The table from HOBBS (1995), which I placed on the home page, lists a multitude of in vitro and in

vivo effects, executed by Ganoderma lucidum.

Here on the info page I will try to discuss scientific evidence as much as possible for each
indication, listed on the HOBBS's table. The discussion will be in a commonly understandable
language, in order to make non-scientists comprehend the important findings of Gano research
activities.

For more and better access to the upcoming information I recommend the following medical online
dictionaries (sometimes it is hard to avoid specific terms) for additional explanation of medical and
scientific keywords:

Analgesic effects
So far I only know 1 study which deals with the question of pain relieving properties of Ganoderma.
Koyama et.al. published their findings in the Planta Med. 1997, in which they noted that ganoderic
acids A, B, G and H have analgesic properties. It still has to be seen, how efficient these effects are
under clinical conditions.

Anti-allergic activity and bronchitis-preventative effects

Tasaka et.al. published in 1988 that oleic acids and cyclooctasulfur can be found in Ganoderma
and have to be considered as histamine blocking agents through membrane stabilizing effects of
mast cells.

Anti-bacterial effects
Ganoderma has shown so far a somewhat complex pattern in anti-bacterial effects. It doesn’t seem
to have an effect on a couple of micro-organisms whilst moderate to very good effects on others. I
was not able to find a valuable classification of an anti-bacterial pattern, since research in this
area seems to be too scarce. Ganoderma in combination with modern antibiotics like ampicillin,
cefazolin, oxytetracycline and chloramphenicol seemed to result in synergistic or additive effects
in most cases, a few only showed antagonistic effects. These findings are also to be seen in relation
to the micro-organism used for the tests. Also here a classification is still missing, but in general
terms we can say, that there is a high probability that Ganoderma and antibiotics together execute
an additive effect on the repulsion of a bacterial infection. Later we will see that Ganoderma
executes another bactericidal effect indirectly through enhancing the immune system.

Anti-oxidant, removing free radicals

Oxidative stress has been linked with the pathogenesis of many human diseases including cancer,
aging, and atherosclerosis. In this context it would be of interest if Ganoderma has a protective
potential. Wong et.al. published in 2004 the observation that Ganoderma protects the heart from
superoxide induced damage, through superoxide scavenging activities in mice. In the same year
Sun et.al. reported that a Ganoderma lucidum peptide (GLP) is the major antioxidant component
of Ganoderma lucidum and could play so an important role in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in
biological systems through its antioxidant, metal chelating, and free radical scavenging activities.

Wachtel-Galor et.al. conducted in 2004 a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over intervention

study which investigated the effects of 4 weeks Lingzhi supplementation on a range of biomarkers
for antioxidant status, Coronary Heart Disease risk, DNA damage, immune status, and
inflammation, as well as markers of liver and renal toxicity with 18 healthy adults. No side effects
have been reported, while the antioxidant capacity in urine and plasma increased significantly.
There are also reports that the anti-oxidant properties contribute to a better treatment of
nephrosis by Futrakul et.al. in 2003. Ganoderma seems to protect the cell membrane against lipid
oxidation and ultimately against cell death. Shieh et.al. observed 2001 a liver and kidney
protective mechanism due to “its (Ganoderma’s) prominent superoxide scavenging effect”. Lee
et.al. assumed in 2001 a chemopreventive potential of Ganoderma, through a specific amino-
polysaccharide fraction with a strong anti-oxidative performance found in this mushroom. But
terpenes like ganoderic acids A, B, C and D, lucidenic acid B and ganodermanontriol also showed a
significant amount of oxidative protection. At this point of time there do exist quite some studies,
pre-clinical and a few clinical, which give a strong indication about Ganoderma’s potency to
protect organs and tissue through the protection of DNA and cell membrane from harmful oxidants.

Anti-aging properties
There are some hints, that Ganoderma might possess anti-aging capabilities as well, since some of
the reasons for aging, especially premature aging, are free radicals activities (see also the chapter
on this page “Anti-oxidant, removing free radicals”) and a reduced capability for DNA and cell
repair.

