Ganoderma Polysaccharides Research Articles

Igniting tumour microenvironment in triple-negative breast cancer using a mannose/hyaluronic acid dual-coated Ganoderma polysaccharide-superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocomplex for combinational therapies

Eliciting tumour microenvironment (TME) activation in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is crucial for effective anti-tumour therapies. The aim of this study is to employ pharmaceutical approaches to precisely deliver Ganoderma polysaccharide (GPS) to tumour sites, thereby enhancing TME activation. We first established a direct link between the accumulation of GPS within tumours and its efficacy in the TME activation. Building upon this insight, we then engineered a mannose/hyaluronic acid dual-coated GPS-loaded superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocomplex (Man/HA/GPS-SPIONs) with a particle size of 33.8 ± 1.6 nm and a zeta potential of −22.4 ± 3.5 mV, capable of precise tumour accumulation through magnet-assisted targeting and internalisation by tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumour cells, facilitated by dual ligand modification. In vitro, Man/HA/GPS-SPIONs effectively induced M1 polarisation of macrophages (CD86+ cells: 38.6 ± 2.8%), curbed 4T1 cell proliferation (viability: 47.3 ± 2.9%) and heightened Th1 cytokine release. Significantly, in vivo, Man/HA/GPS-SPIONs notably suppressed tumour growth (tumour index: 0.048 ± 0.005), fostered M1 polarisation of TAMs (CD45+F4/80+CD86+ cells: 26.1 ± 7.2%), consequently bolstering intratumoural T cytotoxic cells. This enhancement was intricately tied to the efficient co-delivery of GPS and iron ions to the tumours, made possible by the Man/HA/GPS-SPIONs delivery system. The synergistic effects with paclitaxel (PTX, inhibition rate: 61.2 ± 4.3%) and PD-1 inhibitors (inhibition rate: 69.8 ± 7.6%) underscored the translational potential of this approach. By harnessing a well-conceived iron-based drug delivery strategy, this study amplifies the tumour immune modulatory potential of natural polysaccharides, offering insightful guidance for interventions in the TME and synergistic therapies.

Assessing the antioxidant capacity of Ganoderma-infused white tea via electrochemical sensing techniques

This study presents a novel electrochemical method for assessing the antioxidant capacity of Ganoderma-infused white tea using carbon black-gold nanoparticle (CB-AuNP) modified glassy carbon electrodes and in situ generated superoxide radicals. The CB-AuNP nanocomposite was characterized using scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry, revealing an increased electrochemical active surface area of 0.158 cm2, which is 2.2 times larger than that of the bare glassy carbon electrode. Optimal conditions for superoxide radical generation were established using the xanthine oxidase-hypoxanthine system (0.10 U/mL XOD, 0.5 mM HX, 10 minutes incubation). The antioxidant capacity of Ganoderma-infused white tea was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, and expressed as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). The proposed method demonstrated a strong linear relationship between TEAC values and Ganoderma extract concentration (R2 = 0.9995), with TEAC values ranging from 0.54 ± 0.03–2.85 ± 0.12 mM Trolox/g tea for 0.1–1.0 % w/v Ganoderma-infused white tea. The method exhibited good agreement with conventional spectrophotometric assays (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP), showing strong correlations (R > 0.997) for all three assays. The practical applicability of the method was validated using commercial tea products, revealing a positive correlation between antioxidant capacity and Ganoderma polysaccharide content (R = 0.9958). The proposed electrochemical method offers a rapid, sensitive, and reliable approach for assessing the antioxidant capacity of functional tea products, with potential applications in quality control and product development.

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.

