Ganoderma Lucidum Polysaccharides Research Articles

Effect of β-1,3-1,6-D-glukan (polysaccharide peptide) from miselia ganoderma lucidum extract as antioxidant and antiinflammation towards left ventricular systolic function in cardiometabolic patients

Background: Cardiometabolic disease (CMD) describes a metabolic condition often associated with cardiovascular disease. It has been revealed that the Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide (GLPP) possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Objective: This study aimed to find out how GLPP affected oxidative stress, inflammation, and left ventricular function in individuals with cardiometabolic syndrome. Methods: A multicenter double-blinded randomized controlled trial was carried out. Subjects with cardiometabolic syndrome received either GLPP or a placebo for ninety days. Before taking the initial treatment and one day following the last treatment intake, blood samples were taken from every participant. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), and high-sensitivity-C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) while the colorimetric test was used to measure the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and Left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured by single echocardiographer expert validation. Results: The MDA level was decreased in the GLPP treatment group (mean 56.0 ± 71.4 ng/mL to 27.7 ± 12.0 ng/mL, p= 0.023) compared to the control group (mean 39.3 ± 29.2 ng/mL to 38.3 ± 17.7 ng/mL, p= 0.719). However, the SOD level remained constant in the GLPP treatment (mean 122.2 ± 176.1 U/mL to 93.0 ± 40.9 U/mL, p=0.925) instead of significantly declining in the control group (mean 102.0 ± 67.3 U/mL to 64.0 ± 52.0 U/mL, p=0.016). The marker of TNF-α and hsCRP were significantly decreased in all groups (both p<0.05), but IL-6 was only significantly decreased in the control group (mean 1149.3 ± 581.7 pg/mL to 744.8 ± 336.5 pg/mL, p=0.010). The GLS was significantly decreased in the GLPP treatment group (-16.1 ± 4.1 to -17.5 ± 4.8, p=0.048) but there was no difference in LVEF in both groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Patients with cardiometabolic syndrome may benefit from GLPP treatment for 90 days in terms of reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and improved systolic left ventricular performance. Keyword: cardiometabolic syndrome, echocardiography, ganoderma lucidum, inflammation, oxidative stress

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide promotes broiler health by regulating lipid metabolism, antioxidants, and intestinal microflora

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP) are the primary bioactive macromolecular compounds of Ganoderma lucidum, possessing antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. Hot water extract of Juncao-substrate Ganoderma Lucidum residue (HWE-JGLR) is abundant in GLP. There are few research reports on the application of HWE-JGLR in animal husbandry. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of HWE-JGLR supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemistry, the antioxidant function of serum and liver, and the intestinal microbiota of yellow-feathered broilers. The control group was fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet, while the HJ I, II, and III groups received diets supplemented with 0.25 %, 0.5 %, and 1 % of HWE-JGLR, respectively. Results showed that HWE-JGLR increased the serum HDL-C content and decreased the TG content in broilers. Moreover, HWE-JGLR enhanced the antioxidant function by the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and the antioxidative enzyme in broilers. In addition, the cecum of the metagenomic analysis of 16S rRNA showed that the relative abundance of no-rank Ruminococcacea was increased in the HJ I group. Our findings indicate that HWE-JGLR has strong potential for development as a green feed additive based on its functions of lipid-lowering, antioxidation, and the modulation of gut microbiota composition.

A Review of Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide: Preparations, Structures, Physicochemical Properties and Application.

Ganoderma lucidum (GL) is a kind of edible fungus with various functions and a precious medicinal material with a long history. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) is one of the main bioactive substances in GL, with anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-cancer, and other biological activities. GLP is closely related to human health, and the research on GLP is getting deeper. This paper reviewed the extraction and purification methods of GLP, the relationship between structure and activity, and the qualitative and quantitative methods. This review provides solutions for the analysis and application of GLP. At the same time, some new methods for extraction, purification and analysis of GLP, the relationship between advanced structures and activity, and future applications of and research into GLP were emphasized. As a kind of bioactive macromolecule, GLP has unique functional properties. Through the comprehensive summary of the extraction, purification, and analysis of GLP and its future prospects, we hope that this review can provide valuable reference for the further study of GLP.

Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Peptide Alleviates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Male Reproductive Injury by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis.

Chemotherapy is an important factor leading to male infertility. It is crucial to discover safe and effective treatments to prevent male reproductive injury caused by chemotherapy. The Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide (GLPP) has multiple pharmacological activities. The purpose of this study was to determine whether GLPP could protect the male sperm production from chemotherapeutic injury using a mouse model, with testicular damage induced by cyclophosphamide (CP). CP (50 mg/kg/day) was injected intraperitoneally into male ICR mice gavaged with different doses of GLPP at certain spermatogenic stages. The experimental results showed that GLPP alleviated the CP-induced reduction in reproductive organ coefficients and sperm parameters and reduced the morphological damage of testicular tissues in a dose-dependent manner. GLPP significantly improved the reproductive index, sperm-related parameters, sex hormone levels, and histological testis architecture at different spermatogenic stages. Furthermore, GLPP significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), Nrf2, and HO-1, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and Keap-1 in the testicular tissue, indicating reduced oxidative stress. In addition, GLPP limited CP-induced apoptosis via a reduction in Bax expression and increase in Bcl-2 expression. This study suggests that GLPP plays a protective role in spermatogenesis by reducing chemotherapeutic injury and might be developed into drug for male patients receiving chemotherapy.

Roles of α-1,3-glucosyltransferase in growth and polysaccharides biosynthesis of Ganoderma lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides are valuable natural compounds possessing significant biological activity, with glycosyltransferases playing a crucial role in their biosynthesis. Although the function of β-1,3-glucosyltransferase in polysaccharides production is well understood, the role of α-1,3-glucosyltransferase in edible fungi remains unclear. In this study, over-expression of the α-1,3-glucosyltransferase gene in G. lucidum (glagt) was found to suppress the growth, with the maximum biomass and mycelial growth rate decreasing by 21.78 % and 79.61 %, respectively, a behavior distinct from β-1,3-glucosyltransferase. The fungal pellet diameter decreased by 38 % and the cell-wall thickness by 32.44 %, whereas intracellular and extracellular polysaccharides production increased by 27.58 % and 66.08 %, respectively. In the transcription level, overexpressing the glagt gene i) downregulated the citrate synthase and isocitrate dehydrogenase gene in the TCA cycle, disrupting energy metabolism and fungal growth; ii) upregulated key enzymes involved in UDP-glucose synthesis and glycosyltransferases (gl24465, gl24971, and gl22535); and iii) universally increased the transcriptional level of glucosidases gl21451, gl30087, and gl24581 by 22 %–397 %, contributing to cell-wall thinning to facilitate polysaccharides export. Conversely, the glagt gene downregulation promoted G. lucidum growth and decreased polysaccharides production. The results elucidate the roles of GLAGT and are expected to inspire in-depth exploration of polysaccharides biosynthesis pathways.

Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides Ameliorate Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis along the Nrf2 Pathway.

The excessive employment of acetaminophen (APAP) is capable of generating oxidative stress and apoptosis, which ultimately result in acute liver injury (ALI). Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) exhibit hepatoprotective activity, yet the protective impact and potential mechanism of GLPs in relation to APAP-induced ALI remain ambiguous. The intention of this research was to scrutinize the effect of GLPs on APAP-induced ALI and to shed light on their potential mechanism. The results demonstrated that GLPs were capable of notably alleviating the oxidative stress triggered by APAP, as shown through a significant drop in the liver index, the activities of serum ALT and AST, and the amounts of ROS and MDA in liver tissue, along with an increase in the levels of SOD, GSH, and GSH-Px. Within these, the hepatoprotective activity at the high dose was the most conspicuous, and its therapeutic efficacy surpassed that of the positive drug (bifendate). The results of histopathological staining (HE) and apoptosis staining (TUNEL) indicated that GLPs could remarkably inhibit the necrosis of hepatocytes, the permeation of inflammatory cells, and the occurrence of apoptosis induced by APAP. Moreover, Western blot analysis manifested that GLPs enhanced the manifestation of Nrf2 and its subsequent HO-1, GCLC, and NQO1 proteins within the Nrf2 pathway. The results of qPCR also indicated that GLPs augmented the expression of antioxidant genes Nrf2, HO-1, GCLC, and NQO1. The results reveal that GLPs are able to set off the Nrf2 signaling path and attenuate ALI-related oxidative stress and apoptosis, which is a potential natural medicine for the therapy of APAP-induced liver injury.

