Comprehensive comparison of polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum and G. sinense: chemical, antitumor, immunomodulating and gut-microbiota modulatory properties

Abstract

Both Ganoderma lucidum (GL) and G. sinense (GS) are used as Lingzhi in China. Their functions are assumed to mainly derive from triterpenes and polysaccharides; however, the two species have very different triterpenes profiles, if this was the case, then the bioactivity of these two species should differ. Instead, could the polysaccharides be similar, contributing to the shared therapeutic basis? In this study, two main polysaccharide fractions from different batches of GL and GS were systematically compared by a series of chemical and biological experiments. The results showed that the polysaccharides from two species shared the same structural features in terms of mono-/oligo-saccharide profiles, molecular size, sugar linkages, and IR/NMR spectra. In addition, these polysaccharides showed similar tumor-suppressive activity in mice. Further study on RAW264.7 cells indicated that these polysaccharides exhibited similar inducing effects to macrophages, as evaluated in the phagocytosis function, NO/cytokines production, inhibition against the viability and migration of cancer cells. Mechanistic investigation revealed the identical activation via TLR-4 related MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and gut-microbiota modulatory effects. In summary, GL and GS polysaccharides presented similar chemical features, antitumor/immunomodulating activities and mechanism; this establishes polysaccharides as the active principles and supports the official use of both species as Lingzhi.

Ganoderma lucidum Prevents Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity through Inhibition of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling and Autophagy-Mediated Apoptosis

“…Ganoderma lucidum (GL), a functional medicine and food, is one of the most highly regarded traditional Chinese medicines due to its ability to strengthen human health [20]. Modern pharmacological and clinical investigations have demonstrated that GL has multifarious pharmacological properties, such as antibacterial [21], antioxidant [22], and anti-inflammatory effects in different in vivo models [23,24] in addition to its hepatoprotective and antitumor properties [25].…”

Use of Ganoderma lucidum (Ganodermataceae, Basidiomycota) as Radioprotector

“…Briefly, the bioactive substances in the mushroom can be found in several of its parts, such as the mycelium and fruit body [4]. The most important types of these compounds are alkaloids, enzymes, glycoproteins, minerals, nucleotides, polysaccharides, proteins, steroids, triterpenes, and unsaturated fatty acids [39][40][41][42][43][44]. However, literature has reflected that the classification of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of these compounds is useful to understand their effect as radioprotective compounds.…”

“…However, literature has reflected that the classification of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of these compounds is useful to understand their effect as radioprotective compounds. Polysaccharides are hydrophilic [40], hence abundant in decoctions, whereas triterpenes are not [33]. In fact, Dai et al [34] suggested that G. lucidum spore oil, which although it can be useful as a radioprotector, has the drawback of poor water solubility, which remains a major obstacle for their further development and clinical application in human health care.…”

Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Enhanced the Antitumor Effects of 5-Fluorouracil against Gastric Cancer through Its Upregulation of NKG2D/MICA

“…Cells were then given different concentrations of 5-Fu (concentration range: 1-50 μg/ml). After [19]. Tumor size was measured every 3 days for 12 days, and data from day 12 was taken for analysis.…”