In 1993 Lei and Lin administered Ganoderma polysaccharides to splenocytes of aged (24 months
old) mice. They showed a significant lower DNA polymerase activity (about 36%) as compared to 3
month old mice. Since this polymerase is responsible for the replication or repair of DNA and
ultimately for cell repair and reproduction, the entire repair mechanism is slowed down by the
decrease of this enzyme. Furthermore it was observed that the interferon production and the
ability for immunologic countermeasures against foreign antigens were significantly reduced. The
application of Ganoderma polysaccharides restored those parameters to the levels of that of young
mice in vitro. Since biochemical processes in humans and mice are not identical, but similar, there
might be a certain possibility that Ganoderma works in the same way in humans.

Anti-tumour activity
“Mushrooms may work wonders in cancer treatment prevention” was the title of a press release of
Cancer Research UK http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/news/pressreleases/2002/august/40288 in
2002 shortly after an international symposium on "Medicinal mushrooms: their therapeutic
properties and current medical usage with special emphasis on cancer treatments." in Kiew. The
monograph is downloadable at
http://healthyherbs.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=healthyherbs&zu=http%3A%2
F%2Fwww.icnet.uk%2Flabs%2Fmed_mush%2Fmed_mush.html .

Scientific efforts seem to focus on this special indication, since in first place polysaccharides, but
also triterpenes, have been isolated and which have shown considerable cytotoxic effects. In
addition immuno-modulating effects of Ganoderma form an additional pathway of fighting the
development and progression of cancer through the strengthening of the body’s immune system. In
most publications the researchers find polysaccharides responsible for a direct cancer cell
damaging effect and probably for the inhibition of metastasis, the outspread of cancer into
different organs as well. But also immune enhancing effects seem to be very important, since
cancer can suppress immunologic activity which results in better growth and development for the
cancer. Therefore the immuno-modulated anti-tumor effect of Ganoderma lucidum is considered to
be mediated by cytokines released from activated macrophages and T lymphocytes.

But still more clinical evidence is needed to confirm Ganoderma as a standard in the treatment of
acute cancer. There are some recommendations to use Ganoderma in tandem with the
conventional radiation and/or chemotherapy, since it has hardly any side effects and also seems to
lower the side effects of the conventional, normally aggressive anti-cancer therapy. The results are
that survival and recovery rates are significantly higher and quality of life of the patients improves.

Medicinal mushrooms in general seem to have a favourable effect when it comes to the prevention
of cancer. A survey conducted over 14 years among Japanese mushroom workers in the Nagano
Prefecture implied that a regular diet of edible medicinal mushrooms was associated with a lower
death rate from cancer than of other people in the Prefecture. The average cancer death rate in
the Prefecture was one in 600. But the rate dropped to one in 1000 among farmers who produced
edible mushrooms.

Anti-viral activitiy
Since viruses use the DNA replication mechanism of human cells to reproduce themselves, the
challenge of a treatment is, to block virus DNA replication without damaging the affected host cells
by cutting off their own replication or protein biosynthesis mechanisms.

Anti-herpes and influenza agents isolated were protein bound polysaccharides, which showed a
promising antiviral effect, which could be improved by the combination with interferon. Other
authors isolated several triterpenoids and triterpenes with anti-HIV characteristics. Iwatsuki et.al.
reported in 2003 findings of a triterpene acid which significantly inhibited Epstein-Barr viruses.

Hijikata et.al. showed the effect of Ganoderma on 5 patients with herpes zoster. All patients
experienced relief of pain within a few days and was complete after 10 days. They responded
quickly to the treatment and none of them developed post-herpetic neuralgia during the 1 year
follow-up period.

