Title:Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides as An Anti-cancer Agent
VOLUME: 18 ISSUE: 5
Author(s):Didem Sohretoglu and Shile Huang*
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
Keywords:Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides, Reishi, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic,
anti-angiogenic.
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.
