Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides: immunomodulation and potential anti-tumor activities

Am J Chin Med. 2011;39(1):15-27. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X11008610.

Abstract

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum), a basidiomycete white rot fungus, has long been prescribed to prevent and treat various human diseases, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea. Several classes of bioactive substances have been isolated and identified from G. lucidum, such as triterpenoids, polysaccharides, nucleosides, sterols, and alkaloids, among others. This paper examines the potential role of G. lucidum polysaccharide (GLPS) in tumor therapy and the possible mechanisms involved. Both in vitro and in vivo studies suggested that the anti-tumor activities of GLPS are mediated by its immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic, and cytotoxic effects. GLPS affects immune cells and immune-related cells including B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. In addition, recent data also suggest that GLPS suppresses tumorigenesis or inhibits tumor growth through direct cytotoxic effect and anti-angiogenic actions. However, many questions still need to be answered before both G. lucidum and GLPS can be widely accepted and used as anti-tumor agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / pharmacology
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immune System / cytology
  • Immune System / drug effects*
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Polysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Polysaccharides / therapeutic use*
  • Reishi / chemistry*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Polysaccharides