Reishi Mushroom Research Articles

Ergosterol Peroxide from the Egyptian Red Lingzhi or Reishi Mushroom, Ganoderma resinaceum (Agaricomycetes), Showed Preferred Inhibition of MCF-7 over MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

Ergosterol peroxide and ganoderic acid AMI were isolated for the first time from the mycelium of the Egyptian Ganoderma resinaceum mushroom. The structure of these two metabolites was established by detailed analysis of 1D and 2D NMR. The isolated compounds were tested for their antitumor in vitro activities in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. Ergosterol peroxide showed preferred inhibition of MCF-7 (ER +ve) cell lines relative to MDA-MB-231 (ER -ve) cell lines with an IC50 of 1.18 μM and 12.82 μM respectively. Our data suggest that ergosterol peroxide targets estrogen receptors.

Synthesis and characterization of Reishi mushroom-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles for the biochemical applications

In recent years, the synthesis of nanoparticles via biological processes has attracted considerable attention. The use of plants and plant extracts is one of the most preferred methods for biological synthesis due to their rich biologically active metabolites. In this study, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized using reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) extract. Different analytical techniques including X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) were used for the characterization of Ag NPs. UV–vis spectrum exhibited a broad absorption peak between 400–460 nm which indicates the existence of Ag NPs. TEM images showed Ag NPs are spherical with a diameter range of 15–22 nm. In addition, it is shown that Ag NPs form a face-centered cubic structure according to XRD characterization technique. The antioxidant activity towards to 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was also studied. The highest DPPH scavenging percentage was recorded as 76.45% at 250 mg/L. The DNA cleavage activity results indicated that the green Ag NPs caused single strain DNA cleavage activity for 30 and 60 min at 50 and 100 mg/L, respectively. The Ag NPs antimicrobial activity was also investigated and results recorded as minimum inhibition concentration (MIC). Ag NPs showed a strong antibacterial effect against gram-positive (S. aureus, E. hirae, B. cereus) and gram-negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, L. pneumophila subsp. Pneumophila) bacteria. Furthermore, Ag NPs have also been shown to have a high antifungal effect against C. albicans fungus.

Practical Application of "About Herbs" Website: Herbs and Dietary Supplement Use in Oncology Settings.

The Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center developed and maintains About Herbs (www.aboutherbs.com), which provides summaries of research data including purported uses, adverse effects, and herb-drug interactions for about 284 dietary supplements. Using Google Analytics, we found the website registered more than 26,317,000 hits since November 2002. The 10 most searched-for herbs/supplements of 2018 are chaga mushroom, turmeric, ashwagandha, reishi mushroom, graviola, Active Hexose-Correlated Compound, boswellia, dandelion, green tea, and Coriolus versicolor. Here we discuss their safety, herb-drug interactions, and appropriate uses in the oncology setting, based on literature searches in PubMed. Over the past 16 years, the evidence for use of these supplements is based mostly on preclinical findings, with few well-designed studies and limited trials conducted in cancer patients. It is important to familiarize health care professionals about popular supplements, so patients can be informed to make decisions that maximize benefits and minimize risks.

Determination of genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of wild-grown Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) using the hen’s egg test for analysis of micronucleus induction

ABSTRACTThe micronucleus (MN) technique is commonly used for genotoxicity testing. The hen’s egg test (HET) for analysis of MN induction (HET-MN) is an inexpensive, rapid and simple genotoxicity assay that is compatible with animal protection and ethical considerations. Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst is known also as reishi mushroom and mushroom of immortality. It has long been used to treat disorders including fungal infections, influenza, common cold, hepatitis, diabetes, high cholesterol and cancer in many countries including China and Japan. G. lucidum strengthens the immune system and reduces the side effects of chemo- and radiotherapy. We investigated the possible genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of the aqueous extract of wild-grown G. lucidum from Turkey using the HET-MN test. Three different doses of aqueous extract of G. lucidum, 50 µg/egg vitamin C as an antigenotoxic agent and 50 µg/egg cyclophosphamide as a genotoxic compound were injected separately or together into fertilized chicken eggs at incubation day 8. Embryonic peripheral blood smears were prepared and stained with a modified May-Grünwald-Giemsa method on incubation day 11. The frequencies of MN and nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes were determined using light microscopy. Although the aqueous extract G. lucidum exhibited no genotoxic effect, it did exhibit an antigenotoxic effect. Our findings suggest that G. lucidum extract is a valuable natural antigenotoxic agent.

