Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal fungus belonging to the Polyporaceae family which has long been revered in Japan as the most healthful and rare prize, and has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine.
Scientists report the isolation and identification of the 26-oxygenosterols ganoderol A, ganoderol B, ganoderal A, and ganoderic acid Y and their biological effects on cholesterol synthesis in a human hepatic cell line in vitro. We also investigated the site of inhibition in the cholesterol synthesis pathway. We found that these oxygenated sterols from G. lucidum inhibited cholesterol biosynthesis via conversion of acetate or mevalonate as a precursor of cholesterol. By incorporation of 24,25-dihydro-[24,25-3H2]lanosterol and [3-3H]lathosterol in the presence of ganoderol A, we determined that the point of inhibition of cholesterol synthesis is between lanosterol and lathosterol. These results demonstrate that the lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase, which converts 24,25-dihydrolanosterol to cholesterol,
can be inhibited by the 26-oxygenosterols from G. lucidum. These 26-oxygenosterols could lead to novel therapeutic agents that lower blood cholesterol.
The conditions of polysaccharide production by the fungus Ganoderma Lucidum are being optimized. The maximal yield of endopolysaccharides and exopolysaccharides are constantly being increased. The greatest yields of mycelium are being reached, and the maximal yield of polysaccharides are being observed. The optimal ratio between fungus growth and polysaccharide production will constantly be improving.
