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Ganoderma: A Cancer Immunotherapy Review

Summary

This research examines how the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma (also known as Lingzhi) can help fight cancer by boosting the body’s immune system. The study shows that compounds from this mushroom can activate various immune cells to help combat cancer cells while producing fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides a natural complementary treatment option for cancer patients – Offers potential reduction in chemotherapy side effects when used as combination therapy – Demonstrates how traditional medicines can be scientifically validated for modern medical use – Shows promise for developing new anti-cancer drugs with fewer adverse effects – Highlights the importance of natural products in modern medicine

Background

Ganoderma, also called Lingzhi, is one of the most well-known medicinal mushroom species used widely in China, America, Japan, Korea and other countries. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, Ganoderma enhances body resistance through ‘Fuzheng Guben’. The main species include G. lucidum, G. sinensis, G. applanatum, G. tsugae, G. atrum, and G. formosanum, with G. lucidum and G. sinensis recorded in official pharmacopeias.

Objective

This review aims to analyze research trends on Ganoderma through bibliometrics and provide an overview of its bioactive components and combinatorial immunomodulatory effects for cancer treatment. The study examines major pathways of immune cells, clinical studies, and preliminary toxicity assessments to provide guidance for future research into Ganoderma’s role in cancer immunotherapy.

Results

Research on Ganoderma showed steady growth before 2004 followed by exponential increase between 2004-2017. Pharmacology & Pharmacy was the most common research category, with immunomodulation (25.60%) and cancer treatment (21.40%) being the most popular subcategories. The review identified fungal immunomodulatory proteins and polysaccharides as key bioactive factors for cancer immunotherapy, with NF-κB and MAPK pathways being the most investigated major pathways. Clinical studies showed beneficial effects including enhanced immune responses in cancer patients.

Conclusion

Ganoderma demonstrates broad-spectrum application potential for cancer treatment through immune system regulation. The mushroom shows promise as an anticancer immunotherapy agent due to its low toxicity and efficacy as a combination therapy. However, mechanistic pathways lack specificity and most results are from in vitro studies. Future research should focus on combination therapies, safety/toxicity profiles, major bioactive components, and underlying immune modulation mechanisms.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Pharmacology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01217
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