A Systematic Review of in-vivo Studies on Dietary Mushroom Supplementation for Cognitive Impairment (P14-021-19)

ObjectivesA systematic review was undertaken of the evidence on the use of Hericium erinaceus (Reishi), Ganoderma lucidum (Lion’s Mane), Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps) and Cordyceps militaris (Cordyceps), dietary supplementation on cognitive impairment outcomes. MethodsRelevant articles were identified in major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and SCOPUS). Key search words were Hericium erinaceus, Ganoderma lucidum, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Lion’s mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, cognitive, memory, dementia, Alzheimer’s. Included studies were peer-reviewed in-vivo articles published in English before January 2019, with cognitive outcomes. ResultsTwenty-five (25) of 194 studies met the inclusion criteria: eight (8) studies on lion’s mane mushroom, seven (7) studies on reishi mushroom and ten (10) studies on cordyceps mushroom. Three (3) randomized-controlled trials were included in this review. Studies varied by animals used, preparation of supplement, dosage and duration of supplementation, and cognitive outcomes. Twenty-two (22) animal studies found positive results (P < 0.05) on at least one of the doses tested for at least one cognitive impairment outcome. Of the human trials, two (2) studies found positive results (P < 0.05) on at least one of the cognitive assessments. ConclusionsDespite heterogeneous study design, the results of this review suggest that dietary supplementation with lion’s mane, reishi and cordyceps mushrooms may have a beneficial effect on cognitive impairment. Further clinical research studies are needed to demonstrate the potential medicinal benefits of dietary mushroom supplementation in humans with cognitive impairments. Funding SourcesNo external funding.

Effects of red reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) on the reproductive system in female and male rats

Effects of red reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) on the reproductive system in female and male rats

Supplementation of Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes) Extract Enhanced the Medicinal Values and Prebiotic Index of Hungarian Acacia Honey.

Acacia honey, as a favored delicacy, was supplemented with extracts of distinctive Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi or reishi) variants to enhance its biological value and lay the foundations for prospective functional food application. Health promoting effects of G. lucidum have already been documented and its prebiotic features have been verified. In spite of promising studies and its unambiguous nutritional value, G. lucidum mushroom has not gained extensive use in the food industry so far. Special honey-based foodstuffs fortified with G. lucidum extract were developed as novel food prototypes, and screened for their enhanced total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant (FRAP), and antiradical activity (DPPH). The obtained variants were also investigated for the possibly increased prebiotic index by means of an in vitro digestion procedure. A concentration dependent positive correlation was observed for all the studied parameters in case of the investigated prototypes. Supplementation of acacia honey with 0.5% reishi mushroom extract significantly increased the TPC, the antioxidant activity, and the radical scavenging power. A statistically significant improvement in the prebiotic index was also observed for the developed prototypes when compared with pure acacia honey. The evidence gained from the conducted studies fully supports the conception of combining honey and reishi extract to obtain a functional food product of high biological potential.

Hypolipidemic, Antioxidant, and Antiapoptotic Effects of Polysaccharides Extracted from Reishi Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Leysser: Fr) Karst, in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

The mechanisms underlying the effect of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) polysaccharides (GLP) on obesity are not clear. In this study, GLP were found to attenuate the oleic acid-induced cell viability loss and apoptosis dose dependently in splenic lymphocytes in vitro. The effects of GLP on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in mice fed a high-fat diet (HD) were determined. GLP administration (200 and 400 mg/kg bw) significantly lowered the body-weight increases; liver, heart, and white adipose tissues indexes; serum lipid accumulation; and serum and small intestine oxidative stress in mice fed a HD. Moreover, GLP inhibited HD-induced apoptosis by decreasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and suppressing caspase-3 activation in splenic lymphocytes. These findings indicate that GLP can exert hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects in HD-induced obese mice.

Protein components of water extracts from fruiting bodies of the reishi mushroom Ganoderma lucidum contribute to the production of functional molecules

