induced activation. In an endothelial-denuded artery model in LPS-treated mice, daily oral administration of EORP for 2 weeks decreased neointimal hyperplasia and ICAM-1 expression in the plasma and neointima. These results provide evidence that EORP attenuates LPS-induced adhesion molecule expression and monocyte adherence and that this protective effect is mediated by decreased ERK phosphorylation and NF-kappaB activation. These findings suggest that EORP has anti-inflammatory properties and could prove useful in the prevention of vascular diseases and inflammatory responses.

A new ganoderic acid from Ganoderma lucidum mycelia

A new ganoderic acid (GA), 7-O-ethyl ganoderic acid O (GA-O) (1), together with two known compounds, GA-T (2) and GA-Me (3), was isolated and purified from fermented mycelia of Ganoderma lucidum. The structure of the new triterpenoid was elucidated on the basis of the interpretation of extensive spectroscopic data (HR-MS, IR, UV, 1D and 2D NMR) as 3 alpha,15 alpha,22-triacetoxy-7 alpha-ethoxy-5 alpha-lanost-8,24E-dien-26-oic acid. The new compound was found to contain a rare ethoxyl group at C-7. In addition, its cytotoxicity against 95D and HeLa human cancer cell lines was also evaluated.

The in vitro and in vivo experimental evidences disclose the chemopreventive effects of Ganoderma lucidum on cancer invasion and metastasis

The Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst, an edible mushroom, has been utilized for centuries in East Asia to prevent or treat various diseases and to reduce the likelihood of cancer invasion and metastasis. The primary bioactive compounds are commonly considered to be polysaccharides and triterpenoids. Evidence that G. lucidum extract and its bioactive compounds may have a potential inhibitory effect on cancer invasion and metastasis is increasingly being reported in the scientific literature. This review assembles and summarizes past publications on the in vitro and in vivo effects of G. lucidum on cancer invasion and metastasis, and concludes that these effects occur through modulation of the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) or Akt kinase (protein kinase B). Activation of these kinases subsequently inhibits the activity or expression of activator protein-1(AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), resulting in the down-regulation of urokinase plaminogen activator (uPA), uPA receptor (uPAR), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, interleukin (IL)-8, inducible nitric oxide (NO) and beta1-integrin as shown in various cell lines or animal models. G. lucidum may be an effective nutraceutical used in the prevention of cancer metastasis. To further elucidate the bioactive components present in G. lucidum and the anti-metastatic mechanisms underlying these compounds, more in vitro and in vivo tests as well as clinical trials are necessary.

A water-soluble extract from cultured medium of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) mycelia attenuates the small intestinal injury induced by anti-cancer drugs

The present study investigated whether a water-soluble extract from the culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) mycelia (MAK) is able to protect the small intestine against damage induced by anti-cancer drugs. Six-week-old male B6C3F1/Crlj mice were fed a basal diet (MF) alone or with various doses of MAK or Agarics blazei Murrill (AGA) beginning one week before treatment with the anti-cancer drugs. Mice were sacrificed 3.5 days after injection of the anti-cancer drug, the small intestine was removed and tissue specimens were examined for the regeneration of small intestinal crypts. In experiment 1, the number of regenerative crypts after the administration of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) intravenously (250 mg/kg) or intraperitoneally (250 or 500 mg/kg) was compared after treatment with MAK or AGA. MAK protected against 5FU-induced small intestinal injury whereas AGA did not. In experiment 2, we investigated the protective effect of MAK against small intestinal injury induced by the anti-cancer drugs: UFT (tegafur with uracil; 1,000 mg/kg, orally), cisplatin (CDDP; 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), cyclophosphamide (CPA; 250 mg/kg, orally) and gefitinib (Iressa; 2,000 and 4,000 mg/kg, orally). UFT and CDDP decreased the number of regenerative crypts, but treatment with MAK attenuated the extent of UFT- or CDDP-induced small intestinal injury. CPA or Iressa plus MAK up-regulated crypt regeneration. The present results indicate that MAK ameliorates the small intestinal injury caused by several anti-cancer drugs, suggesting that MAK is a potential preventive agent against this common adverse effect of chemotherapy.

Profiling carbohydrate-receptor interaction with recombinant innate immunity receptor-Fc fusion proteins

The recognition of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes is controlled by host immune cells, which are equipped with many innate immunity receptors, such as Toll-like receptors, C-type lectin receptors, and immunoglobulin-like receptors. Our studies indicate that the immune modulating properties of many herbal drugs, for instance, the medicinal fungus Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and Cordyceps sinensis, could be attributed to their polysaccharide components. These polysaccharides specifically interact with and activate surface receptors involved in innate immunity. However, due to the complexity of polysaccharides and their various sources from medicinal fungi, quantitative analysis of medicinal polysaccharide extracts with regard to their functions represents a major challenge. To profile carbohydrate-immune receptor interactions, the extracellular domains of 17 receptors were cloned as Fc-fusion proteins, such that their interactions with immobilized polysaccharides could be probed in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results show that several innate immune receptors, including Dectin-1, DC-SIGN, Langerin, Kupffer cell receptor, macrophage mannose receptor, TLR2, and TLR4, interact with the polysaccharide extracts from G. lucidum (GLPS). This analysis revealed distinct polysaccharide profiles from different sources of medicinal fungi, and the innate immune receptor-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay described here can serve as a high-throughput profiling method for the characterization and quality control of medicinal polysaccharides. It also provides a means to dissect the molecular mechanism of medicinal polysaccharide-induced immunomodulation events.

