Ganoderma

Ganoderma: The Healer from Heaven

2009-06-12T01:31:00.000-07:00

Red Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum), commonly known as Ling Zhi in Chinese, is a herbal mushroom known to have miraculous health benefits.

It has been used in Japan and China for over 2,000 years and thus making it the oldest mushroom known to have been used as medicine. Since ancient times, the Reishi mushroom was reserved for emperors and royalties. It has been revered as nature’s rarest and most beneficial herb. In the Superior category of Shen Nung Ben Cao Jing, the oldest and most famous medical text on Oriental herbal medicine, red Reishi is ranked as the number one herb, ahead of ginseng, because of its following qualities:

1. It is non-toxic and can be taken daily without producing any side effects.

2. When it is taken regularly, it can restore the body to its natural state, enabling all organs to function normally.

3. Immune modulator - regulates and fine tunes the immune system.

What are the benefits of Ganoderma?

Red Reishi is primarily composed of complex carbohydrates called water-soluble polysaccharides, triterpeniods, proteins and amino acids. Researchers have identified that water-soluble polysaccharides are the most active element found in Red Reishi that have anti-tumour, immune modulating and blood pressure lowering effects.

Another major active ingredient found in Red Reishi are triterpenes , called ganoderic acids. Preliminary studies indicated that ganoderic acids help alleviate common allergies by inhibiting histamine release, improve oxygen utilization and improve liver functions. Triterpenes are bitter in taste and the level of the triterpene content contained in a product can be determined by the bitterness.

Regular consumption of red Reishi can enhance our body's immune system and improve blood circulation, thus improving better health conditions. Generally, Reishi is recommended as an adaptogen, immune modulator, and a general tonic. Red Reishi is also used to help treat anxiety, high blood pressure, hepatitis, bronchitis, insomnia, and asthma.

Is there any strong evidence?

A considerable number of studies in Japan , China , USA , and the UK in the past 30 years have shown that the consumption of red Reishi has been linked to the treatment of a vast range of diseases, common ailments, and conditions. From asthma to zoster, the applications of red Reishi seem to be related to a multitude of body organs and systems.

However, most of the scientific research that has been conducted appears to strongly support red Reishi's role as a normalizing substance - a nutritional supplement that can yield medical benefits through its normalization and regulation of the body's organs and functions.

The role of Red Reishi in maintaining a healthy lifestyle can best be explained through the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) point of view because none of the known active components taken alone is as more effective than the consumption of Reishi itself. Whereas Western medicine focuses on the “cure” after the disease has already occurred, TCM, established through over 2,000 years of human observation, focuses on disease prevention by sustaining the right balance within the body through proper nutrition, exercise, and meditation. Reishi is an important adaptogenic herb in TCM in helping the body maintain this balance and also restore the balance when one is sick.

Research on Ganoderma

2009-06-10T05:45:00.000-07:00

Constituents of Camphor Lingzhi (Ganoderma comphoratum) and their Activity

Faculty Advisor: Professor Cheng Cheng Yung

Graduate student, Graduate School of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University: Cheng Yi Hua

Degree: M.S.

Synopsis

First described in 1990, Ganoderma comphoratum, Zang & Su, is also known as Pyroformes sp., Camphor Mushroom, etc., and is parasitic on the inner wall of hollow heartwood in Cinnamomum comphora (L) Prcsl. The fruiting body has a strong camphor odor and is plate- or bell-shaped. The fruiting body is annual, stalkless, and is corky to woody in texture. The cap is semicircular with a diameter of 10~20 x 3~8 cm and a thickness of 2~2.5 cm. The surface is brown to blackish brown in color, has no obvious folds, and has a shiny luster. The edge is flat and blunt. The flesh has two layers; the upper layer is the color of wood, while the lower layer is ivory and 1~1.5 cm thick. The basidiospore is egg-shaped with a two-layer wall. The outer wall is transparent and the inner wall is golden brown with separate or connected spine-like protrusions. Spore diameter is 14~19 x 7.8~14.4 microns. A member of the Polyporaceae, this fungus has dense, fine pores. There are approximately 4~5 pores per square millimeter. The tubule openings are small and deep red in color.

