Ganoderma Lucidum is an edible mushroom, although, because of its wooden structure is not used in a raw diet. It commonly grows on trees: the oak, maple and chestnut; their fallen leaves are used as a nutrition source. Ganoderma lucidum grows in all meridians, mostly on the Asian continent (China, Japan, and Korea).
Ganoderma Lucidum is a well-known for its healing properties for thousands of years. Used in traditional Chinese medicine as the fountain of youth and longevity, it was considered to be a "privileged food". As a medical treatment it was put to use for many diseases: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, viral infections, allergies, bronchitis, arthritis, nephritis, cancer and many other conditions. Interest in Ganoderma lucidum over the years is growing. The effects of Ganoderma are examined around the world, in vivo and in vitro. There are numerous Ganoderma Lucidum preparations with different levels of efficiency and effectiveness. The highest quality products are extracted from mushrooms, raised in environmentally-preserved areas, where uncontaminated samples are selected.
The special technology used is based on laser cutters and super-critical CO2 oxidation. In this way the oily extract of Ganoderma lucidum is obtained in high concentration (more than 1000 higher), with all bio-active components preserved. The active components of Ganoderma Lucidum are tested and mechanisms of their effect are well known and proven. Active chemical compounds important for anti-tumor activity are: polysaccharides, proteoglycans, cerebrosides, triterpenes, triterpenoids and phenols. In addition, Ganoderma lucidum contains nucleosides, adenosine, and organic germanium (Ge- 132) with a high antioxidant potential. Polysaccharides demonstrated anti-tumor activity in experimental animals and cell cultures. The component with highest anti-tumor activity was demonstrated to be beta-D-glucan. The same effect is demonstrated by glucuronolactone, manogalactone, arabinolactone and glucogalactone. These polysaccharides have proven capability of oncogenesis; prevention in tumor metastasis. The prevention of metastasis is further enhanced by activating the immune response (the cells activated in the work of the immune system -NK cells, T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes). The cytokines synthesis: interleukin (IL) 1 beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, interleukin (IL) 6 and interferon (IF) gamma is stimulated. These cytokines suppress the activity of enzyme systems in cells that are responsible for the proliferation of tumor cells and their colonization. In this way the body recognizes the tumor cells and activates its natural mechanisms to fight and destroy them.
More than 100 highly active triterpenes with proven cytotoxic activity were isolated. The ganoderic acids A and C, have demonstrated capability to inhibit the enzyme responsible for activating Ras oncoprotein that leads to transformation of healthy cells in the tumor. Other isolated triterpenes also have cytotoxic effects. Triterpenoid compounds inhibit tumor metastasis; inhibit the growth of secondary tumors in the liver and spleen, as shown in animal models. They also inhibit the growth of new blood vessels around the tumor tissue and thus prevented delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the tumor cells. Phenols isolated from Ganoderma lucidum have strong antioxidant activity, and inhibit lipid peroxidation. The isolated proteoglycans induce activation and proliferation of B lymphocytes, leading to increased secretion of interleukin 2. The cerebrosides inhibit the enzyme DNA polymerase, and thereby prevent the replication of DNA, which prevents the growth of tumors. Aminopolysaccharide fraction from Ganoderma lucidum is proven to reduce oxidative damage to DNA. It has chemo-preventive action; preventing the deterioration of blood cells.
The total effect of all these isolated bioactive substances and their anti-tumor activity is resulting in an inhibition or activation of specific mechanisms and pathways that prevent the transformation of healthy cells in the tumor. These effects are indirectly mediated by enhancing the body's immune response and cytokine secretion by stimulation. Or directly, by targeting cancer cells under the influence of these bioactive compounds by influencing the behavior of tumor cells, preventing them from multiplying and spreading, this leads to their destruction.
There is a great interest in Ganoderma lucidum and its benefits in the treatment of cancer. The clinical trials have been shown to reduce the side effects of chemo and radio therapy. That medical mushroom makes it possible to continually implement standard therapy, prevents anemia and leucopenia, and improves quality of life for patients with cancer. The knowledge of the most important medical fungus indicates and justifies its use in the treatment of cancer, and in the prevention of this terrible disease.
http://www.gd100.net/studies.php
No comments:
Post a Comment