The Biological Activity of Ganoderma lucidum on Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Interplay between Different Active Compounds and the Pathological Hallmarks.

Neurodegenerative diseases represent a cluster of conditions characterized by the progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the nervous system. Despite significant advancements in understanding these diseases, therapeutic options remain limited. The medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum has been recognized for its comprehensive array of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, which possess potential neuroprotective properties. This literature review collates and examines the existing research on the bioactivity of active compounds and extracts from Ganoderma lucidum in modulating the pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases. The structural information and preparation processes of specific components, such as individual ganoderic acids and unique fractions of polysaccharides, are presented in detail to facilitate structure-activity relationship research and scale up the investigation of in vivo pharmacology. The mechanisms of these components against neurodegenerative diseases are discussed on multiple levels and elaborately categorized in different patterns. It is clearly presented from the patterns that most polysaccharides of Ganoderma lucidum possess neurotrophic effects, while ganoderic acids preferentially target specific pathogenic proteins as well as regulating autophagy. Further clinical trials are necessary to assess the translational potential of these components in the development of novel multi-target drugs for neurodegenerative diseases.

Effects of Plant Polysaccharides Combined with Boric Acid on Digestive Function, Immune Function, Harmful Gas and Heavy Metal Contents in Faeces of Fatteners.

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of plant polysaccharides combined with boric acid on digestive function, immune function and harmful gas and heavy metal contents in the faeces of fatteners. For this study, 90 healthy crossbred fatteners were selected and randomly divided into five groups: the control group was fed with a basal diet (Con); experimental group I was fed with basal diet + 40 mg/kg boric acid (BA); experimental group II was fed with basal diet + 40 mg/kg boric acid + 400 mg/kg Astragalus polysaccharides (BA+APS); experimental group III was fed with basal diet + 40 mg/kg boric acid + 200 mg/kg Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (BA+GLP); and experimental group IV was fed with basal diet + 40 mg/kg boric acid + 500 mg/kg Echinacea polysaccharides (BA+EPS). Compared with Con, the average daily gain (ADG), the trypsin activities in the duodenum and jejunum, the IL-2 levels in the spleen, the T-AOC activities and GSH-Px contents in the lymph node of fattening were increased in the BA group (p < 0.05), but malondialdehyde content in the lymph and spleen, and the contents of NH3, H2S, Hg, Cu, Fe and Zn in the feces and urine were decreased (p < 0.05). Compared with the BA, the ADG, gain-to-feed ratio (G/F), the trypsin and maltase activities in the duodenum and jejunum were increased in the BA+APS (p < 0.05), and the T-SOD activities in the spleen and T-AOC activities in the lymph node were also increased (p < 0.05), but the H2S level was decreased in the feces and urine (p < 0.05). Compared with the BA, the ADG, G/F and the trypsin and maltase activities in the duodenum were increased in the BA+GLP and BA+EPS (p < 0.05), the activities of maltase and lipase in the duodenum of fatteners in the BA+GLP and the activities of trypsin, maltase and lipase in the BA+EPS were increased (p < 0.05). Gathering everything together, our findings reveal that the combined addition of boric acid and plant polysaccharides in the diet of fatteners synergistically improved their growth performance and immune status. That may be achieved by regulating the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes, improving the antioxidant function and then promoting the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, the above results reduce the emission of harmful gases and heavy metals in feces and urine.

Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Supplementation Significantly Activates T-Cell-Mediated Antitumor Immunity and Enhances Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy Efficacy in Colorectal Cancer.