Liu et.al. 2005 observed that protein based polysaccharides gained from Ganoderma blocked
herpes virus activities far more efficient, when they had been applied before or during the virus
infection. An application after the infection showed some effects, but less efficient: „The antiviral
effects in pre-treated and treated during virus infection with GLPG were more remarkable than
the treatment of post-infection. Although the precise mechanism has yet to be defined, our work
suggested that GLPG inhibits viral replication by interfering with the early events of viral
adsorption and entry into target cells. Thus, this proteoglycan appears to be a candidate anti-HSV
agent.” This leaves the impression that Ganoderma might have specific potent protective
capabilities against a herpes infection compared to its curative capabilities.

Yet it has to be shown in clinical trials, if and in how far Ganoderma can contribute efficiently to a
remedy of HIV and other virus related diseases.

Anti-hypertensive properties
Yihuai Gao et.al. reported in 2004 in a clinical study, double-blind, randomized, placebo
controlled, with 170 patients suffering from Coronary Heart Disease, that beside other positive
effects, the anti-hypertensive properties induced a drop of blood pressure for those who received
Ganoderma, from 142.5/96.4 mmHg to 135.1/92.8 mmHg after 12 weeks of treatment. Since the
anti-hypertensive effect of even modern drugs in not fully understood, we can assume a multi-
factorial effect of Ganoderma on the circulatory system.

Lee et.al. found in 1990 in an experiment with rats and rabbits, where they measured BP in the
animals’ femoral artery and activities of the renal nerve, that the application of Ganoderma
extract induced a drop of BP and an inhibition of sympathetic nerve activity. The expression of
these effects was dose dependant. So they concluded that the mechanism of hypotensive action of
Ganoderma lucidum was due to its central inhibition of sympathetic nerve activity.

Mizuno et.al. stated in earlier studies from the 80s that Ganoderma has been assumed to have both
hypotensive and hypertensive components (the so-called homeostasis).A peptidoglycan (molecular
weight, 100,000) having a mild hypotensive effect on rats (congenitally hypertensive) has been
isolated from a hot water extract of Ganoderma. According to a report, the blood pressure of
about half the patients with essential hypertension was reduced when a Ganoderma extract was
administered to them. It was found recently that a hypertension-related angiotensin-I-converting
enzyme was inhibited by Ganoderic acids (B, D, F, H, R, S and Y); Ganoderal A and Ganoderol A and
B, which is a similar effect of modern ACE blockers.

Enhancement of bone marrow nucleated cell proliferation

/ Immunmodulation
In 1999 Zhong et.al. reported an interesting observation about Ganoderma boosting the immune
system by increasing the bone marrow granulocyte-macrophage output by induction of the growth
of its forming colony unit. At the same time Ganoderma suppressed the growth of leukemic cell
colonies. With increasing dose leukemic cells could be transformed into more mature erythrocytic
cells. Their conclusion was, that Ganoderma could serve as a good medicine for leukemia therapy.
Specific notes, which substance or substance class in Ganoderma was responsible for these
beneficial effects, were not stated.

Kuo et.al. 2005 examined the immune boosting effect of Ganoderma by searching for an increase of
interferon and nuclear activator factor (NF-kappaB) in the presence of Ganoderma, which was
observed after 8 hours of treatment and over the following period of 3 days. They
concluded:"These results provide supporting evidences for the immunomodulatory effect of
Ganoderma lucidum."

Platelet aggregation
In 1990 Tao et.al. found that in vitro the reaction speed of platelet aggregation was significantly
slowed down after application of Ganoderma extract in relation to its dosage. They continued their
studies with 15 healthy volunteers and 33 patients with atherosclerotic diseases administering each
person 3 grams a day for 2 weeks. This showed that Ganoderma reduced weight and length of the
thrombi and reduced the aggregation events statistically significantly. They concluded, that “The
results of our experiments suggested that the Chinese herbal medicine GL may be an effective
inhibitory agent of platelet aggregation”.

In the same year Gau et.al. investigated on possible problems arising from the aggregation blocking
properties in HIV-positive hemophiliacs. They found that Ganoderma, despite a high content of
adenosine, which plays an important key role in antiplatelet effects, did not execute any increased
risk. Platelet aggregation tests before and after administering of the extract showed no significant
changes.

