A Review of Chemical Composition and Bioactivity Studies of the Most Promising Species of Ganoderma spp.

This paper presents the current state of knowledge on biological activity and possible medicinal applications selected species genus Ganoderma: Ganoderma adspersum (Schulzer) Donk, applanatum (Pers.) Pat., carnosum lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst., pfeifferi Bres., resinaceum Boud. These inedible, wood-decaying fungi are pathogens that cause enzymatic decomposition wood. They a valued natural resource have been used in traditional Far Eastern medicine for centuries. Research conducted these using modern analytical methods has led to advances potential therapeutic use compounds isolated not only from basidiocarps but also biomass obtained by vitro methods. Recent pharmacological studies confirmed known uses species, elucidated previously unknown mechanisms action, found evidence new activities, such as anticancer, cytotoxic, antiallergic, neuroprotective activities. Furthermore, article updated general mycological characteristics species.