Summary
For over two thousand years, Ganoderma, also known as Lingzhi, has been considered to help treat many diseases and maintain healthy physiological functions. In recent years, Lingzhi has gained increasing recognition for its effects on regulating immune function, fighting viral and bacterial infections, antioxidative properties, cancer prevention, and liver protection, as confirmed by numerous studies. The active components in Lingzhi primarily consist of Polysaccharides, which regulate immune function, and Triterpenoids, known for inhibiting cancer cell growth[1].
What Is Lingzhi?
In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the use of Lingzhi as a medicinal substance has been documented for over two thousand years, with Ganoderma lucidum being the most widely defined species of Lingzhi. Lingzhi’s morphology varies due to factors such as climate, nutrition, vegetation, and geography. Different varieties of Lingzhi include:
- Ganoderma multipileum in China
- Ganoderma resinaceum in Europe
- Ganoderma oregonense in the United States
- Ganoderma applanatum and Ganoderma australe, distributed worldwide. Some species are found only in specific regions[2].
Currently, various studies use Ganoderma lucidum as the scientific name, but it encompasses different Lingzhi varieties. In Taiwan, Lingzhi primarily consists of Ganoderma tsugae and Ganoderma curtisii[3].
Key Components of Lingzhi
Over 600 different compounds have been isolated and identified in Lingzhi, including Triterpenoids, Sesquiterpenes, Sterols, Alkaloids, Nucleosides, Nucleobases, and Polysaccharides. Among them, there are over 300 different Triterpenoid compounds[4].
Triterpenoid compounds play a significant role in inducing apoptosis in tumor cells, thus having anti-cancer effects, regulating immune function, improving chronic inflammation, and antioxidative properties[5].
Lingzhi’s active Polysaccharide β-(1→3)-D-glucan can help regulate the activity of immune cells, such as T-cells, B-cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. It plays a role in promoting immune modulation, ultimately contributing to its anti-tumor effects[6]. As a result, using Lingzhi as an adjuvant for cancer treatment has become a popular trend. However, more clinical research is needed to evaluate its efficacy[7].
4 Key Considerations When Choosing Lingzhi
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Product Labeling: Choose Substantial Benefits
Lingzhi’s growth process involves spore germination into mycelium, which then grows into a fruiting body. Mature fruiting bodies release spores for the next generation.
Generally, Lingzhi is divided into two parts: the fruiting body and the mycelium. The fruiting body resembles the cap of a mushroom, while the mycelium is the part below it, providing nutrients to the fruiting body. In the right conditions, mycelium can grow into a fruiting body, but not all mycelium does.
In pharmacopoeias, the medicinal benefits of Lingzhi generally refer to the fruiting body, which has higher contents of compounds like Triterpenes, Lingzhi acids, and active Polysaccharides. Thus, the fruiting body is considered the true source of effective Lingzhi components, even though its production costs are much higher than mycelium.
Mycelium can be cultivated directly in fermentation tanks, with lower time, space, and labor costs. However, this method cannot produce fruiting bodies. Fruiting bodies, on the other hand, require cultivation in wood chips or, more commonly nowadays, vacuum-sealed bags. Each vacuum bag can only produce one fruiting body, and strict conditions, including temperature, humidity, and ventilation, must be maintained throughout the process. Thus, many inexpensive Lingzhi products on the market are actually made from mycelium.
Therefore, when consumers purchase such products, they must carefully check the product labeling to determine whether the fruiting body was used and the cultivation method. It is also better if the specific type of Lingzhi and its origin are indicated, ensuring a more reliable purchase[8].
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Lingzhi Raw Material Source
As mentioned earlier, the cultivation process of Lingzhi fruiting bodies requires careful control of temperature and humidity, making it highly demanding of its growth environment[8]. Therefore, if manufacturers can provide information about the source of their Lingzhi raw materials, growth environment, and processing, it can make consumers feel more confident about their choice and consumption.
In addition, the Department of Health in Taiwan requires that if genetically modified ingredients are used in the production of Lingzhi concentrate products, this information must be labeled, with warnings for specific groups[9]. This provides consumers with clearer information when making their choices.
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Availability of Third-Party Test Reports
When selecting Lingzhi health products, especially those using fruiting bodies for cultivation, the safety of the cultivation medium is crucial. If a product offers mycelium parts, it must provide test reports confirming their safety[8]. To further reassure consumers, if a product can provide reports on the absence of pesticides and heavy metals, it can make consumers feel more secure in their purchase.