Screening for ligninolytic enzymes from autochthonous fungi and applications for decolorization of Remazole Marine Blue

This study presents new and alternative fungal strains for the production of ligninolytic enzymes which have great potential to use in industrial and biotechnological processes. Thirty autochthonous fungal strains were harvested from Bornova-Izmir in Turkiye. In the fresh fruitbody extracts laccase, manganese peroxidase and lignin peroxidase activities, which are the principal enzymes responsible for ligninocellulose degradation by Basidiomycetes, were screened. Spores of some of the basidiomycetes species such as Cortinarius sp., Trametes versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus, Abortiporus biennis, Lyophyllum subglobisporium, Ramaria stricta, Ganoderma carnosum, Lactarius delicious ve Lepista nuda were isolated and investigated optimum cultivation conditions in submerged fermentation for high yields of ligninolytic enzyme production. In addition, isolated fungal strains were monitored on agar plates whether having the capability of decolorization of a textile dye Remazol Marine Blue.

Ganoderic acid DM: anti-androgenic osteoclastogenesis inhibitor

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Western countries, with a high incidence of bone metastasis. Ganoderic acid DM, with 5alpha-reductase inhibitory and androgen receptor (AR) binding activity, isolated from the ethanol extracts of Ganoderma lucidum, can inhibit prostate cancer cell growth and block osteoclastogenesis.

Ganoderma tsugae extracts inhibit colorectal cancer cell growth via G(2)/M cell cycle arrest

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ganoderma, known as Lingzhi or Reishi, has been traditionally administered throughout Asia for centuries as a cancer treatment and for other medicinal purposes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the inhibitory activity and explore the molecular mechanisms of anti-tumor effect on colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo as well as to test the side effects of Ganoderma tsugae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Methanol fraction was obtained from dried fruiting bodies of Ganoderma. TLC and HPLC were performed to differentiate and confirm the identification of different species as well as to quantify the bioactive molecules in methanol extracts of Ganoderma species. MTT and Trypan blue exclusion assay as well as tumorigenesis study were used to assess the anti-tumor effect in vitro and in vivo. Using flow cytometry and Western Blots, we examined further the molecular mechanisms of anti-tumor effect. Finally, biochemical and hematological profiles and pathological examinations were used to evaluate the safety.

RESULTS

The Ganoderma tsugae extracts inhibit colorectal cancer cell proliferation caused by accumulating cells in G(2)/M phase, and it may be through downregulation of cyclin A and B1 and upregulation of p21 and p27. Tumorigenesis study in nude mice revealed the extracts caused tumor shrinkage. Additionally, safety assay showed Ganoderma tsugae extracts caused no significant side effects in an animal model.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides molecular evidence that Ganoderma tsugae extracts exert anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo on colorectal adenocarcinoma cells by inducing G(2)/M cell cycle arrest. More importantly, no significant physiological changes resulting from treatment with Ganoderma tsugae extracts were observed in the animal model. Therefore, these data provide new insights into the possible therapeutic use of Ganoderma tsugae for treating colorectal cancer.

Preventive effect of Ganoderma amboinense on acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury

In vivo preventive effects of Ganoderma amboinense against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in Balb/cA mice were studied. G. amboinense powder at 1% and 2% was mixed with standard diet and supplied to mice for 6 weeks, and followed by acetaminophen (350 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneal injection. In normal mice (without acetaminophen treatment), the consumption of G. amboinense significantly increased hepatic glutathione (GSH) level. Acetaminophen treatment significantly elevated both alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities; however, the pre-intake of G. amboinense significantly and dose-dependently protected liver against the subsequent acetaminophen-induced elevation of ALT and AST activities. Acetaminophen treatment also caused significant GSH depletion, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase, and activity reduction of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase. However, the pre-intake of G. amboinense significantly diminished the subsequent acetaminophen-induced GSH depletion, MDA and ROS increase, and retarded the loss of catalase and GPX activities, in which the effect of G. amboinense on GPX activity, and formation of MDA and ROS was dose-dependent. These results support that G. amboinense may be considered as a preventive agent for acute liver injury.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Lingzhi and San-Miao-San Supplementation on Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune joint disease. We evaluated a standard preparation of Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) and San-Miao-San (Rhizoma atractylodis, Cortex phellodendri, Radix achyranthes bidentatae) capsules (TCM group) for its supplementary treatment efficacy for RA. There was no significant difference in the absolute count, percentage, and ratios of CD4(+)/CD8(+)/natural killer/B lymphocytes between the TCM and placebo groups after taking the capsules (all p > 0.05). There was no significant change in concentrations of plasma cytokines of interferon-gamma-induced protein-10 (IP-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, monokine induced by IFN-gamma, regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted, interleukin (IL)-8, and IL-18 after taking the capsules for 8 and 24 weeks (all p > 0.05). The percentage change in ex vivo-induced level of inflammatory cytokine IL-18 was significantly lower in the TCM group than in the placebo group after taking the capsules for 24 weeks (p < 0.05). Therefore, Lingzhi and San-Miao-San capsules might exert a beneficial immunomodulatory effect in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.