[#2002-15] Reishi Zhou, Shufeng et al The Immunomodulating Effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. (Ling Zhi, Reishi Mushroom) (Aphyllophoromycetideae)
The Immunomodulating Eifects of Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. (Ling Zhi, Reishi Mushroom) (Aphyllophoromycetideae)
Shufeng Zhou and Yihuai Gao
ABSTRACT: This review highlights the recent research progress in the study of immunomodulating effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. (reishi mushroom), which belongs to the higher Basidiomycetes. Several major substances with potent immunomodulating action have been isolated. These include polysaccharides (in particular β-D-glucans), proteins, and triterpenoids. The major immunomodulating effects of these active substances derived from G. lucidum include mitogenicity and activation of immune effector cells, such as T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells, resulting in the production of cytokines, including interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferons. There is evidence indicating that 13-D-glucans from medicinal mushrooms induce biological response by binding to membrane complement receptor type 3 (CR3, αmβ2 integrin, or CD11b/CD18) on immune effector cells. The ligand—receptor complex can be internalized and activate nuclear factor NF-kB. Immunosuppressive effects of G. lucidum components have also been observed. The therapeutic effects of G. lucidum, such as anticancer and antiinflammatory actions, have been associated with its immunomodulating effects. However, further studies are needed to determine the molecular mechanisms of the immunomodulating effects of G. lucidum.