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Concentration of Mushroom Active Polysaccharide β-(1→3, 1→6)-D-glucans
The main component in Lingzhi responsible for its anti-cancer and health benefits is Lingzhi Polysaccharides. Currently, there are over 200 different Polysaccharides extracted from Lingzhi, with β-glucans as the primary source of active Lingzhi Polysaccharides. These can help in immune modulation. β-glucans are triple-helix structures, with different linkage patterns like β-(1→3), β-(1→4), or β-(1→6)[10].
Among these, the β-(1→3) main chain with β-(1→6) side chains is the most biologically active structure[11]. Analysis has shown that supplementation with β-(1→3) main chain and β-(1→6) side chain Polysaccharides can effectively enhance the immune system and improve allergy conditions. Polysaccharides with this structure have demonstrated positive health-promoting effects in clinical settings[12].
Therefore, when choosing Lingzhi, it is best to select products with a concentration of β-(1→3) main chain and β-(1→6) side chain Polysaccharides. Higher concentrations are more likely to meet the health needs we expect.
[2023 Latest] Comparison of 5 Commercial Ganoderma Products
Our team has collected information about currently popular Ganoderma products on the market. We are disclosing this information to help consumers make informed choices when selecting Ganoderma products.
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Daiken Taiwan Ganoderma
- Ganoderma Source: Ganoderma Fruiting Body
- Ganoderma Type: Red Reishi Ganoderma
- Content of Active Mushroom Polysaccharides (1→3, 1→6)-β-D-glucans per Capsule: 75.5 mg
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GKB Ganoderma
- Ganoderma Source: Mixed Ganoderma Fruiting Body and Ganoderma Mycelium
- Ganoderma Type: Red Reishi Ganoderma
- Content of Active Mushroom Polysaccharides (1→3, 1→6)-β-D-glucans per Capsule: 10.9 mg
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Doublecrane Ganoderma
- Ganoderma Source: Ganoderma Fruiting Body
- Ganoderma Type: Pine-Spruce Ganoderma
- Content of Active Mushroom Polysaccharides (1→3, 1→6)-β-D-glucans per Capsule: 8.7 mg
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Sfworldwide Ganoderma
- Ganoderma Source: Ganoderma Fruiting Body
- Ganoderma Type: Red Reishi Ganoderma
- Content of Active Mushroom Polysaccharides (1→3, 1→6)-β-D-glucans per Capsule: 4.8 mg
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Brand’s Ganoderma Fruiting Body Essence Drink
- Ganoderma Source: Ganoderma Fruiting Body
- Ganoderma Type: Red Reishi Ganoderma
- Content of Active Mushroom Polysaccharides (1→3, 1→6)-β-D-glucans per Capsule: 11.4 mg
Comparison Table of 5 Commercial Ganoderma Products
| Brand | Daiken Taiwan Ganoderma | GKB Ganoderma | Doublecrane Ganoderma | Sfworldwide Ganoderma | Brand’s Ganoderma Fruiting Body Essence Drink |
| Product Image | |
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| Ganoderma Source | Ganoderma Fruiting Body | Mixed Ganoderma Fruiting Body Ganoderma Mycelium |
Ganoderma Fruiting Body | Ganoderma Fruiting Body | Ganoderma Fruiting Body |
| Ganoderma Type | Red Reishi Ganoderma | Red Reishi Ganoderma | Pine-Spruce Ganoderma | Red Reishi Ganoderma | Red Reishi Ganoderma |
| Content of Active Mushroom Polysaccharides (1→3, 1→6)-β-D-glucans (mg) per Capsule |
75.5 | 10.9 | 8.7 | 4.8 | 11.4 |
Note: All values for Ganoderma products have been tested by third-party testing companies.
Conclusion
Therefore, when selecting Ganoderma-related products, it’s essential to pay attention to the following factors on the product packaging: the indication of the Ganoderma name, the origin of Ganoderma material, inspection reports, and the concentration of active mushroom polysaccharides β-(1→3, 1→6)-D-glucans. These factors are indicators of high-quality Ganoderma products with genuine and effective ingredients. They can meet our health needs for cancer prevention and allergy resistance. We hope that the information provided above can help people understand Ganoderma-related knowledge and find products that are suitable for their specific needs.
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