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Screening of active components of Ganoderma lucidum and decipher its molecular mechanism to improve learning and memory disorders

Summary

Researchers used computer analysis and laboratory experiments to understand how a medicinal mushroom called Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) helps improve memory and learning problems. They identified ten key active ingredients in the mushroom that work together to reduce inflammation in the brain and protect nerve cells. The most important ingredient appears to be a compound called β-sitosterol, which helps prevent memory loss similar to effects seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

Background

Learning and memory impairment (LMI) is a common degenerative central nervous system disease with increasing prevalence in elderly populations. Ganoderma lucidum (GL) has been shown in recent studies to improve LMI symptoms with fewer adverse reactions compared to conventional drugs. Network pharmacology methods can systematically explore the relationship between herbal medicines with multiple components and their therapeutic targets.

Objective

To screen active ingredients in Ganoderma lucidum and identify their molecular mechanisms for improving learning and memory impairment through network pharmacology analysis. The study aimed to construct regulatory networks and identify key targets responsible for GL’s therapeutic effects on LMI.

Results

Twenty-one active ingredients in GL with 142 corresponding targets were identified, sharing 59 targets with LMI. Ten key active ingredients were identified as main therapeutic components, with β-sitosterol and ganoderic acid C most directly related to LMI improvement. The Alzheimer’s disease pathway showed the highest correlation with GL’s therapeutic effects, and TNF protein was identified as the most important regulatory target. Experimental validation confirmed GL reduced TNF expression and improved biochemical markers in treated mice.

Conclusion

GL improves learning and memory impairment primarily through ten active ingredients that regulate the Alzheimer’s disease pathway and TNF protein. Triterpenes in GL appear to be key active components with free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These findings provide theoretical support for further development and application of GL in treating neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Published in:Bioscience Reports (Biosci Rep),
  • Study Type:Network Pharmacology Study with Experimental Validation,
  • Source: PMID: 38904095, DOI: 10.1042/BSR20232068
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