Identification of major compounds in rat bile after oral administration of total triterpenoids of Ganoderma lucidum by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2012 Jan 30;

Authors: Guo XY, Han J, Ye M, Ma XC, Shen X, Xue BB, Che QM

Abstract
Triterpenoids are the main bioactive components of Ganoderma lucidum, a famous traditional Chinese medicine. After oral administration of total triterpenoids of G. lucidum (TTGL), the rat bile was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and electrospray ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS(n)) and liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization hybrid ion trap and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-IT-TOF/MS). From rat bile and TTGL samples, a total of 31 triterpenoids, including seven new compounds, were identified or tentatively characterized based on their fragmentation behaviors. Among them, 22 triterpenoids were identified from TTGL and 29 triterpenoids were detected from rat bile after oral administration of TTGL. The results indicated that the majority of triterpenoids detected in TTGL extract could be excreted through rat bile. It is the first report on excretion of total triterpenoids of G. lucidum in rat bile.

PMID: 22341478 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Interaction of ganoderic acid on HIV related target: molecular docking studies.

Bioinformation. 2011;7(8):413-7

Authors: Akbar R, Yam WK

Abstract
Finding the ultimate HIV cure remain a challenging tasks for decades. Various active compounds have been tested against various components of the virus in the effort to halt the virus development in infected host. The idea of finding cure from known pharmacologically active natural occurring compounds is intriguing and practical. Ganoderma lucidum (Ling-Zhi or Reishi) is one of the most productive and pharmacologically active compounds found in Asian countries. It has been used traditionally for many years throughout different cultures. More than a decade ago, el-Mekkawy and co-workers (1998) have tested several active compounds found in this plant. They have successfully identified several active compounds with reasonable inhibitory activity against HIV protease however; no further studies were done on these compounds. This study aimed to elucidate interactions for one of the active compounds of Ganoderma lucidum namely ganoderic acid with HIV-1 protease using molecular docking simulation. This study revealed four hydrogen bonds formed between model34 of ganoderic acid B and 1HVR. Hydrogen bonds in 1HVR-Model34 complex were formed through ILE50, ILE50', ASP29 and ASP30 residues. Interestingly similar interactions were also observed in the native ligand in 1HVR. Furthermore, interactions involving ILE50 and ILE50' residues have been previously identified to play central roles in HIV-1 protease-ligand interactions.These observed interactions not only suggested HIV-1 protease in general is a suitable target for ganoderic acid B, they also indicated a huge potential for HIV drug discovery based on this compound.

PMID: 22347784 [PubMed - in process]

Immunomodulation of Bone Marrow Macrophages by GLIS, a Proteoglycan Fraction from Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidium (W.Curt.:Fr.) P. Karst.

Int J Med Mushrooms. 2011;13(5):441-8

Authors: Ji Z, Tang Q, Zhang J, Yang Y, Liu Y, Pan YJ

Abstract
The immunomodulatory effect of GLIS (Lingzhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum immunomodulating substance) on macrophages has been investigated as part of ongoing research into the anticancer properties of this mushroom. Proliferation of bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) was enhanced by GLIS in a dose-dependent manner. Microscopic examination revealed that numerous GLIS-treated BMMs were enlarged and formed pseudopodia. Exposure of BMMs to GLIS resulted in significant increases in NO production, induction of cellular respiratory burst activity, and increased levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p35, IL-12p40, IL-18, and TNF-α gene expression and levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-12 secretion. Our data indicate that GLIS activates the immune system by modulating cytokine production.

PMID: 22324409 [PubMed - in process]

Enhanced Production of Medicinal Polysaccharide by Submerged Fermentation of Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidium (W.Curt.:Fr.) P. Karst. Using Statistical and Evolutionary Optimization Methods.

Int J Med Mushrooms. 2011;13(5):455-64

Authors: Baskar G, Sathya SR

Abstract
Statistical and evolutionary optimization of media composition was employed for the production of medicinal exopolysaccharide (EPS) by Lingzhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidium MTCC 1039 using soya bean meal flour as low-cost substrate. Soya bean meal flour, ammonium chloride, glucose, and pH were identified as the most important variables for EPS yield using the two-level Plackett-Burman design and further optimized using the central composite design (CCD) and the artificial neural network (ANN)-linked genetic algorithm (GA). The high value of coefficient of determination of ANN (R2 = 0.982) indicates that the ANN model was more accurate than the second-order polynomial model of CCD (R2 = 0.91) for representing the effect of media composition on EPS yield. The predicted optimum media composition using ANN-linked GA was soybean meal flour 2.98%, glucose 3.26%, ammonium chloride 0.25%, and initial pH 7.5 for the maximum predicted EPS yield of 1005.55 mg/L. The experimental EPS yield obtained using the predicted optimum media composition was 1012.36 mg/L, which validates the high degree of accuracy of evolutionary optimization for enhanced production of EPS by submerged fermentation of G. lucidium.

