A Review on the Sources, Structures, and Pharmacological Activities of Lucidenic Acids

Abstract

Ganoderma lucidum has long been used as a multi-purpose plant and functional food. The pharmacological properties of G. lucidum are primarily attributed to its polysaccharides and triterpenoids. Ganoderic and lucidenic acids are the two major triterpenoids groups in G. lucidum. Despite the discovery of 22 types of lucidenic acids, research on lucidenic acids is significantly less extensive compared to that on ganoderic acid. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, in this review, we aimed to summarize the sources, contents, chemical structures, and pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, neuroprotective, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, and anti-diabetic properties, of lucidenic acids. Studies on lucidenic acids are still preliminary and have several limitations. Therefore, more in-depth studies with optimal designs are essential for the development of lucidenic acids as medicines, functional foods, and nutraceuticals.

Influence of cultivation substrate on antioxidant activities and triterpenoid profiles of the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum

“…Upon analyzing the results, it is evident that both cultivation methods resulted in the identification of an array of lucidenic and ganoderic acids, which are known to be the primary triterpenoids in Volcano plots of the identified triterpenoids of the SGL and WGL samples. (16). In the current study, 13 lucidenic acids, including lucidenic acid A, B, C, D1, E2, F, G, J, K, L, M, and N, were identified.…”

“…Lucidenic acids, with a characteristic C27 lanostane skeleton and a side chain of carboxyl group, are the second major group of triterpenoids found in the G. lucidum . The abundance of this group of triterpenoids just follow ganoderic acids ( 16 ). To date, a total of 22 structurally distinct lucidenic acids have been identified in G. lucidum .…”

“…Lucidenic acids, with a C27 lanostane skeleton, are the second largest group of triterpenoids identified in this fugus. They were also classified into lucidenic acid A, B, C, and others ( 16 ). Similar to ganoderic acids, various health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, of lucidenic acids have been documented ( 16 ).…”

“…They were also classified into lucidenic acid A, B, C, and others ( 16 ). Similar to ganoderic acids, various health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, of lucidenic acids have been documented ( 16 ). Apart from triterpenoids, the presence of steroids and polysaccharides in G. lucidum is believed to provide diverse health benefits ( 17 , 18 ).…”

Is the mushroom Meripilus giganteus a potential cancer chemopreventive agent?

“…highlighted as well, mainly associated with the presence of polysaccharides (Luo et al, 2022) and triterpenoids including, in particular, lucidenic acids (Zheng et al, 2023).…”