Mushrooms have been widely considered as health foods as their extracts have anti-hypertensive and anti-tumor activities. After a thorough literature survey, we hypothesized that enzymes in mushroom extracts play an important role in synthesizing functional molecules. Therefore, in this study, proteins extracted from reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), which is used in oriental medicine, were identified by the proteomic approach, and appropriate extraction methods for improving angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities were investigated. Various glycoside hydrolases (GHs), such as β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (GH family 20), α-1,2-mannosidase (GH family 47), endo-β-1,3-glucanase (GH family 128), and β-1,3-glucanase (GH152), that degrade glycans in the fruiting body were identified. The residual glucanase activities generated β-oligosaccharides. Additionally, the glutamic acid protease of the peptidase G1 family was determined as the major protein in the extract, and the residual peptidase activity of the extracts was found to improve ACE inhibitory activities. Finally, it was observed that extraction at 50 °C is suitable for yielding functional molecules with high ACE inhibitory activities. Water extraction is generally believed to extract only functional macromolecules that exist in mushroom fruiting bodies. This study proposed a new concept that describes how functional molecules are produced by enzymes, including proteases and GHs, during extraction. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF MYCELIUM AND BASIDIOCARPS OF GANODERMA LUCIDUM (СURTIS) P. KARST.

Aim. Evaluation of the reishi mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, vegetative mycelium and water extracts of basidiocarps influence on the growth of opportunistic microorganisms. Materials and methods. Antimicrobial activity of vegetative mycelium and water extracts of basidiocarps from two strains of Ganoderma lucidum (Сurtis) P. Karst. ONU F101 and ONU F102 was screened by the agar diffusion method. Bacterial strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa АТСС 27853, Proteus vulgaris ATCC 6896, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 4698, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and yeast-like fungus Candida albicans ATCC 18804 were used as the test-objects. Results. It was established that both reishi mushroom strains are able to inhibit the growth of opportunistic microorganisms under cultivation. Activity of water extracts was lower than vegetative mycelium of the fungus. The strains of different origin differ by the level and range of antimicrobial activity. Conclusions. The antimicrobial activity of the ONU F102 G. lucidum strain was lower than the ONU F101’s strain. The water extracts had less active activity compared with vegetative mycelium.

Potential issues with complementary medicines commonly used in the cancer population: A retrospective review of a tertiary cancer center's experience.

Complementary medicine (CAM) use in the cancer population is higher than the general population: some studies estimate up to 70%. Our Medicines Information Centre, in a tertiary cancer institution, receives many enquiries regarding use and safety of CAM with conventional cancer therapies (chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery). This project aims to review the CAM most commonly enquired about with an emphasis on potential interactions with conventional cancer therapies. An audit and review of CAM enquiries from patients or medical professionals at our center, over a 2-year period (July 2011-June 2013), was conducted. The most commonly enquired about CAM, excluding vitamins and minerals, were identified, reviewed and potential interactions described. Enquiries were received from 462 patients involving 330 different CAMs. The 10 CAMs most commonly enquired about were fish oil (3.54%), turmeric (3.24%), coenzyme Q10 (2.63%), milk thistle (2.44%), green tea (2.38%), ginger (2.14%), lactobacillus (2.08%), licorice (1.83%), astragalus (1.77%) and reishi mushroom (1.59%). All were found to have predicted or potential drug interactions or therapeutic issues when combined with conventional therapies. Human studies are lacking and potential drug interactions are often predicted using in vitro or in vivo animal data. While many CAMs may be safe when taken by themselves, there is theoretically a potential for interactions and/or increased risk of serious adverse effects when taken concurrently with conventional anticancer therapies. The paucity of human data implies that their clinical significance is difficult to quantify and hence caution is required.

Influence of Ficus carica and Olea europaea leaves extracts on the mycelial growth of mushrooms in vitro

The use of 20% plant leaves extracts included fig (Ficus carica) and olive (Olea europaea) and their mixture 1:1 as an amendment in the solid agar medium (PDA) is beneficial to promote the growth of four mycelial mushrooms. These are Pleurotus ostreatus (Grey oyster mushroom), Pleurotus cornucopiae (Yellow oyster mushroom), Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail mushroom), and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom). C. versicolor showed better growth reached 67 mm significantly (p < 0.05) on OC medium after five days. While, P. cornucopiae recorded the lowest growth on FC medium reached 35.3 mm. Induction percentage of mycelial growth is changing according to the type of medium and species of fungus. In general, FOH medium exhibited the best percentage of induction was 14.89%, followed 12.48% and 9.43% by OH and OC media, while the lower percentages were 5.02% and 5.12% on FH and FC media, respectively. FC medium did not induce growth of P. cornucopiae and C. versicolor. The sterilization by Autoclave and Millipore filter showed different induction percentages. Finally, the extracts of fig and olive were useful to add in the culture media to improve the growth of mycelial mushroom in vitro.