In 2000 Su et.al. were able to show, that beside high adenosine levels Ganodermic acid S also
contributes to the antiplatelet effects, by influencing the biochemical pathways of platelet
reaction.

A normalization of platelet aggregation and thrombotic activities towards a physiological level

contributes to a lower blood viscosity, which relieves the cardiovascular system of additional work
load and improves therefore indirectly efficiency and O2 balance also of the coronary system.

Effects on serum cholesterol levels

In 1989 Li Khva Ren et.al. found in in vitro studies that “It has been shown that Ganoderma lucidum
and Lentinus edodes possess pronounced antiatherosclerotic properties.”

In the same year Komoda et.al. reported in a rat based animal study potent cholesterol
biosynthesis blocking properties of Ganoderma.

In 2003 Berger et.al. from the Nestle Research Center, Lausanne , Switzerland, found that
Ganoderma has the ability to lower not only total serum cholesterol, but also LDL, which is beside
VLDL the critical factor of cholesterol content. They conclude: “Innovative new cholesterol-
lowering foods and medicines containing Ganoderma lucidum are envisioned.”

A more recent publication from Hajjaj et.al. also from the Nestle Research Center in Switzerland,
showed that triterpenoids are responsible for inhibiting lanosterol to be transformed into
cholesterol. These findings are important in so far, since 60 – 70% of body cholesterol is synthesized
and only 30 – 40% is added through intake of food. Controlled cholesterol intake and cholesterol
synthesis inhibition seem to be the most promising and complementary measures for a regulated
and normal serum level.

Anti-diabetic effects
In 1990 Kino et.al. showed in insulin dependant diabetic mice, that in comparison to an untreated
control group, Ganoderma treated mice had no incidents of insulitis, an inflammation of the insulin
producing units, and practical normal amounts of insulin producing cells. No cumulative incidence
of diabetes mellitus was observed in the Ganoderma treated group, while cumulative incidences of
70% and 60% were observed in the untreated group followed up to 42 weeks of age. Ling Zhi-8 (LZ-
8), an immunomodulatory protein having in vivo immuno-suppressive activity, was recognized to be
the active substance for these effects.

Alloxan is a chemical which induces diabetes by destroying insulin producing cells via superperoxide
built-up. Zhang et.al. in 2003 treated mice and found a subsequent decrease of insulin producing
cells, while Ganoderma treated mice showed no decrease. Since free radicals are considered to
play the damaging role, the Ganoderma effect is that of scavenging these free radicals and
eliminating them before they are able to destroy the insulin producing units (Langerhans’ islets). In
2004 the same group found that Ganoderma polysaccharides increased the Ca2+ influx into the
pancreatic beta cells and induced hence a higher insulin release of these beta cells, which explains
the blood sugar lowering effects of Ganoderma.

Neuroprotection / Neurasthenia
Zhu et.al. reported in 2005, that administering Ganoderma oil extract from spores showed
neuroprotective characteristics in mice, which had been injected with MPTP, a substance which
artificially induces Parkinson’s Disease (PD): “The mice in the Ganoderma spores oil + MPTP group
presented significantly less involuntary movement of the limbs in the pole test than the mice in
MPTP group“. Also the number of surviving neurons was greater in the Ganoderma group than in the
control group. Ganoderma could thereby also have a positive effect on PD in prevention or therapy,
which yet has to be confirmed in controlled studies.

Tang et.al. 2005 reported about a controlled study with 132 neurasthenia patients over a period of
8 weeks. The group with Ganoderma showed a significantly improved Global Clinical Impression,
compared with the placebo group. The application of Ganoderma seemed to be responsible for
decreasing signs of insomnia, headaches, irritability etc.

Prostate enlargement / cancer

Fujita et.al. 2005 found a strong intervention of Ganoderma extracts on the metabolism of
testosterone into dihydrotestosterone through 5alpha-reductase inhibition. The biological activity
of dihydrotestosterone is 2 times higher than that of testosterone and its receptor-binding
capability is 5 times the capacity of testosterone. The authors concluded “that Ganoderma
lucidum might be a useful ingredient for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)”.