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) is a prebiotic with immunomodulatory effects. However, the therapeutic potential of GLP in tumor immunotherapy has not been fully explored, especially in T cell-mediated antitumor immunity. In this study, we found that GLP significantly inhibited tumor growth and activated antitumor immunity in colorectal cancer (CRC). In the spleens and tumor tissues, the proportion of cytotoxic CD8+T cells and Th1 helper cells increased, while immunosuppressive Tregs decreased. Additionally, microbiota dysbiosis was alleviated by GLP, and short-chain fatty acid production was increased. Meanwhile, GLP decreased the ratio of kynurenine and tryptophan (Kyn/Trp) in the serum, which contributed to antitumor immunity of T cells. More importantly, the combination of GLP and the immune checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody further enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Thus, GLP as a prebiotic has the potential to be used in tumor immunotherapy.

Electrochemiluminescent evaluation of GLUT4 expression in rat adipocytes induced by Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides

Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) directly facilitates cellular uptake of glucose and plays a crucial role in mammalian adipose tissue glucose metabolism. In this work, we constructed a cytosensor for sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection of GLUT4 in rat adipocytes (RA cells). A carbon nanotube sponge (CNTSP) was selected to fabricate a permeable electrode to overcome the steric hindrance of cells on the electrode. The expression of GLUT4 after treatment with Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) was assessed by analyzing the luminescence emitted from cell-surface ECL probes. Our preliminary results suggest that GLP promote the expression of GLUT4, thereby enhancing the uptake of the fluorescent glucose 2-NBDG. Treatment with GLP affected GLUT4 expression in RA cells in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the ECL cytosensor contributes to the development of ECL imaging of receptors on the cell surface for clinical drug evaluation.

Pharmacological Effects and Related Mechanisms of Ganoderma Lucidum Polysaccharides at the Cellular Level

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides are the primary active constituents of Ganoderma lucidum. Existing researches indicate that they possess multiple pharmacological effects and benefits, including anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-aging, hypoglycemic, and immune-modulating properties. Studies on the cellular impact of Ganoderma polysaccharides have predominantly focused on various cell types, including malignant tumor cells, immune cells, cardiac myocytes, neurons, hepatocytes, and fibroblasts. In this paper, we review and summarize recent literature primarily related to these pharmacological effects at the cellular level and their underlying mechanisms. Our aim is to provide insights and references for the deep clinical development and utilization of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides.

Novel therapeutic role of Ganoderma Polysaccharides in a septic mouse model - The key role of macrophages

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (G. PS) have been recognized for their immune-modulating properties. In this study, we investigated the impact of G. PS in a sepsis mouse model, exploring its effects on survival, inflammatory cytokines, Treg cell differentiation, bacterial load, organ dysfunction, and related pathways. We also probed the role of macrophages through chlorphosphon-liposome pretreatment. Using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model, we categorized mice into normal, PBS, and G. PS injection groups. G. PS significantly enhanced septic mouse survival, regulated inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-6, IL-10), and promoted CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cell differentiation in spleens. Additionally, G. PS reduced bacterial load, mitigated organ damage, and suppressed the NF-κB pathway. In vitro, G. PS facilitated CD4+ T cell differentiation into Treg cells via the p-STAT5 pathway. Chlorphosphon-liposome pretreatment heightened septic mortality, bacterial load, biochemical markers, and organ damage, emphasizing macrophages' involvement. G. PS demonstrated significant protective effects in septic mice by modulating inflammatory responses, enhancing Treg cell differentiation, diminishing bacterial load, and inhibiting inflammatory pathways. These findings illuminate the therapeutic potential of G. PS in sepsis treatment.

