Antimicrobial and Antagonistic Properties of Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.: Fr.) Lloyd

Abstract

Ganoderma lucidum is a Basidiomycetes fungus belonging to the family Ganodermataceae. Several studies have shown that Ganoderma spp. are selected as potent sources of antimicrobial compounds. To prove this potential and to show the antagonistic properties of G. lucidum against a number of bacteria and fungi, this study was conducted. Antimicrobial test were carried out of crude extracts recovered from dried powdered G lucidum fruit bodies using solvents with different concentration (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of butanol (BuOH), ethanol (EtOH), methanol (MeOH), and water against bacteria (Bacillus subtilis 010 and Escherichia coli 002) and fungi (Aspergillus niger 3029 and Trichoderma viride 4012). Results were obtained after 24 hours for bacterial test organisms and 5 days for fungal test organisms. The dual culture method was adapted in in vitro antagonism of against isolates of fungi such as A. niger 3029, Penicillium chrysogenum 5533, Rhizopus oryzae 5011, and T. viride were grown in potato dextrose agar (PDA). Results on antimicrobial test showed that G. lucidum extracts recovered using various solvents exhibited a static (inhibitory) effect on both bacteria and fungi. All crude extracts showed strong inhibition against B. subtilis, E. coli, and A. niger. On the other hand, the least static effect was obtained against T. viride by G. lucidum extracted using 25% EtOH. Extracts at 100% BuOH yielded the greatest zone of inhibition against test microorganisms. Water, the universal solvent, was shown to be an equally good extractant—G. lucidum extracts using water also exhibited antimicrobial activity against all test organisms. Evaluation of in vitro organism of G. lucidum against P. chrysogenum, R. oryzae, and T. viride resulted in the test organisms' inability to produce spores, showing that spore formation was destabilized. On the other hand, A. niger and G. lucidum were shown to be able to live harmoniously in the same plate. Further studies on the antimicrobial property of G. lucidum on other pathogenic microorganisms and viruses are recommended. Studies on antagonistic property against other fungi, specifically those with a longer mycelial stage—e.g. Pencillium spp.—are also recommended. Likewise, purification of (β-D-glucans, a water-soluble polysaccharide, to which the antimicrobial porerty is attributed, should also be considered. And, because G. lucidum extract is water-soluble, the use of G. lucidum as tea can also be recommended.