Increased production and anti-senescence activity of exopolysaccharides in Ganoderma lingzhi by co-overexpression of β-1,3-glucan synthase and UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase

A β-1,3-glucan synthase gene (gls) was cloned and overexpressed in Ganoderma lingzhi. The content of intracellular polysaccharides (IPS) in G. lingzhi overexpressing gls was 22.36 mg/100 mg dry weight (DW), 19 % higher than those in the wild-type (WT) strain. Overexpression of gls did not affect the expression of the phosphoglucomutase gene and the UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase gene (ugp) in the polysaccharide biosynthesis. The gls and ugp were then simultaneously overexpressed in G. lingzhi for the first time. The combined overexpression of these two genes increased the IPS content and exopolysaccharides (EPS) production to a greater extent than the overexpression of gls independently. The maximum IPS content of the overexpressed strain was 24.61 mg/100 mg, and the maximum EPS production was 1.55 g/L, 1.31- and 1.50-fold higher than that in the WT strain, respectively. Moreover, the major EPS fractions from the overexpression strain contained more glucose (86.7 % and 72.5 %) than those from the WT strain (78.2 % and 62.9 %). Furthermore, the major fraction G+U-0.1 from the overexpression strain exhibited stronger antioxidant and anti-senescence activities than the WT-0.1 fraction from the WT strain. These findings will aid in the hyperproduction and application of Ganoderma polysaccharides and facilitate our understanding of mushroom polysaccharide biosynthesis.

Hyperoxic storage increases the content of the active components in the post-harvest Ganoderma lucidum fruiting body

This study investigates the effect of hyperoxic storage on the antioxidant properties and bioactive substance metabolism of post-harvest Ganoderma lucidum fruiting bodies. During storage, the fruiting bodies experienced weight loss, which positively correlated with oxygen content. Oxygen treatment facilitated the increase of antioxidant enzyme activity and the decrease of membrane peroxidation. The enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) were increased by 58 %, 149 %, and 64 %, respectively; malondialdehyde (MDA) content was reduced by 39.91 % compared to the control group when the fruiting bodies were stored in 80% oxygen for 5 d. Meanwhile, the contents of Ganoderma polysaccharides and ganoderic acid increased with time, attaining maximum values of 121 g kg−1 and 8.23 g kg−1 on 4th d and 5th d, respectively, which were 36 % and 32 % higher than the control group. When the fruiting bodies were stored in 40 % and 80 % oxygen, the expression of key enzyme genes involved in the metabolism of Ganoderma polysaccharides and ganoderic acid, such as phosphoglucose metatase (PGM), uridinediphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGP), β-1,3-glucan synthase (GLS), hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), squalene synthase (SQS), lanosterol synthase (LS) and squalene epoxidase (SE), was found to be upregulated.

A new strategy to improve Ganoderma polysaccharides production by symbiotic fungi elicitors through activating the biosynthetic pathway

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP) attract growing attention due to their remarkable bioactivities, but the low content in raw materials remains a bottleneck severely restricting their application. We previously found a higher polysaccharides accumulation in Ganoderma lucidum cultured in continuous cropping soil, and soil symbiotic fungi are presumed as the key among many factors. Herein, 33 symbiotic fungi were isolated from the soil, and fungal elicitors were prepared to investigate their biotic eliciting effect on GLP biosynthesis. Most elicitors were found to significantly improve GLP production, among which the NO.16 molecularly identified as Penicillium citrinum, exhibited the optimum eliciting effect with GLP yield increasing by 3.4 times. Differences in the biosynthetic pathway genes expressions and the monosaccharide components of GLP were further analyzed. The transcriptions of the main genes of GLP biosynthetic pathway were up-regulated under PCE treatments, suggesting it improves GLP production by activating transcriptions of the biosynthetic pathway genes. Moreover, PCE eliciting significantly altered the monosaccharide compositions of GLP with Gal, Man, GalA, GlcA, and Fuc increasing by 8.17 %, 5.68 %, 5.41 %, 2.66 %, and 1.51 % respectively, but Glc decreased by 23.43 %, which may result in the activity change. It can serve as a new strategy to improve GLP production.

Research Progress on the Anticancer Activities and Mechanisms of Polysaccharides From Ganoderma.

Cancer ranks as a primary reason for death worldwide. Conventional anticancer therapies can cause severe side effects, and thus natural products may be promising drug candidates for cancer therapy. Accumulating evidence has verified the prominent anticancer properties of Ganoderma polysaccharides, suggesting that Ganoderma polysaccharides may be effective chemopreventive agents of natural origin. Based on their abilities to prevent cancer development by regulating the DNA damage response, cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, host immunity, gut microbiota and therapeutic sensitivity, there has been increasing interest in elucidating the clinical implication of Ganoderma polysaccharides in cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize recent findings pertaining to the roles of bioactive polysaccharides from Ganoderma in cancer pathogenesis, discuss the multifarious mechanisms involved and propose future directions for research. A more sophisticated understanding of the anticancer benefits of Ganoderma polysaccharides will be helpful for improving current treatments and developing novel therapeutic interventions for human malignancies.