PMID: 22324411 [PubMed - in process]

Morpho-physiological Diversity between Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidium (W. Curt.:Fr.) P. Karst. and G. carnosum Pat.

Int J Med Mushrooms. 2011;13(5):465-72

Authors: Cilerdzic J, Vukojevic J, Stajic M, Hadzic I

Abstract
Two weakly differentiated taxa, Ganoderma lucidum and G. carnosum, were compared in their sufficient morphological and physiological features. The obtained results showed that dimensions of basidiospores and pileocystidia were insignificantly different, while pore shape and dimensions have shown greater diversity with average diameter of 138.46 μm in G. carnosum and 238.34 μm in G. lucidum. Mycelial growth rate was higher in G. lucidum (8.39 mm day-1) than in G. carnosum (6.02 mm day-1). G. lucidum was also a slightly better producer of biomass and extracellular polysaccharides (28.16 g L-1 and 1.42 mg mL-1, respectively) than G. carnosum (23.68 g L-1 and 0.35 mg mL-1, respectively). However, a higher amount of synthesized intracellular polysaccharides was noted in G. carnosum than in G. lucidum (40.00 mg g-1 and 30.00 mg g-1 of dry biomass, respectively). Higher activity levels of Mn-oxidizing peroxidases were obtained in G. carnosum, while G. lucidum was a better laccase producer. In G. carnosum, corn stem/NH4NO3 medium with nitrogen concentration of 20 mM was the optimum for Mn-dependent peroxidase production (88.00 U L-1), while the highest versatile peroxidase activity was detected in the medium with grapevine sawdust and 10 mM of nitrogen (80.80 U L-1). Wheat straw was the best carbon source for laccase synthesis in G. lucidum (55.75 U L-1).

PMID: 22324412 [PubMed - in process]

Morpho-physiological Diversity between Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidium (W. Curt.:Fr.) P. Karst. and G. carnosum Pat.

Int J Med Mushrooms. 2011;13(5):465-72

Authors: Cilerdzic J, Vukojevic J, Stajic M, Hadzic I

Abstract
Two weakly differentiated taxa, Ganoderma lucidum and G. carnosum, were compared in their sufficient morphological and physiological features. The obtained results showed that dimensions of basidiospores and pileocystidia were insignificantly different, while pore shape and dimensions have shown greater diversity with average diameter of 138.46 μm in G. carnosum and 238.34 μm in G. lucidum. Mycelial growth rate was higher in G. lucidum (8.39 mm day-1) than in G. carnosum (6.02 mm day-1). G. lucidum was also a slightly better producer of biomass and extracellular polysaccharides (28.16 g L-1 and 1.42 mg mL-1, respectively) than G. carnosum (23.68 g L-1 and 0.35 mg mL-1, respectively). However, a higher amount of synthesized intracellular polysaccharides was noted in G. carnosum than in G. lucidum (40.00 mg g-1 and 30.00 mg g-1 of dry biomass, respectively). Higher activity levels of Mn-oxidizing peroxidases were obtained in G. carnosum, while G. lucidum was a better laccase producer. In G. carnosum, corn stem/NH4NO3 medium with nitrogen concentration of 20 mM was the optimum for Mn-dependent peroxidase production (88.00 U L-1), while the highest versatile peroxidase activity was detected in the medium with grapevine sawdust and 10 mM of nitrogen (80.80 U L-1). Wheat straw was the best carbon source for laccase synthesis in G. lucidum (55.75 U L-1).

PMID: 22324412 [PubMed - in process]

Mycosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (W. Curt.:Fr.) P. Karst. and their Role as Antimicrobials and Antibiotic Activity Enhancers.

