How to choose Ganoderma Lucidum?
From: Fujian Xianzhilou Biological Science & Technology Co., Ltd.
Copyright 2009 Fujian Xianzhilou Biological Science & Technology Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
Ganoderma lucidum has been called Herbal Magic since ancient times. It is as famous as the bird's nest and cordyceps for its magical and unique pharmacological efficacy and health benefit.
Currently, there are a wide variety of products made from Ganoderma lucidum on the market. Their quality varies greatly. It can be rather difficult for average consumer to distinguish good from bad ganoderma products.
Xianzhilou, a leading ganoderma enterprise in Fujian, has more than 20 years experience in organic log-cultivated ganoderma. In its recent ganoderma market study and sample analyses, the following information is obtained that may benetift consumer’s understanding and selecting ganoderma products.
Group A: Xianzhilou organic, log-cultivated Ganoderma lucidum
A) Fruiting body of xianzhilou organic log-cultivated ganoderma
On the fruiting body of an organic log-cultivated ganoderma, a clean, large, thick and regularly shaped cap with a firm texture can be seen. The bottom of the cap is yellowish gold in color, clean and free of signs of insect infestation. The stem is characteristically round and thick. It has a subtle, pleasant smell and a feel of weight.
B) Xianzhilou organic log-cultivated ganoderma slices
The slices are uniform in thickness. Each slice shows structured layers of the skin, flesh and fine channeles, with no deformities. A clean scent of ganoderma can be detected. It feels with a firm and brittle texture, and solid weight in the hand.
C) Microscopic observation of a Xianzhilou organic log-cultivated ganoderma slice
Magnify 160 x under microscope
Magnify 720x under microscope
Under a microscope, the cross-section of the ganoderma slice shows the clear, bright colored tubular channels. In the channels, there are spores evenly distributed, but free of any microorganisms. When there are abundant spores observed, a high content of active ingredients in the slices exists, as the spores have yet been ejected from the fruiting body.
Group B: Average grade Ganoderma lucidum
A) Fruiting body of an average grade Ganoderma lucidum
An average grade Ganoderma lucidum is generally regular in shape with a slightly shrunk cap, clean and not soiled. It has a spongy hand-feel. Its bottom is grayish with signs of insect infestation. It lacks the clean ganoderma fragrance. The stem tends to be slim and cone-shaped, which is a characteristics of bag-cultivated variety. The weight of an average grade ganoderma is lighter than a more solid product due to its lower density.
B) Average grade Ganoderma lucidum slices
Remark: The sample is a medium-priced product purchased from a sizable drug store. No cultivation conditions were specified on the package.
The slices are uniform in thickness. Layers of the skin, flesh and fine channels are structured and clearly visible. However, the slice feels soft and light. No ganoderma scent is detected. Instead, some moldy odor exists and mold infection is evident on the top layer.
C）Microscopic observation of an average grade ganoderma slice
Magnify 160x undermicroscope
Magnify 720x underby microscope
Observed under a microscope, the slice has clear tubular channels in bright reddish color. Ganoderma spores are rarely found, indicating a low content of the active constituents in the product.
Group C: Low-quality Ganoderma Lucidum
A) Fruiting body of low-quality Ganoderma Lucidum
A low-quality Ganoderma lucidum fruiting body is typically irregular, or deformed, in shape. Its skin peels and cap shrinks with a spongy texture. The cap bottom is dark gray in color. The stem is slim and flat which is commonly found with the bag-cultivated ganoderma products. There are also apparent signs of insect infestation with no characteristic ganoderma scent. The hand-feel of the fruiting body is light.
B) Low-quality Ganoderma lucidum slices
Remark: The sample is a lowly priced product purchased from a supermarket. No cultivation conditions were specified on the package..
A typical low-quality Ganoderma lucidum slice product contains slices of irregular thickness and shape. Clear layers of the skin, flesh and channels are not evident. A soft, light and spongy hand-feel is normally found with these products. No clean scent is detected, if anything, moldy off note.
C）Microscopic observation of a low-quality ganoderma slice
Magnify 160x under microscope
Magnify 720x undermicroscope
The cross-section of a low-quality ganoderma slice shows the tubular channels without clear definition, and are in a darkened color. Few spores are found in the channels, indicating a shortage of the active ingredients in the product.
Group D: Wild Ganoderma Lucidum
Ganoderma lucidum collected from the wilderness are difficult to differentiate their quality by naked eye. In the natural environment, various factors may affect ganoderma’s growth and appearance, as well as their functions. Nonetheless, distinctions can be observed under a microscope.
Fruiting body of wild Ganoderma Lucidum
A) Microscope Observation of a high-quality wild ganoderma lucidum slice
Magnify 160x under microscope
Microscope observation of a poor-quality wild ganoderma lucidum slice
Magnify 160x under microscope
Under a microscope with 160x magnification, the cross-section of the fruiting body of a high-quality wild ganoderma shows well defined tubular channels with uniform spacing. The fibers are tightly arranged. On the other hand, a poor-quality wild ganoderma has its channels plugged with debris. Its color turns dark brown, and the fruiting body is invaded by bacteria or parasites.
B）Microscope observation of a high-quality wild ganoderma lucidum slice
Magnify 720x undermicroscope
Microscope observation of a poor-quality wild ganoderma lucidum slice
Magnify 720x under microscope
The 720x magnification microscopic pictures of the cross-sectional views of the high- and low-quality wild ganoderma illustrate the differences between them. Information for quality determination can be seen by comparing the high-quality wild ganoderma with its counterpart. The fruiting body of the high-quality product has clearly structured tubular channels in bright reddish color, while the poor-quality product has less defined structure with dull brownish color. Furthermore, the high-quality ganoderma has distinct fibrous texture and spores, whereas the poor-quality ganoderma is rather different in those regards.
The organic certificates Xianzhilou received from various international authorities