Cinnamomum comphora (L) Prcsl has a strong odor, and is a powerful insect repellant. While most fungi cannot grow on camphorwood, Ganoderma comphoratum Zang & Su is uniquely able to do so, and is consequently popularly considered to be a natural treasure. Ganoderma comphoratum Zang & Su is a superior detoxifying agent that can be used to treat food poisoning, diarrhea, vomiting, and pesticide poisoning. A piece of camphor Lingzhi about the size of a kernel of corn is usually eaten after boiling, or chewed until powdered and then swallowed with water. Many persons currently use camphor Lingzhi to treat cancer and other chronic diseases, and anecdotal reports suggest that it is very effective. Very little camphor Lingzhi is produced and prices are extremely high; 1 kg of camphor Lingzhi mixed with some camphor bark costs approximately US,430 and prices are currently rising. But because of camphor Lingzhi's possible effectiveness, people continue to purchase and use it. To enhance effectiveness, small quantities of Ganoderma Comphoratum Zang & Su are sometimes added to Lingzhi products packaged in gelatin capsules. Unfortunately, no scholarly papers on the constituents or pharmacology of Ganoderma Comphoratum Zang & Su have yet been published in academic journals.

If methanol reflux extraction is performed on the ground fruiting body of Ganoderma Comphoratum Zang & Su, chromatographic analysis using a silica gel column and HPLC analysis reveal that the extract contains 13 constituents. Spectrographic analysis shows that these constituents have the following structures:

• Compounds A:4(-Methylergost-8,24(28)-dien-3,11-dion-26-oic acid.

• Compounds B:4(-Methylergost-8,24(28)-dien-3,7,11-trion-26-oicacid.

• Compounds:7(-Hydroxy-4(-methylergost-8,24(28)-dien-3,11-dion-26-oic acid.

• Compounds D:14(-Hydroxy-4(-methylergost-8,24(28)-dien-3,7,11-trion-26-oic acid.

• Compounds E:4(-Methylergost-8,14,24(28)-trien-3,11-dion-26-oic acid.

• Compounds F:7(-Hydroxy-4(-methylergost-8,14,24(28)-trien-3,11-dion-26-oic acid.

• Compounds G:Methyl-3(,12(-dihydroxy-4(-methylergost-8,24(28)-dien-7,11-dion-26-oate.

• Compounds H:2,2',5,5'-tetramethoxy-3,4,3',4'-di-methylenedioxy-6,6'-dimethyl biphenyl.

• Compounds I:3(-Hydroxy-24-methylenelanost-7,9(11)-dien-21-oic acid.

• Compounds J:3(,15(-Dihydroxy-24-methylenelanost-7,9(11)-dien-21-oic acid.

• Compounds K:24-Methylenedihydrolanosterol.

• Compounds L:9(E)-Octadecenoic acid.

• Compounds M:9,12(E,E)-Octadecadienoic acid.

• Indicates new compounds

Structure and Functional Mechanisms of an Immunomodulatory Protein

Faculty Advisor: Professor Ling Jung Yao

Graduate student, Graduate School of Biochemistry, National Taiwan University College of Medicine: Ling Wen Hui

Degree: M.S.

Synopsis

Lingzhi has been an auspicious symbol for the Chinese since ancient times, and many records and legends concerning Lingzhi have been passed down to us from long ago. Physicians have long used Lingzhi to treat a variety of disorders, and it is considered a valuable medicine with moist tonic, strengthening, and corrective properties. Lingzhi's actual functional mechanisms still remain to be clarified, however.