Int J Med Mushrooms. 2011;13(5):483-91

Authors: Karwa A, Gaikwad S, Rai MK

Abstract
Lingzhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, has been used over the ages as highly medicinal herb in the Orient. Many useful properties of this fungus are still being studied; we report here a new facet of this "elixir of life" as a mycosource for synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Treating the extracellular suspension filtrate of the mycelia of G. lucidum with silver nitrate reduces the metal ions to nanoparticles. Optical detection followed by confirmation through spectroscopic analysis suggests that this fungus can be used for the purpose of safe and sure synthesis of silver nanoparticles, demand for which is growing day by day in all fields of human life. LM-20 analysis of these G. lucidum-synthesised nanoparticles reveals the polydispersity and distribution of silver nanoparticles in the range of 10-70 nm with an average size of 45 nm and a concentration of 0.37 x 108 particles/mL. FT-IR spectrum confirms the stability of these nanoparticles due to presence of amide linkages and protein capping. These nanoparticles have shown strong bactericidal activity against test pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and also exhibited their efficiency in enhancing the activity of the synthetic antibiotic tetracycline. The method of synthesising silver nanoparticles and its bactericidal effect discussed here can be used for environment-friendly and economically feasible production for different applications where chemically synthesized nanoparticles cause undesirable effects.

PMID: 22324414 [PubMed - in process]

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) inhibits cancer cell growth and expression of key molecules in inflammatory breast cancer.

Nutr Cancer. 2011 Oct;63(7):1085-94

Authors: Martínez-Montemayor MM, Acevedo RR, Otero-Franqui E, Cubano LA, Dharmawardhane SF

Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most lethal and least understood form of advanced breast cancer. Its lethality originates from its nature of invading the lymphatic system and absence of a palpable tumor mass. Different from other metastatic breast cancer cells, IBC cells invade by forming tumor spheroids that retain E-cadherin-based cell-cell adhesions. Herein we describe the potential of the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) as an attractive candidate for anti-IBC therapy. Reishi contains biological compounds that are cytotoxic against cancer cells. We report the effects of Reishi on viability, apoptosis, invasion, and its mechanism of action in IBC cells (SUM-149). Results show that Reishi selectively inhibits cancer cell viability although it does not affect the viability of noncancerous mammary epithelial cells. Apoptosis induction is consistent with decreased cell viability. Reishi inhibits cell invasion and disrupts the cell spheroids that are characteristic of the IBC invasive pathology. Reishi decreases the expression of genes involved in cancer cell survival and proliferation (BCL-2, TERT, PDGFB), and invasion and metastasis (MMP-9), whereas it increases the expression of IL8. Reishi reduces BCL-2, BCL-XL, E-cadherin, eIF4G, p120-catenin, and c-Myc protein expression and gelatinase activity. These findings suggest that Reishi is an effective anti-IBC therapeutic.

PMID: 21888505 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Comparison of sterols and fatty acids in two species of Ganoderma.

Chem Cent J. 2012 Jan 31;6(1):10

Authors: Lv GP, Zhao J, Duan JA, Tang YP, Li SP

Abstract
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Two species of Ganoderma, G. sinense and G. lucidum, are used as Lingzhi in China. Howerver, the content of triterpenoids and polysaccharides, main actives compounds, are significant different, though the extracts of both G. lucidum and G. sinense have antitumoral proliferation effect. It is suspected that other compounds contribute to their antitumoral activity. Sterols and fatty acids have obvious bioactivity. Therefore, determination and comparison of sterols and fatty acids is helpful to elucidate the active components of Lingzhi. RESULTS: Ergosterol, a specific component of fungal cell membrane, was rich in G. lucidum and G. sinense. But its content in G. lucidum (median content 705.0 microg . g-1, range 189.1-1453.3 microg . g-1, n=19) was much higher than that in G. sinense (median content 80.1 microg . g-1, range 16.0-409.8 microg . g-1, n=13). Hierarchical clustering analysis based on the content of ergosterol showed that 32 tested samples of Ganoderma were grouped into two main clusters, G. lucidum and G. sinense. Hierarchical clustering analysis based on the contents of ten fatty acids showed that two species of Ganoderma had no significant difference though two groups were also obtained. The similarity of two species of Ganoderma in fatty acids may be related to their antitumoral proliferation effect. CONCLUSIONS: The content of ergosterol is much higher in G. lucidum than in G. sinense. Palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid are main fatty acids in Ganoderma and their content had no significant difference between G. lucidum and G. sinense, which may contribute to their antitumoral proliferation effect.

PMID: 22293530 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]