Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.: Fr.) Karst. – health-promoting properties. A review

• Published in: Herba polonica Vol. 61; no. 3; pp. 105 - 118
• Main Authors: Siwulski, Marek, Sobieralski, Krzysztof, Golak-Siwulska, Iwona, Sokół, Sławomir, Sękara, Agnieszka
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: De Gruyter Open 01.09.2015; Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education
• Subjects: active ingredients; bioactive compounds; cardiovascular system; fruiting bodies; Ganoderma lucidum; grzyby lecznicze; health promotion; heart diseases; hepatocytes; human health; medicinal fungi; medicinal mushrooms; mycelium; neoplasms; Poland; polisacharydy; polysaccharides; Reishi; spores; stomach ulcers; stroke; substancje bioaktywne; therapeutics; triterpenoids; triterpenoidy; Poland
• ISSN: 2449-8343; 0018-0599; 2449-8343
• DOI: 10.1515/hepo-2015-0026

This paper presents the characteristics of the species in terms of health-promoting properties. This species is rare in Poland, and is subject to strict protection. Reishi is classified as a medicinal mushroom which fruiting bodies are characterized by a content of active substances with diverse positive effects on human health. is particularly rich source of bioactive compounds, which are obtained from fruiting bodies, mycelium and spores of this species. The therapeutic effect of extracts has been demonstrated in many scientific studies. The most important pharmacological and physiological effects include: immunomodulatory, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-atherosclerosis, antidiabetic and anti-aging. Reishi has also a beneficial effect on liver cells and the cardiovascular system and protects in case of stomach ulcers. Due to its properties can be used in the prevention and treatment of life-threatening diseases, such as cancer, stroke and heart diseases.