Effect of <i>Ganoderma lucidum</i> Polysaccharide on Antioxidative Ability of Rats with Myocardial Injury Induced by Doxorubicin

Objective: The objective is to investigate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLPS) on the oxidative stress induced by doxorubicin (DOX) in cardiomyocytes. Methods: SD rats were divided into control group, DOX group, GLPS low dose and high dose + DOX group. SOD and MDA levels in myocardial tissue were detected in each group. The expression of related proteins in each group was detected by Western blot. Results: GLPS can increase the SOD level and decrease MDA caused by DOX (p < 0.05). GLPS can reduce the increase of p53 content caused by DOX (p < 0.05), and up regulate the antioxidant enzyme HO-1 (p < 0.05), MDM2 (p < 0.05) and Nrf2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Ganoderma polysaccharide can improve the oxidative stress injury of myocardial tissue induced by doxorubicin and play a protective role in myocardial tissue.

A green and facile approach to a graphene-based peroxidase-like nanozyme and its application in sensitive colorimetric detection of L-cysteine.

A facile and green approach to the preparation of peroxidase-like nanozymes by reducing and functionalizing graphene oxide (rGO) with Ganoderma polysaccharide (GP) has been achieved in this work. Our results showed that the as-fabricated nanozyme, namely rGO-GP, possessed the excellent property of simulating peroxidase with higher catalytic activity compared with GO or rGO obtained by using chitosan, which may be due to the better dispersion of rGO-GP in the solution. Steady-state kinetics studies further showed that the catalytic process conformed to Michaelis-Menten equation and ping-pong mechanism. Benefiting from the excellent peroxidase property of rGO-GP, we have also successfully established a highly sensitive and selective colorimetric detection approach to trace detection of L-cysteine (L-Cys). The limit of detection (LOD) of L-cysteine is 0.1μM and the linear detection range is 2-30μM. Furthermore, the nanozyme was successfully applied for detecting L-cysteine in serum. This work therefore demonstrates the advantages of rGO-GP as an effective nanozyme in both its green synthesis and detecting application.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Ganoderma lucidum sterols via attenuation of the p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathways in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages

Ganoderma lucidum exhibits pronounced anti-inflammatory effects, polysaccharides and triterpenoids are regarded as major constituents displaying the anti-inflammatory activities, whether sterols contribute to this activity remains unclear. Herein Ganoderma lucidum sterols (GLS) were innovatively isolated by a single-step procedure, the profile of GLS was characterized by HPLC-ELSD and shown similar to that of sterols separated by a traditional method, but much higher in content. Furthermore, GLS inhibited inflammation in macrophages by significantly attenuating LPS-induced cell polarization as well as releases and mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory mediators NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity of GLS was mediated by MAPK and NF-κB pathways, GLS suppressed MAPK pathways by blocking phosphorylation of p38 but not ERK and JNK, which is complementary with inhibitory effects of Ganoderma polysaccharides and triterpenes on JNK and ERK, indicating Ganoderma sterols may exert synergistic anti-inflammatory effect with polysaccharides and triterpenes. GLS also inhibited NF-κB pathways by restraining phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α and blocking phosphorylation of NF-κB p65. Molecular docking confirmed that sterols of GLS were directly bound to active sites of p38 and p65 to suppress their activation. Therefore, our findings suggest GLS as natural and safe anti-inflammatory agents to prevent and treat inflammatory diseases.

Ganoderma proteins and their potential applications in cosmetics.

