Antitumor Potential of Substances from the Fungus Ganoderma lucidum

Abstract

We present here a review of published data mostly from the last 10 years on the antitumor activity of substances from the fungus Ganoderma lucidum. Its main biologically active components are described, particularly triterpenes, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans. The mechanisms of the antitumor actions of these compounds in vitro and in vivo are discussed, these including blockade of the cell cycle, induction of apoptosis, decreases in the metastatic potential, suppression of angiogenesis, and immunomodulatory activity. The potential of using substances from G. lucidum for the treatment of oncological patients is assessed.