This laboratory has purified an immunity-regulating protein with a molecular weight of 13K we have named FIP-gts (fungal immunomodulatory protein gts) from the mycelia of G. tsugae. This protein can promote the proliferation of human peripheral lymphocytes and mouse spleen cells, and maximum human peripheral lymphocyte proliferation is achieved at a concentration of 5(g/ml. RT-PCR has been used to verify that FIP-gts can stimulate the production of the cytokines IL-2, IL-4, TNF-, and IFN-, and can promote the expression of ICAM-1 (intracellular adhesion molecule-1).

Following hydrolysis using a protein hydrolysis enzyme, an automatic protein sequencer was used to analyze the amino acid sequence of FIP-gts. It was found that the sequence of the 110 amino acids of FIP-gts is very similar to those of the variable region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgVH). Garnier analysis of FIP-gts' secondary structure showed that it possesses two helices, seven sheets, and one turn. Gel filtration analysis indicated that it has a molecular weight of 26K, but SDS-PAGE analysis yielded a weight of 13K. This suggests that FIP-gts may exist in the form of a homodimer; glutaraldehyde can be used to verify that FIP-gts may form a homodimer. We have discovered through the use of PCR technology that many other species of Lingzhi other than G. tsugae possess an identical nucleic acid sequence, but certain not all fungi contain this immunity-strengthening protein.

We used genetic engineering techniques to embed the cDNA for FIP-gts in a PGEX-2T matrix, which was then inserted in E. coli for expression. We employed a column with Glutathione-Sepharose 4B affinity to purify a fusion protein containing GST and recombinant FIP-gts. This yielded pure FIP-gts after thrombin decomposition, and the ability of the resulting FIP-gts to stimulate human lymphocyte proliferation was identical of that of FIP-gts purified from mycelia.

To determine the chemical structure of FIP-gts and its relationship with the protein's physiological activity, we designed several primers with which to construct different proteins with deletion mutations; these were ¡µN1-3 (with the first three amino acids deleted), ¡µN1-6, ¡µN1-13, ¡µN1-27, ¡µN106-110, ¡µN101-110, ¡µN1-13/¡µN101-110, and ¡µN1-27/¡µN101-110. We used site-directed mutagenesis and helical wheel program predictions to verify that FIP-gts forms a helix A at the 13th amino acid from the nitrogen end. If this helix is deleted, the hydrophobic moment of the wild type falls from 0.43 to 0. This causes the molecule to lose its physiological activity and cease to form a homodimer, remaining in monomeric form. If the fifth leucine, the seventh phenylalanine, and the ninth leucine from the nitrogen end (¡µ5L/7F/9L) are also removed, the hydrophobic moment will drop to 0.1. Apart from losing its helix A structure, the molecule also loses its physiological activity. We consequently can assert that the main physiological function of FIP-gts depends on the helix A near the nitrogen end, which enables it to bind to lymphocyte T cells and produce the cascade of signals that stimulate the secretion of various hormone, and bring about the function of immunomodulation.

HPLC analysis shows that several types of Ganoderma fruiting bodies contain triterpenoids with liver-protecting effects

Faculty Advisor: Professor Su Ching Hua

Graduate student, Taipei Medical College: Yang Yi Chen

Degree: M.S.

Synopsis

The more than 50 triterpenoids found in Ganoderma are similar in form and cannot be identified using simple methods. This study used high-speed HPLC and TLC methods to analyze 64 Lingzhi samples originated from CCRCs and agricultural test stations in different nations. The scientific names of these Lingzhi species are: G.neo.Japonicum, G.formosanum, G.australe, G.calidophilum,G.mastoporum, G.weberianum, G.pfeifferi, G.resinaceum, G.lucidum, G.subamboinense var. laevisporum, G.boniense¡A G.tropicum, G.fornicatum, G.tsugae, G.curtisii, G.lobatum, G.mirabile¡AG.oerstedii. Taking ganoderic acid B and C2 as standard in an alcohol extract, it was inferred there were 18 types of Lingzhi. These 18 types conform with those used in morphological and hybrid incubation experiments at the plant pathology department of the Taiwan Agriculture Research Institute. In addition, since ganoderic acid B and C2 are purified triterpenoids with known liver-protecting efficacy, HPLC analysis was used to determine the ganoderic acid B and C2 content of each type of Lingzhi. Taking mice with acute liver malfunctions induced with carbon tetrachloride as a model, GOT, GPT, and tissue sections were used to determine the efficacy of the triterpenoids in each type of Lingzhi at easing acute liver malfunction. The results showed that when identical doses of extract containing triterpenoids (30 mg/kg of mouse weight) were given to mice, after three doses G. Tropicum proved best at eliminating the liver malfunction.

