Ganoderma lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum, Ganodermataceae, Polysaccharides (beta-D-glucans), adenosine, terpenoids, triterpenes (ganoderic acid, lucidemic acid, methyl ganoderic acid), steroids, fatty acids, proteins, peptides, minerals, nucleotides, sterols (ergosterol, ergosterol peroxide), superoxide dismutase (enzyme, SOD)
Ganoderma lucidum, Ganodermataceae, Polysaccharides (beta-D-glucans), adenosine, terpenoids, triterpenes (ganoderic acid, lucidemic acid, methyl ganoderic acid), steroids, fatty acids, proteins, peptides, minerals, nucleotides, sterols (ergosterol, ergosterol peroxide), superoxide dismutase (enzyme, SOD)Ganoderma lucidum, Ganodermataceae, Polysaccharides (beta-D-glucans), adenosine, terpenoids, triterpenes (ganoderic acid, lucidemic acid, methyl ganoderic acid), steroids, fatty acids, proteins, peptides, minerals, nucleotides, sterols (ergosterol, ergosterol peroxide), superoxide dismutase (enzyme, SOD)Ganoderma lucidum, Ganodermataceae, Polysaccharides (beta-D-glucans), adenosine, terpenoids, triterpenes (ganoderic acid, lucidemic acid, methyl ganoderic acid), steroids, fatty acids, proteins, peptides, minerals, nucleotides, sterols (ergosterol, ergosterol peroxide), superoxide dismutase (enzyme, SOD)Ganoderma lucidum, Ganodermataceae, Polysaccharides (beta-D-glucans), adenosine, terpenoids, triterpenes (ganoderic acid, lucidemic acid, methyl ganoderic acid), steroids, fatty acids, proteins, peptides, minerals, nucleotides, sterols (ergosterol, ergosterol peroxide), superoxide dismutase (enzyme, SOD)Ganoderma lucidum, Ganodermataceae, Polysaccharides (beta-D-glucans), adenosine, terpenoids, triterpenes (ganoderic acid, lucidemic acid, methyl ganoderic acid), steroids, fatty acids, proteins, peptides, minerals, nucleotides, sterols (ergosterol, ergosterol peroxide), superoxide dismutase (enzyme, SOD)
Botanical Nomenclature Ganoderma lucidum
Common Name
Taxonomy- Family Ganodermataceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Ganoderma lucidum is a white polypore mushroom (Fungi Division: Basidiomycota, basidiomycete macrofungus), of Polyporacea fungi family, known as "immortality mushroom". The cap has an irregular, circular shape (diameter: 5-18cm), with a smooth, shiny, white at first, later yellow or red upper surface. The lower surface has white pores and it becomes brown after being touched. The stem grows from 5 to 12cm, and it is smooth, glossy, eccentric, same colored with cap. The brown flesh is hard like cork and the seeds are also brown. The fruiting lasts from summer until the early winter and it takes place on the trunks or the dipped roots of broadleaf and coniferous trees.
Region Found Epirus
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Aboveground plant parts
Active Substances Polysaccharides (beta-D-glucans), adenosine, terpenoids, triterpenes (ganoderic acid, lucidemic acid, methyl ganoderic acid), steroids, fatty acids, proteins, peptides, minerals, nucleotides, sterols (ergosterol, ergosterol peroxide), superoxide dismutase (enzyme, SOD)
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The plant is an adaptogen as it has the ability to adapt to the environment where it lives. It has been known since ancient times as "Herb of the gods" (Shennong Materia Medica), consumed only by kings, as it was extremely rare. A lot of studies have shown its action against chronic bronchitis, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes' prevention, hepatitis, allergies, inflammations, neurotic syndrome, multiple sclerosis and scleroderma. Also, it may be used to stimulate cardiovascular system, as it reduces blood pressure and cholesterol blood levels and it prevents blood clotting. It can stimulate the immune system and it is recommended against asthma, dermatitis, bronchitis, rheumatism and conjunctivitis. The herbal infusion has hepatoprotective action and controls glucose blood levels, as well it has benzodiazepine-like, hypnotic properties and it is used against psychiatric and neurological disorders, such as muscle diseases, anorexia and weakness, which begin after a long illness.
Method of Administration The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (3 slices of dried Ganoderma in a 1L of boiled water for 5-10min, 2 times a day) and infusion (a spoon of dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 5-10min, 1-2 times a day). It is administered as dietary supplement in the form of tablets or capsules (recommended dose: 150 to 900mg a day) and powder (1,5 to 9g a day).
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects The herbal extract is safe when it is administered orally, while powder's consumption may cause side effects, if it will be administered for a month. The possible side effects are hepatotoxicity, dry mouth, throat and nose, nose bleeding, bloody stools, allergy and skin rashes.
References 1)http://www.biotropo.gr/index.php/ta-arthra-mas/item/41-ganoderma 2)https://bioganoderma.wordpress.com/ganoderma-%CE%B3%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%BF%CE%B4%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%BC%CE%B1/ 3)http://www.agriamanitaria.gr/?gallery=ganoderma-lucidym 4)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/ 5)http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-reishi-mushrooms.html