Growth and Yield of Reishi Mushroom [&lt;em&gt;Ganoderma lucidum&lt;/em&gt; (Curtis) P. Karst] in Different Sawdust Substrates

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) is a medicinal mushroom which possesses numerous health benefits. With a view to popularize the cultivation of G. lucidum in Sri Lanka, a study was done to identify an appropriate substrate from local raw materials for its artificial cultivation in polypropylene bags. Sawdust of four woods viz. Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), Mango (Mangifera indica), Jack (Artocarpus heterophyllus) and Lunumidella (Melia dubia) were used as substrates after mixing with other general ingredients. The mushroom was grown in 100% Rubber, 100% Mango, 100% Jack, 100% Lunumidella, 50% Rubber + 50% Mango, 50% Rubber + 50% Jack, and 50% Rubber + 50% Lunumidella sawdust combinations. The number of days taken for colonization and primordial formation, number of fruiting bodies per bag, yield per bag and Biological Efficiency (BE) were recorded. Substrates with Mango (100%), Rubber (100%), Rubber + Mango (50%:50%) and Rubber + Lunumidella (50%:50%) sawdust resulted in equally high yield per bag (49.3 g, 42.5 g, 45.7 g and 43.7 g, respectively) within 1 month after primordia formation, and higher BE of 5.4%, 5.1%, 5.3% and 5.7%, respectively. Higher predicted total yields for a duration of 3 months were resulted by 100% Mango sawdust (541.91 g/bag), Rubber + Mango sawdust (502.37 g/bag), and Rubber + Lunumidella sawdust (480.92 g/bag), followed by Rubber (467.39 g/bag) substrates while the minimum yield (289.08 g/bag) was given by Rubber + Jack sawdust mixture. Considering the scarcity of rubber and mango wood as a sole source for substrate, the mixture of rubber and mango (50%:50%) or rubber and Lunumidella (50%:50%) could be successfully used for cultivation of G. lucidum.

Reishi mushroom Ganoderma lucidum Modulates IgA production and alpha-defensin expression in the rat small intestine

Ethnopharmacological relevanceImmunoglobulin A (IgA) secretion and alpha-defensins play a role in the innate immune system to protect against infection. Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. (Reishi) is a well-known mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine. This study aimed to determine the effects of Reishi on IgA secretion from Peyer's patch (PP) cells and alpha-defensin-5 (RD-5) and RD-6 expression in the rat small intestine. Materials and methodsThe rats received an oral injection of 0.5–5mg/kg of Reishi powder (1mL/kg) by sonde. All animals were euthanized 24h after Reishi administration. We examined RD-5, RD-6, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 mRNA levels in the jejunum, ileum, and in Peyer's patches (PP) through quantitative real-time PCR analysis. IgA secretion from PP was measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of the supernatant after primary culture. ResultsReishi increased IgA secretion in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and increased TLR4 mRNA levels, but had no effect on the viability of PP cells. Moreover, Reishi increased RD-5, RD-6, and TLR4 mRNA levels significantly in the ileum in a concentration-dependent manner. ConclusionsReishi can induce IgA secretion and increase the mRNA levels of RD-5 and RD-6 in the rat small intestine, through a TLR4-dependent pathway. The present results indicate that Reishi might reduce the risk of intestinal infection.

Feeding of the water extract from Ganoderma lingzhi to rats modulates secondary bile acids, intestinal microflora, mucins, and propionate important to colon cancer

Consumption of reishi mushroom has been reported to prevent colon carcinogenesis in rodents, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate this effect, rats were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with 5% water extract from either the reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lingzhi) (WGL) or the auto-digested reishi G. lingzhi (AWGL) for threeweeks. Both extracts markedly reduced fecal secondary bile acids, such as lithocholic acid and deoxycholic acid (colon carcinogens). These extracts reduced the numbers of Clostridium coccoides and Clostridium leptum (secondary bile acids-producing bacteria) in a per g of cecal digesta. Fecal mucins and cecal propionate were significantly elevated by both extracts, and fecal IgA was significantly elevated by WGL, but not by AWGL. These results suggest that the reishi extracts have an impact on colon luminal health by modulating secondary bile acids, microflora, mucins, and propionate that related to colon cancer.

Natural Health Products and Diabetes: A Practical Review.