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide ameliorates cholesterol gallstone formation by modulating cholesterol and bile acid metabolism in an FXR-dependent manner

BackgroundCholesterol gallstone (CG) disease is a worldwide common disease characterized by cholesterol supersaturation in gallbladder bile. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) has been shown to possess various beneficial effects against metabolic disorders. However, the role and underlying mechanism of GLP in CG formation are still unknown. This study aimed to determine the role of GLP in ameliorating lithogenic diet (LD)-induced CG formation.MethodsMice were fed either a normal chow diet, a LD, or LD supplemented with GLP. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting were used to detect the expression of genes involved in cholesterol and bile acid (BA) metabolism. The BA concentrations in the ileum were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The microbiota in cecal contents were characterized using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing.ResultsGLP effectively alleviated CG formation induced by LD. Specifically, GLP reduced the total cholesterol (TC) levels, increased the total BA levels, and decreased the cholesterol saturation index (CSI) in gallbladder bile. The protective effect of GLP was attributed to the inhibition of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling, increased hepatic BA synthesis and decreased hepatic cholesterol synthesis and secretion. GLP also altered the BA composition in the ileum, reducing FXR-agonistic BAs and increasing FXR-antagonistic BAs, which may contribute to the inhibition of intestinal FXR signaling. Additionally, GLP improved dysbiosis of the intestinal flora and reduced the serum levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a bacterial metabolite that can induce hepatic FXR, thereby inhibiting hepatic FXR signaling. Moreover, the protective effect of GLP against CG formation could be reversed by both the global and gut-restricted FXR agonists.ConclusionsTaken together, GLP ameliorates CG formation by regulating cholesterol and BA metabolism in an FXR-dependent manner. Our study demonstrates that GLP may be a potential strategy for the prevention against CG disease.

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide hydrogel accelerates diabetic wound healing by regulating macrophage polarization

Impaired macrophage polarization or the high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by high glucose conditions and bacterial infection are the primary factors that make healing diabetic wounds difficult. Here, we prepared an OGLP-CMC/SA hydrogel with a double network structure that was synthesized with oxidized Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (OGLP), sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) as the matrix. The results showed that the OGLP-CMC/SA hydrogel had good mechanical properties, tissue adhesion, oxidation resistance and biocompatibility. Moreover, the hydrogel could effectively improve the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, also can enhance antibacterial properties. We found that the OGLP-CMC/SA hydrogel can promote the polarization of M1 macrophages towards the M2 and decrease intracellular ROS levels, effectively reduce the inflammatory response, and promote epidermal growth, the development of skin appendages and collagen deposition in wounds, which hasten diabetic wound healing. Therefore, using this versatile biologically active new hydrogel network constructed with OGLP provides a promising therapeutic strategy for chronic diabetic wound repair.

Ganoderma lucidum and Hypericum perforatum Exhibit Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-Androgen Effect in Rat Model of Experimental Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Objective: Chronic inflammation is considered to be of key importance in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) and Hypericum perforatum (HP) have been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. We studied the effects of these agents on ovarian tissue in a rat model of experimental PCOS. Materials and Methods: Forty-two Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into 6 groups with 7 animals in each group as listed below: Group 1: Control, Group 2: PCOS, Group 3: PCOS + HP, Group 4: HP only, Group 5: PCOS+ GLP, Group 6: GLP only. At the end of the experimental procedures, all the animals underwent bilateral oophorectomy and blood samples were collected. Ovarian tissue and blood samples were used for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Results: Follicle degeneration in the PCOS group showed a statistically significant increase compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Cystic follicles were significantly reduced in the PCOS+GLP and PCOS+HP groups as compared to the PCOS group. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were elevated in PCOS rats (p < 0.01). Levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were diminished (p < 0.01). Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were increased in PCOS rats as compared to the other groups (p < 0.02, p < 0.02, respectively). GLP supplementation diminished the levels of IGF-1 and MDA. GLP or HP supplementation increased reduced glutathione (GSH). Conclusion: GLP and HP treatment normalizes SHBG levels while correcting PCOS-induced hyperandrogenemia. Both herbs regulate the redox balance by decreasing the levels of MDA and increasing the level of GSH.

