Therapeutic value

Carbohydrates

Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides are composed of several 100,000's to several millions of glucose units. Everyday starch also has the same composition. It is possible to extract different types of polysaccharides with extremely heavy molecular weights from Ganoderma. But because the bonding of the polysaccharides in Ganoderma is very different from that in starch, it is difficult for human digestive enzymes to break them down into the small molecular glucose. Consequently, Ganoderma polysaccharides are able to have a number of important physiological effects in humans and animals, and are beneficial to human health. 

Glucan

Ganoderan

Triterpenoids

Triterpenoids are the main cause of Ganoderma's bitter taste. To date more than 200 triterpenoids have been isolated from Ganoderma. While other plants also contain triterpenoids, Ganoderma's triterpenoids (known as "Ganoderma acids") are unique and not found in other plants.

Ganoderic acid

Lucidenic acid

Lucidone

Ganodermic acid

Proteins

Discovered in 1989, this molecular protein found in Ganoderma can regulate the human immune system. It is now known that the molecular weight (15,000~29,000) and amino acid composition of this protein are similar to those of a human immunoglobulin, so it certainly possess an immune function.

Glycoprotein

Nucleic Acid Derivatives

RNA

Adenosine: Adenosine is the main substance found in Ganoderma capable of suppressing the coagulation of platelets in the blood, and thus preventing the formation of embolisms. Adenosine is also one of the molecules the body uses to transmit genetic information. The other nucleic acids adenine, uracil, and RNA also possess important physiological activity.

Adenine

Uracil

Elements

Ca

Ge

K

P

Mg