Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides as An Anti-cancer Agent

Author(s):

Didem Sohretoglu and Shile Huang*   Pages 667 - 674 ( 8 )

Abstract:

The mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) has been used for centuries in Asian countries to treat various diseases and to promote health and longevity. Clinical studies have shown beneficial effects of G. lucidum as an alternative adjuvant therapy in cancer patients without obvious toxicity. G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLP) is the main bioactive component in the water soluble extracts of this mushroom. Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies has demonstrated that GLP possesses potential anticancer activity through immunomodulatory, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects. Here, we briefly summarize these anticancer effects of GLP and the underlying mechanisms.

Keywords:

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides, Reishi, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic.

Affiliation:

Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, TR 06100, Ankara, Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932

Graphical Abstract:

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