Polysaccharides derived from Ganoderma lucidum applied to the extraction chitosan and development of electrochemical sensor based on extracted chitosan and graphitic carbon nitride modified electrode for determination nitrite in food samples

The current study focused on extracting chitosan from polysaccharides generated from Ganoderma lucidum and applying it to the construction of electrochemically modified electrodes based on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) for the measurement of nitrite in water and food samples. Ganoderma Lucidum polysaccharides were isolated and characterized. The chitosan was then isolated enzymatically from the polysaccharides using a chemical technique. The isolated chitosan and g-C3N4 were used to modify a GCE (chitosan/g-C3N4/GCE). The structural investigations employing FT-IR, SEM, and XRD show that chitosan successfully interacted with g-C3N4 in the chitosan/g-C3N4 sample. Electrochemical evaluation using cycle voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and amperometry revealed that the chitosan/g-C3N4/GCE electrode has good sensitivity and selectivity for determining nitrite. The use of chitosan and g-C3N4 in electrode surface modification improved nitrite electro-oxidation performance by allowing for more effective adsorption and electron transport processes. DPV measurement showed that the sensor had a sensitivity of 0.12103 μA/μM, a linear range of 40 to 2000 μM, and a limit of detection of 21 nM, and amperometry measurement showed the sensor's sensitivity of 0.15487 μA/μM, linear range of 20 to 4230 μM, and an LOD of 10 nM. These findings indicated a more sensitive and wide range of sensor performance using amperometry with respect to the DPV technique. The method's validity and accuracy in determining nitrite in prepared genuine samples (water, milk, apple juice, orange juice, Aloe vera, and tomato juice) were investigated. RSD values (3.19 % to 4.75 %) and recovery values (80.00 % to 98.33 %) were found to be satisfactory. The data also revealed that there were no substantial matrix interferences, demonstrating the accuracy and applicability of the proposed approach for detecting nitrite in food samples. Therefore, the proposed sensor design has several advantages that make it a promising candidate for various applications. Its reusability, stability, wide linear range, accuracy, and low cost make it an attractive option for many industries.

The effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract on sensitizing prostate cancer cells to flutamide and docetaxel: an in vitro study

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide is the most widely used complementary therapy in cancer. The present study aims to investigate the possible interaction between Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide and Docetaxel (a chemotherapy drug) and the first-line medication for prostate cancer treatment (Flutamide) and sensitizing the cells to these treatments. The cytotoxic effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide in combination with Docetaxel and Flutamide on prostate cancer cells were investigated by the MTT test, Hoechst staining, and flow cytometry. In addition, the expression of genes related to apoptosis, angiogenesis, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition pathway (EMT), and prostate cancer biomarkers by Real-Time PCR was investigated. The results demonstrated that IC50 values for Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (30 μM and 20 μM), Docetaxel (10 μM and 5 μM), and Flutamide (20 μM and 12 μM) with MTT were confirmed by flow cytometry in a dose and time-dependent manner. Regarding the high efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide in combination with Flutamide and Docetaxel, 10 μM and 5 μM Flutamide were used instead of 20 μM and 12 μM and 5 μM and 2 μM Docetaxel was used instead of 10 μM and 5 μM in PC3 and LNCap, respectively. Moreover, for the first time, it was shown that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide alone and in combination with Docetaxel and Flutamide significantly augmented apoptosis, reduced cell migration and colonization, and downregulated expression of KLK2 and EMT pathway genes in both PC3 and LNCap cell line (P < 0.01). Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide synergistically increased the effect of Docetaxel and Flutamide and increased the sensitivity of the prostate cancer cell lines to these drugs. Therefore, it may provide a new therapeutic strategy against prostate cancer.

Synergistic Effects of Chlorogenic Acid and Ganoderma Lucidum Polysaccharide on Hepatic Fat Accumulation

