Unlocking the immunomodulatory potential of Ganoderma lucidum: A comprehensive review

Ganoderma lucidum, popularly known as Reishi is a medicinal fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine for its immunomodulatory characteristics. It has been demonstrated that the bioactive substances extracted from Ganoderma lucidum alter the immune system, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. Bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, proteins have exhibited immunostimulant activity by enhancing the activation and differentiation of various immune cells, which include T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, macrophages and natural killer cells. They also increase the synthesis of cytokines which are essential for maintaining immune homeostasis. Additionally, some of the bioactive substances exhibited immunosuppressive activity by inhibiting the histamine release from mast cells and suppressing the production of pro inflammatory cytokines. There by it exhibits anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activity. Reishi can be demonstrated as a potential therapeutic agent in treating immune related diseases and may be involved in the development of new immunomodulatory medication. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the immunomodulatory effects of Ganoderma lucidum.