Ganoderma have been regarded as a traditional source of natural bioactive compounds for centuries and have recently been exploited for potential components in the cosmetics industry. Besides Ganoderma polysaccharides and triterpenes, multiple proteins have been found in Ganoderma. With the in-depth study of these proteins, various pharmacological functions of Ganoderma have become important in the discovery and development of new products. In the review, we summarized and discussed the kinds and characteristics of Ganoderma proteins, especially on fungal immunomodulatory proteins (FIPs) which can be potentially developed into cosmeceuticals or nutricosmetics and are a suitable target for production using established biotechnological methods. Furthermore, we discuss their pharmacological activities of the proteins with a focus on their pharmacological functions related to cosmetics, such as antioxidant activity, inhibition of melanin, antibacterial activity, and regulation of inflammatory mediators. Numerous other questions also are addressed before the proteins can be widely accepted and used as cosmetic additives.

Polysaccharide of Ganoderma and Its Bioactivities.

Ganoderma, named lingzhi in China, has been used for centuries as drug and nutraceutical to treat diseases. Based on our research and other literatures, the chapter summarizes the progress of preparation, structural features and properties, bioactivities of Ganoderma polysaccharides. The aim is to provide a comprehensive source of information for researchers and consumers of Ganoderma, so they can better understand Ganoderma polysaccharides and their biological activities. In addition, more clinical studies should be carried out to meet the criteria for new drug development, and more convincing scientific data should be provided. In addition, on the basis of a large number of studies on Ganoderma polysaccharides, we suggest that more clinical studies should be carried out so that Ganoderma can be better recognized and applied all over the world.

Preventive and Therapeutic Effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) on Skin Diseases and Care.

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum, Lingzhi), a kind of mushroom with various bioactivities, is recently revealed to improve skin quality and treat skin diseases. Traditionally, polysaccharides and ganoderic acids have been reported as the major functional metabolites of Ganoderma possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. Based on our research and other studies, Ganoderma extracts, such as Ganoderma polysaccharides, have been used in promoting skin wound healing, mitigating postburn infection, and preventing skin flap ischemia-reperfusion injury. Ganoderma extracts have also been used in skin care, because of their roles in skin photoaging and skin whitening. Meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory effect of Ganoderma in atopic dermatitis and cutaneous sarcoidosis is also elaborated in this chapter. Finally, the potential use of Ganoderma in skin carcinoma is introduced. In brief, the dermoprotective effect of Ganoderma will be summarized in this chapter.

Improved production of polysaccharides in Ganoderma lingzhi mycelia by plasma mutagenesis and rapid screening of mutated strains through infrared spectroscopy.

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Ganoderma lingzhi has attracted increasing attention for both scientific research and medical application. In this work, in order to improve the production of polysaccharides from an original wide-type (WT) strain (named "RWY-0") of Ganoderma lingzhi, we applied atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) nonthermal plasma to the protoplasts of RWY-0 for mutagenesis treatment. Through a randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay, at least 10 mutagenic strains were confirmed. They also showed different mycelium characteristics in terms of shape, color, size and biomass in liquid fermentation. The mutant strains were examined by infrared spectroscopy, and based on the established near-infrared (NIR) quantification model, the polysaccharide contents in these mutants were quantitatively evaluated. As a result, we found that the Ganoderma polysaccharide contents in some of the mutant strains were significantly changed compared with that of the original WT strain. The polysaccharide content of RWY-1 G. lingzhi was considerably higher than that of the WT strain, with an increase of 25.6%. Thus, this preliminary work demonstrates the extension of the plasma mutagenesis application in acquiring polysaccharide-enhanced Ganoderma lingzhi mutants and shows the usefulness of NIR spectroscopy in the rapid screening of mutagenic strains for other important ingredients.

A Modified GC-MS Analytical Procedure for Separation and Detection of Multiple Classes of Carbohydrates.

A modified GC-MS analytical procedure based on trimethylsilyl-dithioacetal (TMSD) derivatization has been established for a simultaneous determination of thirteen carbohydrates. Different from previous approaches, the current GC-MS method was featured by a powerful practicability for simultaneous detection of aldoses, uronic acids, ketoses, and amino sugars; simplifying GC-MS chromatograms and producing a single peak for each derivatized sugar, as well as high resolution, sensitivity, and repeatability. An additional liquid-liquid extraction from derivatization mixtures was performed not only to increase the detection sensitivity of amino sugars but also to decrease the by-products of derivatization. Contrarily, three amino sugars were detected at a very low intensity or not detected at all. The effect of time on monosaccharide- mercaptalated reaction was systematically investigated. The effect of trimethylsilylation on the formation of TMSD was also optimized. The established GC-MS based on TMSD derivatization was suitable for complex carbohydrate analysis and has been successfully applied for the detection of free carbohydrates in water extracts of Anemarrhena asphodeloides roots and determination of monosaccharides in Glossy ganoderma polysaccharides.