The prevalence of natural health product (NHP) use in Canada is extensive. Patients with chronic diseases, including diabetes, use NHPs at a higher rate than the general population. Many NHPs exert hypoglycemic effects, among other effects relevant to diabetes management. To provide a practical, clinical review of NHPs with such effects targeted to pharmacists, a literature search was performed to collect data on the efficacy and safety profiles of 10 commonly used NHPs that exert antidiabetic properties. The following NHPs are included in this clinical review: alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, magnesium, bitter melon, cinnamon, fenugreek, gymnema, milk thistle, Reishi mushroom and white mulberry. Given the potential of NHPs to additively cause hypoglycemia when used concurrently with conventional medications, pharmacists should be up to date with current evidence around NHPs that may affect diabetes care to prevent adverse reactions and interactions. In addition, effective and respectful communication with patients around NHP use and collaboration with various health-care providers are essential in the patient care process.

Hepatorenal Syndrome Associated with the use of Reishi Fungus

Address for Correspondence: Arif Duran, Department of Emergency Medicine, Abant Izzet Baysal University School of Medicine, Bolu, Turkey E-mail: drarifduran@gmail.com ©Copyright 2016 by Emergency Physicians Association of Turkey Available online at www.jemcr.org Introduction Although the increase of popularity of alternative medicine and the development of unconscious use of herbal medicine has become a bridge of hope for some patients, some results have lead to troubles for patients as well as for physicians. Ganoderma lucidum, also known as lingzhi, mannentake, immortality mushroom, and red reishi mushroom, is the oldest known mushroom species used in Chinese and Japanese medicine, i.e. for more than 2000 years (1). It is believed that herbal drugs produced from this mushroom can cure diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, renal failure, and cancers (1). In our presentation, we aim to discuss a case with acute hepatorenal failure associated with the use of reishi mushroom.

Distinguishing commercially grown Ganoderma lucidum from Ganoderma lingzhi from Europe and East Asia on the basis of morphology, molecular phylogeny, and triterpenic acid profiles

In China and other countries of East Asia, so-called Ling-zhi or Reishi mushrooms are used in traditional medicine since several centuries. Although the common practice to apply the originally European name ‘Ganoderma lucidum’ to these fungi has been questioned by several taxonomists, this is still generally done in recent publications and with commercially cultivated strains. In the present study, two commercially sold strains of ‘G. lucidum’, M9720 and M9724 from the company Mycelia bvba (Belgium), are compared for their fruiting body (basidiocarp) morphology combined with molecular phylogenetic analyses, and for their secondary metabolite profile employing an ultra-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC–ESIMS) in combination with a high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS). According to basidiocarp morphology, the strain M9720 was identified as G. lucidum s.str. whereas M9724 was determined as Ganoderma lingzhi. In molecular phylogenetic analyses, the M9720 ITS and beta-tubulin sequences grouped with sequences of G. lucidum s.str. from Europe whereas those from M9724 clustered with sequences of G. lingzhi from East Asia. We show that an ethanol extract of ground basidiocarps from G. lucidum (M9720) contains much less triterpenic acids than found in the extract of G. lingzhi (M9724). The high amount of triterpenic acids accounts for the bitter taste of the basidiocarps of G. lingzhi (M9724) and of its ethanol extract. Apparently, triterpenic acids of G. lucidum s.str. are analyzed here for the first time. These results demonstrate the importance of taxonomy for commercial use of fungi.

Doğadan Toplanan ve Portakal Kütüğünde Yetiştirilen Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst Mantar Türünün Bazı Kimyasal İçeriklerinin Karşılaştırılması

Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst (Reishi mushroom) is one of medicinal mushroom species. The chemical content of the mushrooms shows significant changes depending on the physical and chemical properties of their growing place. In this study; total soluble protein, total soluble carbohydrate (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and some mineral elements (P, K, Mg, Mn, S, Fe, Zn, Ca and Na) of Ganoderma lucidum collected from the nature and cultured on orange stump were investigated. According to the results; total protein, glucose, fructose, sucrose and starch content of the G. lucidum cultured on orange stump were found higher than G. lucidum collected from nature. Phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium and sulfur content were determined to be higher in mushroom samples cultured on orange stump. Calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc values were found as higher in mushroom samples collected from nature. According to these results, G. lucidum cultured on orange stump had higher nutritional value than mushrooms collected from nature.

Resolution of Cutaneous Sarcoidosis Following Topical Application of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi Mushroom).

Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom) has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine as a herbal remedy for over 2000 years. Studies have shown that G. lucidum has anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. A review of the literature revealed that there were no studies examining the use of G. lucidum for the treatment of skin diseases. Here, we report the case of a 44-year-old male patient who used soap enriched with G. lucidum and goat’s milk for 3 days in treating annular cutaneous sarcoidosis. The patient showed almost complete regression of the lesions.