Suppression of the Platelet Coagulation Mechanism by Oxidized Triterpenes from Lingzhi

Faculty Advisor: Professor Wang Chang Te

Graduate student, Graduate School of Biology, National Tsinghua University: Su Chen Yi

Degree: Ph.D.

Synopsis

To determine the degree to which oxidized triterpenes can hydrolyze the cell membrane of platelets, we tested the hydrophobicity of different kinds of oxidized triterpenes using different solvent systems, and found that GAS is most hydrophobic. It was also found that the degree of hydrophobicity of the triterpenes is correlated with replaced bases and three-dimensional carbon structure. We compared the effect of eight types of oxidized triterpenes on platelet coagulation induced by ADP-fibrinogen and collagen, and discovered the chemical structure of each preparation, which cause them to have different degrees of suppression or promotion with regard to the effects of the two types of activator. In addition, we also observed that there were differences in platelet coagulation induced by monomeric or fibrous collagen from different sources. Because GAS content is highest in red Lingzhi, we first used GAS to investigate suppression of platelet coagulation caused by collagen from different sources. The results showed that GAS suppressed coagulation activated by collagen from two sources at different initial rates. GAS displayed greater suppressing action as concentration increased when coagulation was induced with human placental collagen, but not so when coagulation was induced with collagen from the skin of cattle.

This research also revealed that GAS promotes the production of cAMP within platelets induced by PGE1 and strengthens the protein phosphorylation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase receptors (250, 60, 50, 39, 30, 24, 22 kDa) stimulated by PGE1. G AS 7.5 (m suppressed the platelet coagulation of 47kDa and 20kDa protein phosphorylation by 10~20% when platelet coagulation was induced with human placental collagen fibers, and suppressed serotonin secretion by 35%. GAS is also able to strengthen the suppressing effect of PGE1 on collagen activation; this may be because GAS increases the synthesis of cAMP under stimulation by PGE1, which strengthens the protein phosphorylation of PKA receptor, or may be due to other suppression pathways connected with cAMP. These findings have given us a deeper understanding of the structure and function of various oxidized triterpenes. Light was also shed on mechanisms by which GAS affects platelet activation by human placental collagen fibers and strengthens the suppression of collagen activation by PGE1. It was shown that GAS is an effective anticoagulant at low concentrations, and clarified the role of GAS in enhancing the suppression of embolism formation by prostaglandin and other drugs. The above results indicate that Lingzhi is likely to be highly effective at preventing and treating embolisms and vascular disease.

Research on the Antioxidant Properties

Faculty Advisor: Professor Ling Jung Yao

Graduate student, Graduate School of Food Science, National Chungshing University: Wu Jun Yi

Degree: M.S.

Synopsis

This study compared the antioxidant properties of different types of Lingzhi, and investigated their antioxidant characteristics. Of the various types of Lingzhi in use (Ganoderma tsugae, G. formosanum, G. gibbasum, G. lucidum, Trametes versicolor), a methanol extract from G. tsugae exhibited the best antioxidant action. After different solvents were used to make extracts of G. tsugae, including n-hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, methanol, water, and boiling water, it was found that a methanol extract displays the strongest antioxidant properties; while its antioxidant action was superior to that of an equivalent concentration of £\-tocopherol, it was weaker than that of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA).

