Lucidum Strains Research Articles

The Triterpenoid High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Analytical Profiles of the Mycelia of Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi)

(1) Background: Ganoderic acids (GAs) are specific triterpenes of Ganoderma lucidum. The HPLC fingerprint profile of GAs of the fruiting body is well known, but their mycelial fingerprinting remains unclear. (2) Methods: An ethanol extract of the mycelium of G. lucidum (YK-01) was further purified via preparative HPLC. The triterpenoid compositions for four strains of G. lucidum and one strain of G. formosanum (purple lingzhi) were analyzed using HPLC. (3) Results: Nineteen lanostane triterpenes, including five new triterpenes, GA-TP (1), ganodermic acid Jc (GmA-Jc) (2), GmA-Jd (3), GA-TQ1 (4), and ganoderal B1 (5), and fourteen known triterpenes 6–19 were isolated from the ethanol extract. Their structures were identified by mass and extensive NMR spectroscopy. A green chemical HPLC analytical method was developed using ethanol and acetic acid as a mobile phase, and all isolated compounds can be well separated. These triterpenes comprise a unique HPLC chromatograph of the G. lucidum mycelium. All four G. lucidum strains showed the same HPLC chromatographic pattern, whereas G. formosanum displayed a different pattern. Quantitation methods for ganoderic acid T (10) and S (12) were also validated. (4) Conclusions: The triterpenoid HPLC analytical method can be used to identify the G. lucidum species and to determine the contents of GA-T and GA-S.

Comparison of the Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Mycelial Polysaccharides from Different Strains of Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes).

Ganoderma lucidum is a popular tonic medicine in China, and its polysaccharides are believed to promote health benefits. However, G. lucidum and the composition, structure, and molecular weight of G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) are very heterogeneous. There are limited studies on the relationship between GLPs and their function. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the cosmetic efficacy of six types of GLPs and analyze the structure of the identified polysaccharides. GLPs (GLP1-GLP6) were prepared with conventional methods by selecting six G. lucidum strains. The 8-methoxypsoralan-induced melanin model of B16 cells, the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation model of HaCaT cells, and the hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress model of human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) were used. The whitening, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative effects of GLP1-GLP6 were determined. After initial screening, promising GLPs were selected for further analysis. These were purified and their structure was characterized. GLP1-GLP6 had no whitening effect as assessed by cellular tyrosinase level and melanin content. Meanwhile, GLP1 and GLP4 had strong inhibitory effect on hyaluronidase, and GLP1 and GLP2 significantly reduced the relative expression of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1α. All GLPs could significantly increase the activity of HSFs and reduce the proportion of senescent cells. The comprehensive score of GLP1 was the highest. GLP1-I and GLP1-II were obtained by DEAE-52 ion exchange resin. Morphological analysis showed that there were significant differences between GLP1 and its two components. The results of infrared spectroscopy showed that GLP1-I had a β-glycosidic bond, and high-performance gel penetration chromatography showed that GLP1-I had a low molecular weight. GLPs showed no whitening but had significant antioxidant activity. GLPs are promising compounds to be developed into natural antioxidants and potentially used in cosmetics, health products, and functional foods.

BIOTECHNOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF THE SIBERIAN STRAINS OF BASIDIOMYCETES – PRODUCERS OF LIG-NOLYTIC AND CELLULOLYTIC ENZYMES

The results of a study of the wood-destroying properties of Siberian strains of xylotrophic basidiomycetes (Armillaria, Ganoderma, Fomitopsis, Heterobasidion and Porodaedalea) are presented. The growth parameters and enzymatic activity of the strains were determined during solid-phase and deep cultivation. Fomitopsis pinicola and Ganoderma lucidum are fast-growing fungi on cellulose-, tannin-containing nutrient media, coniferous and deciduous plant substrates (source and hydrodynamically activated). The growth coefficient on media with tannin and Na-carboxymethyl cellulose is more than 45; on plant substrates - more than 30. The strains exhibit a different growth reaction to the preliminary activation of birch sawdust (growth acceleration / growth slowdown / indifference). The maximum wood-destroying activity on wood of A. sibirica noted for the fungi A. borealis, G. tsugae, G. lucidum, F. pinicola, and P. niemelaei. The decrease in substrate mass was 8–11%; the amount of polysaccharides decreased on average 1.4 times mainly due to the fermentolysis of hard-hydrolyzable polysaccharides. High enzymatic activity of fungi observed during solid-phase and deep cultivation with an inducer. The maximum activity of phenol oxidase is characteristic of G. tsugae (1.21 units/g·s); carboxymethyl cellulase – for F.pinicola and G. lucidum strains (11.8 and 10.3 units/ml, respectively); xylanases – for H. abietinum (3.8 u/ml). The maximum accumulation of extracellular protein observed in F. pinicola (0.89 mg/ml). According to the totality of rapid test indicators, quantitative determination of enzymatic activity, growth parameters on lignocellulosic substrates and the degree of wood bioconversion, the most promising producer of lignolytic enzymes in vitro is the Gl4-16A Ganoderma lucidum strain; cellulolytic enzymes – strain Fp6-17 Fomitopsis pinicola.

Log and bag cultivation of Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) and Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushrooms in Cambodia

The development of the mushroom industry in Cambodia through the production of oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) and lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) species requires local knowledge about growth rates, quality control, disease management and other biological characteristics to be produced. This study compares the growth rate and yield of these species in both bag and log cultures. Mushrooms were cultivated by transferring tissues from P. ostreatus and G. lucidum strains to potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. Then, these strains were multiplied through transferring their spawn to successive grain bottles. Finally, the spawn was harvested and transferred to either plastic bags filled with sawdust (rubber tree) or prepared logs. In the case of the strains grown in logs, 19 of the P. ostreatus cultures and 22 of the G. lucidum cultures were contaminated; while this occurred for only 5 and 13 of the bag cultures, respectively. Different mushroom species require different growing conditions. For instance, P. ostreatus strains thrive at a temperature between 20°C and 30°C at 70 to 90% humidity. However, G. lucidum strains thrive at a temperature between 18°C and 25°C, at a humidity of 85 to 90%. The choice of substrate also affects yield. In the Cambodian context, a sawdust substrate was found to produce higher yields, in terms of both biological efficiency and the number of fruiting bodies. It is recommended that the cultivation of P. ostreatus on a sawdust substrate is promoted to rice farmers in Cambodia.

Morphological Characteristics, Yield Performance, and Medicinal Value of Some Lingzhi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) Strains Cultivated in Tam Dao, Vietnam

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological efficiency and main bioactive components of three G. lucidum strains, viz. GA1, GA2, and GA3, cultivated in Tam Dao town. The results demonstrated that all strains were capable of growing well on PDA medium supplemented with rice bran. The time required for complete colonization was 9 days. All tested strains of G. lucidum were able to adapt to climate conditions and produce fruiting bodies with satisfactory yield (13-17%), and therefore, they could be considered suitable candidates for commercial cultivation of G. lucidum in Tam Dao. No significant differences in polysaccharide content were observed among all strains. High concentrations of lucidenic N acid (0.33 mg g-1) and ganoderic acid (2.38 mg g-1) were determined in strain GA3. However, the highest ganodermanontriol content was detected in the strain GA1 with 0.3 mg g-1.