This study aimed to investigate the impact of different doses of chlorogenic acid and Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide on lipid accumulation using an obese rat model. We utilized blood glucose assays, oil red O staining, and triglyceride content analysis to examine the effects of chlorogenic acid combined with G. lucidum polysaccharide on fat metabolism in rats. We found substantial potential in using chlorogenic acid combined with G. lucidum polysaccharide for weight control and metabolic regulation in obese rats. After a long-term dietary intervention, chlorogenic acid and G. lucidum polysaccharide markedly inhibited the expression of proteins related to fatty acid synthesis, including AMP-activated protein kinase, fatty acid synthase, and SREBP-1c, leading to reduced body weight and decreased hepatic fat deposition. Additionally, the combined treatment substantially affected enzymes and proteins involved in glucose metabolism, reducing glycogen synthase expression and indicating a potential mechanism for weight reduction through glycogen synthesis inhibition. Furthermore, elevated glucose kinase levels indicated that chlorogenic acid and G. lucidum polysaccharide may enhance hepatic glycogen degradation, thereby reducing hepatic fat accumulation. These findings reveal that chlorogenic acid combined with G. lucidum polysaccharide has a synergistic impact, providing a theoretical basis for their potential as a combined therapeutic approach for obesity.

Inhibition of intrarenal PRR-RAS pathway by Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptides in proteinuric nephropathy

Excessive proteinuria leads to renal dysfunction and damage. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide (GL-PP) and Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide 2 (GL-PP2) are biologically active compounds extracted from Ganoderma lucidum. GL-PP has a relative molecular weight of 37,121 with 76.39 % polysaccharides and 16.35 % polypeptides, while GL-PP2 has a relative molecular weight of 31,130, composed of 64.14 % polysaccharides and 17.73 % polypeptides. The xylose: mannose: glucose monosaccharide ratios in GL-PP and GL-PP2 were 4.83:1:7.03 and 2.35:1:9.38, respectively. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of GL-PP and GL-PP2 on proteinuria-induced renal dysfunction and damage using rat and cell models. Both compounds reduced kidney injury, proteinuria, and inhibited the (pro)renin receptor (PRR)-renin-angiotensin system (RAS) pathway, inflammatory cell infiltration, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. GL-PP2 showed stronger inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase proteins compared to GL-PP. In cell models, both compounds displayed anti-inflammatory properties and improved cellular viability by inhibiting the PRR-RAS pathway. GL-PP2 has higher feasibility and productivity than GL-PP in pharmacology and industrial production. It shows promise in treating proteinuria-induced renal disease with superior anti-inflammatory effects and economic, safe industrial application prospects. Further research is needed to compare efficacy, mechanisms, clinical applications, and commercial feasibility of GL-PP and GL-PP2.

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides associated with 5-Fluorouracil impair OSCC tumorigenesis in vitro

BackgroundsGanoderma lucidum polysaccharides have been shown several anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties among studies with different tumor models and its use with advanced and conventional combination therapies is a world trend. The administration of 5-Fluorouracil is already used as chemotherapy for many tumors and works on tumor remission; however, its adverse effects are still severe, impoverishing treatment and quality of life for patients. Cancer stem cells represent a subpopulation of cells with defense mechanisms against chemotherapy agents and are the main cause of relapses and metastases in cancer treatments. Also, the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition program increases properties related to tumor malignancy and mortality. In this scenario, the aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides in combination with 5-Fluorouracil on the subpopulation of cancer stem cells present in the human oral squamous carcinoma cell line SCC-9. MethodsSCC-9 cells were treated in vitro for 72 h with different 5-Fluorouracil low doses, associated or not with Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides. Cells maintained with culture media or cisplatin were used as control. All the cells were evaluated for cytotoxicity, cancer stem cells, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition properties. ResultsThe associated treatment avoided proliferation, delayed migration, slightly modified morphology of cells, increased apoptosis, decreased colony and blocked spheres formation, and downregulated cancer stem cells, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, and ABC drug transporters expression. In addition, Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides + 5-Fluorouracil changed the treated cells into a non-cancer stem cell phenotype, a characteristically not resistant and less proliferative population. The 5-Fluorouracil treatment alone showed remarkable modification in cellular morphology, apoptosis, and absence of holoclones; however, it upregulated the molecular expression of cancer stem cells' hallmarks. ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that combining Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides with a low dose of 5-Fluorouracil is effective against oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro by enhancing the cells' sensitivity to drugs and reducing the characteristics associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs). This suggests the possibility of reducing conventional chemotherapy doses and improving oral squamous cell carcinoma treatment. It also highlights the potential for this combination to be used as an adjunct in Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM).