Bibliometric, taxonomic, and medicinal perspectives of Ganoderma neo-japonicum Imazeki: A mini review

Author: mycolabadmin
1/21/2024
View Source

Summary

Ganoderma neo-japonicum, known as purple Lingzhi, is a mushroom traditionally used by indigenous communities in Malaysia and other Asian countries to treat various health conditions. This review examines 36 scientific studies published between 1991 and 2021, showing that the mushroom contains special compounds that can fight cancer cells, lower blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. While laboratory studies show promising results, the mushroom still needs more clinical testing in humans before it can be widely used as a medicine.

Background

Ganoderma neo-japonicum, also known as purple Lingzhi, is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in Asian countries for centuries. Despite its ethnomedicinal importance in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, this species remains underutilized compared to Ganoderma lucidum. The mushroom’s taxonomy, nomenclature, and pharmacological properties have been subjects of increasing scientific attention in recent decades.

Objective

This review provides a systematic bibliometric analysis of G. neo-japonicum research published between 1991 and 2021, discusses its taxonomic description in detail, and examines its medicinal properties. The review aims to consolidate knowledge about this mushroom’s active compounds and pharmacological activities to identify research gaps and future directions.

Results

Analysis revealed 36 publications with a lag phase (1991-2008, n≤1) followed by a log phase (2009-2021, n≥2). Malaysia contributed 35% of publications, with core journals being International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, Mycobiology, and Phytochemistry. G. neo-japonicum contains polysaccharides, triterpenoids, sterols/ergosterol, and exhibits antioxidant, anticancer, anti-hyperglycaemic, genoprotective, hepatoprotective, neuritogenic, and antidiabetic properties in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

G. neo-japonicum possesses valuable pharmacological activities warranting further exploration as a drug candidate. While domestication has been achieved, most studies are preclinical with limitations. Future research should focus on improving cultivation techniques, discovering novel chemical compounds, conducting carefully planned animal studies, and establishing high-quality clinical data for human therapeutic applications.

Published in:Mycology,
Study Type:Mini Review,
Source: PMID: 39247898, DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2024.2302028