Evaluación del cultivo de Pleurotus ostreatus y Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomicetes, Agaricales – Poyporales) empleando sustratos alternativos

Con el propósito de cultivar cepas de Pleurotus ostreatus y Ganoderma lucidum se realizaron ensayos con cinco sustratos experimentales realizando mezclas en pro- porciones distintas. Como inóculo se utilizaron semillas de porotos y garbanzos, granos de avena y cebada, utilizando los granos de avena como control positivo de crecimiento del micelio. Se prepararon los sustratos de cultivo en bolsas de poli- propileno con 1/2Kg y 1 kg de sustrato húmedo de virutas de madera, bagazo de caña procesado, hojarascas y granos de avena en baja proporción para enriquecer el sustrato, utilizando las virutas de Cedrela fissilis como control positivo; las bolsas se esterilizaron por dos h a 120°c, 1 atm de presión y luego se inocularon y fueron incubadas en la oscuridad a 18/25°c de temperatura y aproximadamente 70% de hu- medad ambiente, durante 22-35 días. Una vez cubierto de micelio el sustrato, se pasó a la inducción con 12 h de luz y oscuridad, riego de dos veces por día, temperatura y humedad constantes. Al cabo de 30 a 35 días ya se obtuvieron basidiomas. Se evaluó la eficiencia biológica (EB%) desde el momento de la inducción hasta la cosecha. El sustrato con mejores resultados después del control (53,20%EB) fue la mezcla de virutas con avena y hojarascas con una EB (45,20%). Se obtuvieron fructificaciones en todos los sustratos con excepción de bagazo de caña. La utilización de desechos orgánicos para el cultivo de hongos puede resultar una interesante alternativa de reciclaje de materia orgánica para generar cultivos a pequeña o gran escala.

SNP and SCAR Markers for Specific Discrimination of Antler-Shaped Ganoderma lucidum.

In this study we identified single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and sequence characteristic amplification region (SCAR) markers for specific identification of antler-shaped Ganoderma lucidum strains. When the partial mitochondrial SSU rDNA gene sequence of various antler- and kidney-shaped G. lucidum strains were analyzed and aligned, an SNP was found only in the antler-shaped G. lucidum strain at position 456 bp. In addition, this SNP of antler-shaped strains was digested by HinfI restriction enzyme. We further analyzed the polymorphism of various G. lucidum strains by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. In RAPD analysis, we isolated and sequenced a fragment, specific for antler-shaped G. lucidum strains. Based on this specific fragment sequence, two sets of specific primer pairs for antler-shaped G. lucidum strains were designed. PCR analysis revealed that two specific bands were observed only from antler-shaped strains. These two molecular markers will be helpful for identification of morphological characteristics of G. lucidum.

Profiling of Intra- and Extracellular Enzymes Involved in Fructification of the Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes).

Fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum have been widely used as a source of potent nutraceutical products. However, the key proteins involved in fructifying G. lucidum, to our knowledge, have not yet been reported. We evaluated the protein profile of fruiting and nonfruiting G. lucidum strains at various developmental stages: mycelia, spawn running, pinning, and fruiting body. Four strains of G. lucidum (GL-I to GL-IV) were grown in both liquid medium (mushroom minimal medium broth) and bags of wheat straw, after which the biomass and fruiting bodies were harvested. Enzyme studies revealed enhanced intracellular and extracellular enzymatic activities during the spawn run stage compared with that during mycelial growth in broth. The esterase and peroxidase activities increased significantly during the pinning of the fruiting cultures, thus indicating their positive role in fructification. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of proteins at 3 stages of cultivation-spawn run, pin head formation, and fruiting-exhibited the presence of hydrophobic amino acids and an ordered protein structure in fruiting strains (GL-I and GL-II), indicating the presence of hydrophobin proteins and their role in mushroom fructification. However, basic and aromatic amino acids predominated in the nonfruiting strain GL-IV, and an unordered protein structure was present, which indicate the positive role of hydrophobic amino acids and hydrophobin proteins in mushroom fructification.