Research on antioxidant characteristics showed that a 400ppm methanol extract of G. tsugae can suppress the auto-oxidation of linoleic acid by 93.27%. The resstoring strength of the G. tsugae extract increased as its concentration increased. In addition, a methanol extract of G. tsugae also exhibits a strong metal chelating ability, and a 400ppm extract was able to chelate 89.71% of Fe2+. On the other hand, a methanol extract of G. tsugae proved significantly weaker at eliminating free radicals. At a concentration of 200ppm, the methanol extract was able to eliminate only 41.93% of £\¡ßdiphenyl-£]-picrylhydrazyl free radicals. When 4mg were added, the extract was able to eliminate 53.48% of hydroxyl free radicals. This indicates that the antioxidant properties of G. tsugae do not derive solely from a single mechanism, but are rather the combined result of several characteristics.

G. tsugae methanol extract also displays antioxidant action against the lipid peroxidation system, which employs the different oxidation factor promoter linoleic acid. When 400ppm G. tsugae methanol extract was used to test antioxidant action against the auto-oxidation and Fe2+/H2O2-promoted oxidation systems, it was found that a respective 93.3% and 57.4% of lipid peroxidation was suppressed. When 300ppm G. tsugae methanol extract was used to test antioxidant action against the Fe3+-promoted oxidation system, it was found that 67.6% of oxidation was suppressed. It was discovered, however, that the G. tsugae methanol extract is a weaker antioxidant against the Fe2+ and Fe3+/ H2O2/ascorbic acid promoted oxidation systems than against other systems; even at the high concentration of 1,000ppm, G. tsugae methanol extract was able only to suppress a respective 29.6% and 19.3% of lipid peroxidation.

Furthermore, G. tsugae methanol extract displayed excellent antioxidant action against the membrane lipid peroxidation system of rat liver microsomes. A 200ppm methanol extract was able to achieve 92.1% suppression of NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation. While G. tsugae methanol extract was less effective against the Fenton reaction-promoted oxidation system, it still achieved 79.2% suppression. A G. tsugae methanol extract of only 60ppm concentration achieved 94.4% suppression of lipid peroxidation by the Fe2+-promoted oxidation system. These results indicate that a methanol extract of G. tsugae potentially has the ability to protect against lipid peroxidation induced by enzymes, free radicals, and free metal ions.

To summarize the results of this study, it was found that a methanol extract of G. tsugae is an excellent antioxidant. Apart from dual type I and Type II antioxidant mechanisms, it is able to prevent oxidation damage to in vitro biological membrane lipid systems. This suggests that G. tsugae extracts may also play an antioxidant role in vivo, and prevent damage from active oxygen and free radicals.

Therapeutic value

2009-06-10T05:26:00.000-07:00

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

Types of Ganoderma

2009-06-10T05:05:00.000-07:00

Countless individuals in China and the West have studied Ganoderma over the years, and they have come up with different types of classification schemes. Ancient Chinese records identify several different varieties of Ganoderma based on their flesh and external form. In the West, Ganoderma belongs to the genus Ganoderma under Alexopolus' 1979 classification of the fungi, and is a member of the kingdom Myceteae, phylum Amastigomycota, class Basidiomycetes, order Aphyllophorales, and family Polyporaceae. The genus Ganoderma was established as early as 1881 by the Finnish botanist Karsten on the basis of its shiny epidermis, and G. lucidum (W. Cust.: Fr.) Karst. was taken as the representative species for the genus. Later the definition of the Ganoderma was further refined by Donk, Murrill, Furtado, and Steyaert, etc., who felt that the distinguishing characteristic of the Ganoderma was a basidiospore with a thin, two-layer wall. The basidiospore is always egg-shaped in the Ganoderma, and the walls of cells in the outer layer are relatively thin and transparent. In contrast, the walls of cells in the inner layer are thicker, yellowish-brown in color, and nodular in shape. This indicates that the unifying key feature of the Ganoderma is a basidiospore that is "egg-shaped," "yellowish-brown," and has "two-layer cell walls." Members of the Ganoderma are no longer identified by their external appearance or color.

