Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom with a variety of forms, depending on the specific variety. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have used it to treat many different ailments for more than 4000 years. The medicinal effects of Ganoderma lucidum are the subject of considerable scientific research.
Etymology
Ganoderma lucidum means, “bright shining skin”, referring to the sheen this mushroom typically possesses. Língzhi is the common name in traditional Chinese medicine for Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma tsugae, a close relative of Ganoerma lucidum. Lingzhi means “herb of spiritual potency”, illustrating the veneration with which practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine hold this mushroom.
Description
Ganoderma lucidum has a dark red cap shaped like the kidney. Younger specimens are white underneath and older specimens are a dull brown. Ganoderma lucidum is a polypore, meaning that it releases its pores through pores rather than gills. Ganoderma lucidum grows on the bases and stumps of a variety of deciduous trees, especially maple trees.
Varieties
The environment has a significant effect on the specific appearance of Ganoderma lucidum. The growth form common in North America has a large cap, and a very small stalk. The growth form in the tropics has a smaller cap with a longer stalk. Ganoderma lucidum may have any appearance between these two extremes.
Biochemistry
Ganaderma lucidum contains a large number of pharmaceutically active compounds. A class of compounds known as ganoderic acids is the most specific to Ganoderma lucidum. It also contains compounds common to other species of mushrooms such as alkaloids and beta-glucan, coumarin and mannitol.
Benefits
Studies reviewed by Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, isolated the active compounds in the fruiting bodies of this fungus and observed their effects. They showed that the active compounds in Ganderma lucidum may have anti-tumor—cancer fighting and immunotherapeutic—immune system boosting effects. These studies also showed that these compounds may reduce blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
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