Assessment of Polysaccharides from Mycelia of genus Ganoderma by Mid-Infrared and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Ganoderma lingzhi (G. lingzhi), G. sinense, G. applanatum, etc. belongs to the Ganoderma genus of polypore mushrooms which contain rich polysaccharides valuable for nutrition and positive medicinal effects. In order to evaluate polysaccharide content in Ganoderma mycelia obtained in the fermentation process quickly and accurately, in this work we employed infrared spectroscopy to examine different Ganoderma stains of samples from diversified sources. Through mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy, we could identify the most relevant spectral bands required for polysaccharide evaluation, and through near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, we could establish the quantification model for making satisfactory prediction of polysaccharide ingredient content. As such, we have achieved an effective and convenient approach to quantitative assessment of the total polysaccharides in Ganoderma mycelia but also demonstrated that infrared spectroscopy can be a powerful tool for quality control of Ganoderma polysaccharides obtained from industrial production.

Effect of Ganoderma Polysaccharide Peptide on Tumor Growth and Metastasis of Tumor-bearing Mice with Sleep Fragmentation

Effect of Ganoderma Polysaccharide Peptide on Tumor Growth and Metastasis of Tumor-bearing Mice with Sleep Fragmentation

Emerging Roles of Ganoderma Lucidum in Anti-Aging.

Ganoderma lucidum is a white-rot fungus that has been viewed as a traditional Chinese tonic for promoting health and longevity. It has been revealed that several extractions from Ganoderma lucidum, such as Ethanol extract, aqueous extract, mycelia extract, water soluble extract of the culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum mycelia, Ganodermasides A, B, C, D, and some bioactive components of Ganoderma lucidum, including Reishi Polysaccharide Fraction 3, Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides I, II, III, IV, Ganoderma lucidum peptide, Ganoderma polysaccharide peptide, total G. lucidum triterpenes and Ganoderic acid C1 could exert lifespan elongation or related activities. Although the use of Ganoderma lucidum as an elixir has been around for thousands of years, studies revealing its effect of lifespan extension are only the tip of the iceberg. Besides which, the kinds of extractions or components being comfrimed to be anti-aging are too few compared with the large amounts of Ganoderma lucidum extractions or constituients being discovered. This review aims to lay the ground for fully elucidating the potential mechanisms of Ganoderma lucidum underlying anti-aging effect and its clinical application.

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides protect fibroblasts against UVB-induced photoaging.

Ganoderma lucidum has featured in traditional Chinese medicine for >1,000 years. Ganoderma polysaccharides (GL-PS), a major active ingredient in Ganoderma, confer immune regulation, antitumor effects and significant antioxidant effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of GL-PS-associated inhibition of ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoaging in human fibroblasts in vitro. Primary human skin fibroblasts were cultured, and a fibroblast photoaging model was built through exposure to UVB. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Aged cells were stained using a senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining (SA-β-gal) kit. ELISA kits were used to analyze matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) −1 and C-telopeptides of Type I collagen (CICP) protein levels in cellular supernatant. ROS levels were quantified by flow cytometry. Cells exposed to UVB had decreased cell viability, increased aged cells, decreased CICP protein expression, increased MMP-1 protein expression, and increased cellular ROS levels compared with non-exposed cells. However, cells exposed to UVB and treated with 10, 20 and 40 µg/ml GL-PS demonstrated increased cell viability, decreased aged cells, increased CICP protein expression, decreased MMP-1 protein expression, and decreased cellular ROS levels compared with UVB exposed/GL-PS untreated cells. These results demonstrate that GL-PS protects fibroblasts against photoaging by eliminating UVB-induced ROS. This finding indicates GL-PS treatment may serve as a novel strategy for antiphotoaging.