According to the classification scheme of the contemporary Chinese Ganoderma specialist Zhao Jiding, who spent nearly 50 years working in this area, Ganoderma can be classified as the following six types:

Red Ganoderma

"Also known as cinnabar Ganoderma, red Ganoderma is found on Mt. Huo. In flavor it is bitter, neutral, and nontoxic. It is indicated for thoracic oppression, and is beneficial for the qi of the heart..." Ordinary Ganoderma [G. lucidum (W.curt.: Fr.) Karst.] is the representative species of this type, whose main characteristics include a kidney-shaped cap, a semicircular or nearly circular form, a reddish-brown color, a varnish-like luster, and a stalk that is the same color or darker than the cap.

Violet Ganoderma

"Also known as wood Ganoderma, violet Ganoderma is sweetish, warm, and nontoxic. It is indicated for deafness, assists the joints, and is beneficial for the essential qi. It strengthens the bones and muscles, improves the complexion, cures consumptive disease, and relieves piles." The main characteristics of violet Ganoderma include a brown, violet-brown, or nearly black cap, evenly brown flesh, and a basidiospore larger than that of ordinary red Ganoderma. Chinese violet Ganoderma [G. sinense Zhao, Xu, and Zhang] is the representative species of this type.

Yellow Ganoderma

"Also known as gold Ganoderma, yellow Ganoderma is sweetish, neutral, and nontoxic. It is indicated for the five disorders of the heart and bowels, is beneficial to the spleen qi, and calms the spirit." Ge Hong(a famous medicine scientist in ancient China) describes yellow Ganoderma thus in the Bao Puzi (a dispensatory written by Ge Hong): "Ganoderma are classified as red, white, black, green, and yellow types. The yellow appears like purple gold; large specimens may weigh ten or more pounds, while small specimens typically weigh three or four pounds." It is thought that one kind of yellow Ganoderma may be the sulfur fungi Laetiporus Sulphureus (Bull.: Fr.) Murr. The cap of this fungus is full of juice when fresh, and fresh specimens may weigh several kilograms.

White Ganoderma

"Also known as jade Ganoderma, white Ganoderma is acrid, neutral, and nontoxic. It is indicated for coughing and reversal of the upper qi. It is beneficial to the lung qi, decongests the mouth and nose, strengthens the will, and calms the soul." The Bao Puzi describes white Ganoderma as "cut-off fat," which suggests that Fomitopsis officinalis (Vill.: Fr.) Bond. and Sing is of this type. This type of Ganoderma has white flesh and is shaped like a horse's hoof. Large specimens may weigh several kilograms, and it grows on pines and other conifers.

Black Ganoderma

"Also known as Xuan Ganoderma, black Ganoderma is salty, neutral, and nontoxic. It is indicated for anuria, assists the aqueous vessels, and is beneficial to the kidney qi. It frees the nine orifices and sharpens the wits." Records on old paintings suggest that black Ganoderma grows in the shade of deep mountain valleys, has a black cap with a red interior, grows on a black stem, and is salty and bitter in flavor. These records indicate that black Ganoderma may possibly be Amauroderma rugosum (Bl. and Nees) Tarrend and Polyporus melanopus Fr., both of which possess a black cap and stalk.

Green Ganoderma

"Also known as Dragon Ganoderma, green Ganoderma is acidic, neutral, and nontoxic. It is indicated for clarifying the eyes, strengthens the liver qi, and calms the soul and essential." Bao Puzi states: "Green Ganoderma resembles the feathers of the kingfisher." It is thought that Coriolus versicolar (L.: Fr.) Quel. is a representative form of green Ganoderma. This type of Ganoderma has a tough cap and a surface covered with short hairs, which give it a wide range of color variations.