Isolation and varietal characterization of Ganoderma resinaceum from areas of Ganoderma lucidum production in China

Ganoderma resinaceum has many medicinal effects (e.g., it improves lung, kidney, spleen, and stomach function). However, there have been few studies of G. resinaceum. Here we obtained eight fungal strains from different areas of Ganoderma lucidum production in China, three of which were identified as G. resinaceum based on their internal transcribed spacer sequences. Then, we compared the fruiting bodies, basidiospore morphologies, and the immune active protein-encoding lz8 gene sequences of G. resinaceum and G. lucidum. The results showed that there were few differences in the agronomic characteristics (such as the shape and pileus color of the fruiting body) between the two species. Further tests showed that the polysaccharide content of G. resinaceum was lower than that in G. lucidum, while its triterpenoid content was higher. A phylogenetic tree of lz8 gene sequences and high-performance liquid chromatography triterpene fingerprinting identified large differences between G. resinaceum and G. lucidum. Overall, the characteristics of the G. resinaceum and G. lucidum strains were similar in many respects. The results of this study provide a technical reference and breeding materials for exploiting Ganoderma species, including breeding improved varieties.

Breeding of new Ganoderma lucidum strains simultaneously rich in polysaccharides and triterpenes by mating basidiospore-derived monokaryons of two commercial cultivars

The aim of this study was to breed G. lucidum strains simultaneously rich in polysaccharides and triterpenes by mating of basidiospore monokaryons of two commercial cultivars, G. lucidum JC and AL. By incubation of freshly collected basidiospores, 31 monokaryons were isolated (19 from strain JC, and 12 from strain AC), and showed significant differences in mycelial growth and contents of polysaccharide and triterpene. Mating between the two strains yielded 83 instances of sexual compatibility. Of the hybrids isolated, sixteen ones that showed moderate and fast substrate colonization were evaluated in terms of fruiting. All the tested hybrids produced fruiting bodies but varied considerably in time to first harvest, productivity, yield distribution, and pileus shape and color. Significant differences in polysaccharide content (from 6.79 to 18.21mg/g dry weight) and triterpene content (from 5.90 to 10.87mg/g dry weight) were also observed among the hybrids. Notably, high concentrations of polysaccharides (16.63mg/g dry weight) and triterpenes (10.50mg/g dry weight) were both present in hybrid H-23, with satisfactory biological efficiency (19.41%). An antagonism test and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis indicated that H-23 is a new hybrid strain. This hybrid may be suitable for use in commercial production of G. lucidum for manufacture of more effective health-promoting and medicinal products. To our knowledge, the present study is the first report on the development of new G. lucidum strains via mating by means of basidiospore-derived monokaryons.

Intraspecific Variation and Phylogenetic Relationships Are Revealed by ITS1 Secondary Structure Analysis and Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism in Ganoderma lucidum.

Ganoderma lucidum is a typical polypore fungus used for traditional Chinese medical purposes. The taxonomic delimitation of Ganoderma lucidum is still debated. In this study, we sequenced seven internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of Ganoderma lucidum strains and annotated the ITS1 and ITS2 regions. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS1 differentiated the strains into three geographic groups. Groups 1–3 were originated from Europe, tropical Asia, and eastern Asia, respectively. While ITS2 could only differentiate the strains into two groups in which Group 2 originated from tropical Asia gathered with Groups 1 and 3 originated from Europe and eastern Asia. By determining the secondary structures of the ITS1 sequences, these three groups exhibited similar structures with a conserved central core and differed helices. While compared to Group 2, Groups 1 and 3 of ITS2 sequences shared similar structures with the difference in helix 4. Large-scale evaluation of ITS1 and ITS2 both exhibited that the majority of subgroups in the same group shared the similar structures. Further Weblogo analysis of ITS1 sequences revealed two main variable regions located in helix 2 in which C/T or A/G substitutions frequently occurred and ITS1 exhibited more nucleotide variances compared to ITS2. ITS1 multi-alignment of seven spawn strains and culture tests indicated that a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) site at position 180 correlated with strain antagonism. The HZ, TK and 203 fusion strains of Ganoderma lucidum had a T at position 180, whereas other strains exhibiting antagonism, including DB, RB, JQ, and YS, had a C. Taken together, compared to ITS2 region, ITS1 region could differentiated Ganoderma lucidum into three geographic originations based on phylogenetic analysis and secondary structure prediction. Besides, a SNP in ITS 1 could delineate Ganoderma lucidum strains at the intraspecific level. These findings will be implemented to improve species quality control in the Ganoderma industry.

Comparison of antioxidant capacities of two Ganoderma lucidum strains of different geographical origins

Ganoderma lucidum, used in a traditional Chinese medicine, represents one of the most important medicinal mushrooms in the world, whose fruiting bodies and spores have been traditionally used because of a wide spectrum of biological activities such as antidiabetic, antioxidative, antiproliferative, cardioprotective, etc. Its ethnomedicinal importance in some parts of the Balkan region (Serbia and Croatia) is almost totally unknown and there should be more scientific investigations carried out. The aim of this work was to make a comparative study of antioxidative activities and total phenolic content of ethanol and hot water extracts of G. lucidum, collected from forests in Serbia (Morovicke sume, Fruska Gora) and Croatia (Donji Lapac, Pljesevica). The present study was carried out to evaluate antioxidant potential of examined extracts via scavenging potential on ABTS, DPPH, OH? and NO? radicals, as well as of chelating effects via FRAP assay, together with determination of their total phenolic content. Results showed that both GLS extracts possessed better antiradical activities (IC50=0.23?0.01 for H2O and 2.75?0.01 ?g/mL for EtOH for OH? and DPPH assay, respectively) than in the ABTS assay (151.40?1.07 mg TE/g d.w. for EtOH), while the phenolic content was generally equal in extracts of Serbian and Croatian samples (60.74?0.57 mg GAE/g d.w. for EtOH and 77.10?0.27 mg GAE/g d.w. for H2O, respectively). Therefore, these extracts could be considered as a good source of natural antioxidants. These results showed that examined G. lucidum extracts (especially ?2?) contain high amount of phenolic content which could significantly enhance the antiradical potential and reduce potential on iron ions. This is the first study reporting the comparison of antioxidant activities and phenolic contents of two different extracts between two G. lucidum strains from two different geographical origins from the Balkan region.

Characterization of Polysaccharides from the Fruiting Bodies of Two Species of Genus Ganoderma (Agaricomycetes) and Determination of Water-Soluble β-D-Glucan Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography.

Molecular weight (Mw) distributions of polysaccharides from the fruiting bodies of different Ganoderma lucidum strains and G. sinense were investigated and compared using high-pressure size exclusion chromatography/multiangle laser light scattering/refractive index analysis. Results showed that there were big differences in the Mw distributions and characteristics of polysaccharides from 2 species of Ganoderma. All tested G. lucidum materials exhibited similar polysaccharide distributions and similar characteristics for each fraction. The fraction with highest Mw (peak 1) was identified as β-(1→3)-linked D-glucan with (1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl side branches. G. sinense fruiting bodies did not include the β-D-glucan when compared with G. lucidum. A high-pressure size exclusion chromatography method was developed and applied to determine the amount of high-Mw β-D-glucan in G. lucidum fruiting bodies. Results indicated that there was no obvious relationship between β-D-glucan content and the genetic similarity of G. lucidum. The strain labeled "Longzhi no. 2" was determined to possess the largest amount of β-D-glucan: 8.2 mg/mL based on the dry weight of fruiting bodies. The β-D-glucan content in the hot water extract of Longzhi no. 2 reached 17.05%. For the "Hunong no. 1" strain, the β-D-glucan content in log-cultivated fruiting bodies was much higher than that in bag-cultivated ones. This method could be used to improve quality control of polysaccharides in G. lucidum.

Potential of Submergedly Cultivated Mycelia of Ganoderma spp. as Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents.

