Ganoderma lucidum has a long tradition of use in folk medicine of the Far
East, which is documented in the oldest Chinese pharmacopoeia, written in
the first century B.C, declaring it a superior medicine. The healing
properties of G. lucidum reflected on folk names such as: Reishi,
Mannentake, Ling Zhi etc., which mean ?herb of spiritual power?, ?mushroom
of immortality? or ?10,000-year mushroom?, respectively. It has been known,
for thousands of years, that this species extends life span, increases
youthful vigour and vitality and it was used in the treatments of hepatitis,
kidneys? disease, hypertension, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis,
arteriosclerosis, ulcers and various types of cancer. However, Western
civilisation did not discover its healing properties until the 20th century.
Modern scientific researches and numerous clinical trails, conducted in
recent decades, have confirmed the ancient knowledge of Eastern nations and
given them a scientific basis. These studies have demonstrated many
biological activities of G. lucidum extracts and compounds, including:
immunomodulating, antioxidative, cytotoxic, hypoglycaemic,
anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antimicrobial, etc. It has been reported
that its extracts play important role in detoxification of the body and
protecton of the liver, as well as in reducing cardiovascular problems,
stress and anxiety. However, its most important effect is undoubtedly
immunostimulating one as it is the basis of many other positive effects. The
Japanese government introduced G. lucidum on the official list of auxiliary
agents for the treatments of various cancers, Alzheimer?s disease, diabetes
and chronic bronchitis. Many chemical components have been isolated from G.
lucidum, but polysaccharides and terpenoids are the main carriers of its
bioactivities.
Ganoderma lucidum - from tradition to modern medicine