Sliva D. et.al. 2003 described in a series of publications the possible use of Ganoderma in lung and
prostate cancer, where it has clearly shown to inhibit the outspread and migration of tumor cells,
which limits or even prevents metastasis of malignant cancer cells.

Jiang et.al. 2004 found out, that Ganoderma prevents the growth of prostate cancer cells and
induces cell death of malignant cells through a complex system of biochemical and molecular
interactions. They concluded that Ganoderma seems to have “potential therapeutic use for the
prevention and treatment of cancer.”

Liu et.al. 2006 isolated two triterpenoids, ganoderic acids, which showed remarkable 5alpha-
reductase inhibitory activities.
GANODERMA LUCIDUM

HOW TO USE GANO PRACTICALLY…..

These examples of practical use are not necessarily limited to the original purpose of the
products, like toothpaste for brushing one's teeth. They come from people who use
Ganoderma for many years. I myself cannot confirm through own experience all of these
extra practical indications, but most of them. Please consider this compilation as a collection
of practical experiences and an empiric evaluation of Ganoderma under every day conditions.

Reishi Gano

Open wounds: In case of hard healing wounds apply the powder of the capsule inside the wound. -
Expected results: A faster wound healing, reduction of inflammation and pain and less scars

Ganozhi Toothpaste

Fever control: Apply on forehead, both temples and under both armpits. - Expected results:
(Mostly) fever free after about 2 hours.

Diarrhea: Dilute ca. 1 inch of toothpaste in 1 glass of warm water and drink. - Expected results:
Relief of pain and cease of diarrhea after about 20 - 30 minutes.

Burns: Apply directly on affected skin areas, the sooner, the better. - Expected results: No build-up
of burn blisters, improved wound healing without leaving scars.
Pimples / Insect bites / Skin allergies: Apply directly on affected area. - Expected results: After 24
- 48 hours the problem will be under control or even removed.

Hemorrhoids: Direct application for a couple of days

Headaches: Apply directly on the forehead and temples. - Expected results: Pain relief after 15 - 30
minutes

Feminine wash: Dilute 1 inch in warm water.

Gano Massage Oil

Fever control: Apply on the entire body in case of high fever. - Expected results: After 2 - 3 hours a
significant reduction of fever.

Back pain: The oil can be used with or without massage on affected areas. - Expected results: After
1 - 2 hours significant relief of pain, which lasts up to 20 hours in chronic cases.

Muscle cramps: The oil can be used with or without massage on affected areas. - Expected results:
Almost instant relief can be expected.

Headaches: Apply directly on the forehead and temples. - Expected results: Pain relief after 10 - 20
minutes.

Sun burn: Apply the oil on affected areas. - Expected results: Prevention of blisters and skin peeling
off, less pain on the affected skin and no build up of inflammatory processes.

Ganozhi Body foam, liquid soap

Dry skin: The use of Body Foam regulates the pH level and moisture of the skin during taking a bath
or shower. - Expected results: No more additional lotion is needed.
Feminine wash....

Ganozhi Shampoo

Excessive falling hairs: Daily use prevents excessive hair loss. - Expected results: 1 week of use
should reduced excessive hair loss significantly

Gano Spica Tea

UTI:Prevention and treatment of UTI with ca. 1 liter of Spica tea per day. - Expected results:
Increased urination after 1 - 2 hours after intake.

Kidney or bladder stones: Prevention of build-up of stones in kidney and bladder or wash out of
existing (small) stones.

The already used teabag can also be used to treat eye-bags overnight or as fertilizer for flowers in
house or garden.

Lingzhi 3-in-1 or Black Coffee

I saw various cases with gout, arthritis and "stiff joints" which responded very well to the intake of
Ganoderma through the Lingzhi 3-in-1coffee, which acted as a very potent detoxifier and gave
relief of pain, even reversed the deformation of toes and joints within a 1 to 3 months time,
depending on the severity of ailment. The caffeine content is only 0.06%.