The study aimed to evaluate the antiradical and antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) potentials of ethanol mycelial extracts of selected Ganoderma species and strains and to define interand intraspecies diversity among Ganoderma species and strains. Ganoderma lucidum strains were good DPPH• scavengers (neutralizing up to 57.12% radicals), contrary to G. applanatum (20.35%) and G. carnosum (17.04%). High correlations between the activities and contents of total phenols in the extracts showed that these compounds were carriers of the activity. Results obtained by both discdiffusion and microdilution methods indicated that the extract of G. lucidum BEOFB 433 was the most potent antibacterial agent that inhibited growth of almost all bacterial species at a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. Salmonella typhimurium was the most sensitive species to the mycelium extracts. Extracts of G. lucidum BEOFB 431 and BEOFB 434 showed the best antifungal activity since in concentration of 0.5 mg/mL inhibited the growth of Aspergillus glaucus (BEOFB 431) and the growth of A. glaucus and Trichoderma viride (BEOFB 434). Extracts of G. applanatum and G. lucidum BEOFB 431 had the strongest fungicidal effects, with lethal outcomes for A. glaucus and T. viride, respectively, being noted at a concentration of 1.17 mg/mL. Aspergillus niger was proved as the most resistant species.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Studies to Estimate Ergosterol Content at Different Developmental Stages of the Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes).

Ganoderma lucidum has been widely used as a source of potent nutraceutical products. This study was planned to identify and characterize the role of ergosterol in the developmental process of G. lucidum. Four strains of G. lucidum (GL-I-IV) showed a gradual increase in biomass (from 25.52 to 31.72 g) after 3 weeks of growth in mushroom complete medium broth, with maximum biomass observed for strain GL-III. Upon cultivation of G. lucidum strains on wheat straw supplemented with 5% wheat bran, maximum biological efficiency was recorded for the GL-I strain (31.23%), followed by GL-II (26.73%); the number of fruiting bodies were 927 and 693, each weighing 33.7 and 38.6 g, respectively. The amount of ergosterol in the Ganoderma test strains varied among the strains and at different developmental stages, namely, the vegetative mycelium, spawn run, pinhead, and fruiting body phases. The maximum ergosterol content was produced by the GL-I strain during the vegetative mycelium (4601 p.g/g) and reproductive fruiting body (7009 p.g/g) stages. However, strain GL-IV followed by strain GL-II exhibited maximum ergosterol content in the spawn run stage. The ergosterol content was better for GL-II at the pinhead stage. This report indicates that ergosterol content varies among the test strains. Moreover, it increases with each stage of the cultivation process, that is, from spawn run to pinhead to and fruiting body formation.

Activity of Mn-Oxidizing Peroxidases of Ganoderma lucidum Depending on Cultivation Conditions

Trunks and stumps of various deciduous species act as natural habitats for Ganoderma lucidum. The chemical composition of their cell wall affects the development of fungal ligninolytic enzyme system as well as its ability to degrade lignin from the plant cell wall. Additionally, numerous compounds structurally similar to lignin can be degraded by the G. lucidum enzyme system which could take important roles in various biotechnological processes. The laccases, which are the dominant enzymes synthesized by G. lucidum, have been studied more extensively than the Mn-oxidizing peroxidases. Therefore, this study aimed to create the dynamics profile of Mn-oxidizing peroxidases activities in four G. lucidum strains, classifying and determining their properties depending on the cultivation type and plant residue as a carbon source in the medium, as well as to establish whether intraspecific variety exists. The findings suggest that submerged cultivation appeared to be a more appropriate cultivation type for enzyme activities compared with solid-state cultivation, and oak sawdust was a better carbon source than wheat straw. Under the optimum conditions, on day 14, G. lucidum BEOFB 431 was characterized by the highest levels of both Mn-dependent and Mn-independent peroxidase activities (4795.5 and 5170.5 U/L, respectively). Strain, cultivation type, and carbon source were factors that affected the profiles of Mn-oxidizing peroxidases isoenzymes.