In addition, ancient Chinese records also analyze the distribution of these six types of Ganoderma. According to these texts, red Ganoderma, violet Ganoderma, and black Ganoderma are found on Mt. Heng, Mt. Gaosha, and Mt. Chang, all of which are drained by tributaries of the Yangtze River. In contrast, yellow Ganoderma, white Ganoderma, and green Ganoderma are found on Mt. Song, Mt. Hua, and Mt. Tai, all of which are drained by tributaries of the Yellow River. It can be known from this that the ecological habits and geographical distribution of fungi are intimately connected.

The six kinds of Ganoderma are not unitary types, but are rather six groups. Taking red Ganoderma as an example, the most common species are G. lucidum and G. tsugae. The most common forms of violet Ganoderma are G. neojaponicum and G. sinense. Most research on the cultivation, pharmacology, and clinical use of Ganoderma has focused on these two types. In other words, apart from red Ganoderma and violet Ganoderma, to date little formal work has been published on the classification and pharmacology of yellow, white, green, or black Ganoderma.

Introduction to Ganoderma (Lingzhi / Reishi)

2009-06-10T04:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered just what Ganoderma is? IsGanoderma a medicine? Is it good for our bodies? Which is better, cultivated or wild Ganoderma?

Actually, it's not just drugs that have medicinal effects, foods do too. As for which kind of Ganoderma is best, in fact there are many different varieties of Ganoderma: some wild varieties may be in good quality, some may be ineffective, and some may even be toxic. What's more, Ganoderma that has not been harvested at the right time will toughen and be as useless as a piece of wood. No wonder people question the benefits of poor-quality Ganoderma.

While research done in China and the West over thousands of years has affirmed the benefits of Ganoderma, it is no magic cure-all; certainly persons with acute conditions must seek medical treatment from a physician. But you will find that Ganoderma offers great benefits with regard to maintaining good health and preventing disorders.

An "Efficacious Medicine"

According to the famous Chinese medical classic Herbal Compendium of Shen Nong, Ganoderma (also known as Ganoderma, Reishi, or Reishi Mushroom)is one of the most esteemed and potent herbal medicines. Considered an efficacious "divine" medicine used for health maintenance, Ganoderma is entirely without side effects even when taken in large amounts over long periods of time. It is able to regulate and normalize a person's physical constitution, and is amazingly effective against many hard-to-cure conditions.

Ganoderma belongs to the genus Ganoderma, which is distinguished by an egg-like form, yellowish-brown color, and a basidiospore with a two-layer wall. The various species in the Ganoderma are identified by the external form and internal structure of their fruiting bodies. Because the fruiting bodies have evolved to perform reproductive functions as the fungi adapted to different kinds of environment, the fruiting bodies of different Ganoderma species have very different forms and internal structures.

Dissecting Ganoderma

The fruiting body of Ganoderma (Ganoderma) is generally annual and consists of a cap and a stalk.

The cap is semicircular or shaped like a kidney or seashell. The surface features concentric rings or radiating longitudinal lines. Apart from G. applanatum, most possess a glossy varnished-looking surface that is whitish-gray, yellowish-brown, reddish-violet, or reddish-black in color. The cap may sometimes have patches of different colors reflecting different states of maturity. Because Ganoderma ordinarily grows from the lower rim of the cap, the cap is typically palest at the rim and grows darker towards the interior.

The stalk also possesses a glossy varnished-looking surface with colors similar to or darker than those of the cap. In addition, in some species, such as G. applanatum and G. fornicatum, the fruiting body is directly attached to the host, and the stalk is reduced or absent. The internal structure of the Ganoderma fruiting body is an important means of identifying different species. A section of the cap shows three obvious layers: From the top to the bottom these are the upper crust, the central context layer, and the lower tubular layer.

The skin of the cap is composed of distinctive palisade-like hyphae. The color and varnished luster of the fruiting body both derive from this layer.

The color and microscopic structure of the fungal flesh, the length and color of the tubular layer, and the size, shape, and density of the tubule openings are important indicators distinguishing different species. There are currently approximately 150~200 reliably attested Ganoderma species with specimen records.