Evaluation of Ganoderma lucidum strains for the production of bioactive components and their potential use as antimicrobial agents

In the present study, mycelial biomass of Ganoderma lucidum strains was produced in mushroom complete media under optimized culture conditions of temperature, pH, agitation and the fruiting bodies were raised on wheat straw supplemented with 5 per cent rice bran. Maximum biomass (16.39 mg ml-1) was recorded in strain GL-3 and minimum (10.99 mg ml-1) was observed in strain GL-1 after 28 days of incubation period. Maximum biological efficiency of 13.1 per cent was obtained in 57 days in GL-2 strain. Moreover, weight of fruiting bodies was highest (91 g bag-1) in 5 per cent wheat bran supplemented bags in strain GL-2. Polysaccharides were extracted, characterized and analysed. The maximum yield of polysaccharides was obtained from fruiting bodies (30.06- 63.70%), followed by mycelial biomass (7.61- 21.32%) and culture filtrates (0.86- 2.86%). Non-reducing sugars were the main fraction of sugars which constituted 69.82- 70.39 per cent in fruiting body extracted polysaccharides, 62.08- 83.39 per cent in biomass and 59.75- 77.54 per cent in crude extracts. The extracts from fruiting bodies and biomass of G. lucidum strains also exhibited antibacterial effect against some pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus sp. and Enterobacter sp. The present study clearly indicated that variations existed among G. lucidum strains with respect to the production of bioactive molecules, yield and antimicrobial activity. Bioactive components from G. lucidum strains are promising antimicrobial agents that can be harnessed as potent antimicrobial toxicant.

Application of Chinese Jun-Cao technique for the production of Brazilian Ganoderma lucidum strains

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in China against a wide range of diseases such as cancer and also for its prevention. In this work, commercial Chinese strains G. lucidum were compared to wild Brazilian strains aiming to determine the cultivation potential through the use of Jun-Cao. Six formulations were tested and the strains presented good response to the applied method. In general, the mixture between the grass and wood was well suited for the basidiomycetes, contributing to the preparation of substrates that generated better results in Jun Cao.

Ganoderma lucidum: A Potential for Biotechnological Production of Anti-Cancer and Immunomodulatory Drugs

Based on the analysis of more than 270 patents and scientific articles, this state-of-the-art review presents Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal basidiomycete mushroom with immunomodulatory and anti-cancer effects. Cultivation methods for the commercial production of G. lucidum fruit bodies and mycelia are summarized, with main active compounds of triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and proteins, often found in forms of proteoglycans or glycopeptides. Pharmacological effects with emphasis on anti-cancer and immunomodulatory functions are presented, separately for spores and dry mycelia, and for the groups of triterpenoids, polysaccharides, proteins and glycoproteins. Patents disclosing preparation methods of extracts and purified pharmaceutical isolates are reviewed, and examples of anti-cancer formulations, used as pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals, are given. The review suggests that according to the present understanding, the anti-cancer activity of G. lucidum may be attributed to at least five groups of mechanisms: (1) activation/modulation of the immune response of the host, (2) direct cytotoxicity to cancer cells, (3) inhibition of tumor-induced angiogenesis, (4) inhibition of cancer cells proliferation and invasive metastasis behaviour, and (5) carcinogens deactivation with protection of cells. Although, the data from recent in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate promising anti-cancer effects, a need is identified for further (1) isolation and purification of compounds, with deeper understanding of their individual and synergistic pharmacological effects, (2) molecular level studies of the antitumor and immuno-supportive mechanisms, (3) well designed in vivo tests and controlled clinical studies, and (4) standardisation and quality control for G. lucidum strains, cultivation processes, extracts and commercial formulations.

Production of Biomass and Polysaccharides of Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt. :Fr.) P. Karst. (Higher Basidiomycetes), by Submerged Cultivation

Submerged batch and repeated fed-batch cultivation techniques were used for mycelia cultivation and polysaccharide production of the Lingzhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. Although most publications use various Asiatic G. lucidum strains, the growth of the strain Ga.l 4 (Biotechnical Faculty Strain Collection, Ljubljana, Slovenia), originally isolated from the Slovenian forest, is much faster. The results between the batch and repeated fed-batch cultivation are compared with the polysaccharide production in batch cultivation. From the aspect of biomass production, the best results were obtained in repeated fed-batch after 44 days, where 12.4 g/L of dry fungal biomass was obtained.