Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Lingzhi

Pinyin Ling Zhi

Alias Sanshou, Yin, Zhi, Reishi Grass, Wood Reishi, Mushroom Reishi

Source Mushroom-based medicines were first recorded in the "Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica." Based on their different colors, mushrooms are classified into "red mushroom, black mushroom, blue mushroom, white mushroom, yellow mushroom, and purple mushroom." ” Six types.

1. The “Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu” states: “ All six of these mushrooms are varieties of immortality herbs, rarely encountered in common practice. They come in numerous subspecies, each with unique shapes and colors, all of which are documented in the "Illustrated Guide to Mushrooms." The purple mushroom commonly used today grows on decaying tree stumps and resembles a wooden bracket fungus. 2. The “Gangmu” cites records on various types of fungi from throughout history and offers its own insights, stating: “There are many kinds of fungi, some of which even bear flowers and fruits. Although the ‘Bencao’ identifies only six types of fungi by name, it is nonetheless essential to recognize their respective species and genera.” 3. The “Gangmu” also quotes the “Baopuzi,” saying: “

Source Source of medicinal materials: The fruiting bodies of fungi such as Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma sinense, which belong to the Polyporaceae family.

Latin botanical, zoological, and mineral names: Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst.; Ganoderma sinense Zhao , Xu et Zhang [G. japonicum (Fr.) Lloyd]

Harvesting and Storage: Before the fruiting bodies begin to release spores, you can collect the spores by enclosing them in bags. Once the outer edge of the cap stops growing and the pores beneath the cap start ejecting basidiospores, it indicates that the fruiting bodies have reached maturity and are ready for harvest. Simply twist off the entire fruiting body from the base of the stipe, then dry it either by air-drying or by low-temperature drying (at a temperature not exceeding...). 55℃) Store it properly and ensure adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth.

Original form 1. The basidiocarp of Ganoderma lucidum is annual, stalked, and corky. The cap is semicircular or kidney-shaped, with a diameter of 10–20 cm. The meat is thick. 1.5–2 cm; the cap is brownish-yellow or reddish-brown, with the cap margin gradually becoming pale yellow. It features concentric ring patterns, and the surface is slightly wrinkled or smooth, exhibiting a glossy, varnish-like sheen; the cap margin is slightly blunt. The flesh is milky white, turning light brown near the tubes. The tubes are up to 1 cm long, with 4–5 tubes per millimeter. The pore openings are nearly circular, initially white, then turning pale yellow or yellowish-brown. The stipe is cylindrical, lateral or eccentric, occasionally central. It measures 10–19 cm in length and 1.5–4 cm in thickness, matching the color of the cap. The hyphae in the cuticle layer are rod-shaped, swelling at the tips. The mycelial system is trichodermal: the generative hyphae are transparent and thin-walled; the skeletal hyphae are yellowish-brown, thick-walled, and nearly solid; the interwoven hyphae are colorless, thick-walled, and curved, all branching extensively. The spores are ovate, with double walls, having a truncate apex; the outer wall is transparent, while the inner wall is light brown and covered with small spines. Spore dimensions are (9–11) μm × (6–7) μm. The fruiting bodies mostly mature in autumn, though in southern and southwestern China, maturation may extend into winter.

2. The distinguishing feature of Ganoderma sinense from the previous species is that its cap is predominantly purplish-black to nearly brown-black; its flesh is uniformly brown, dark brown, or chestnut-brown; its spores have a prominent umbilicate apex with clearly visible small spines on the inner wall; and the spores are relatively large, measuring (9.5–13.8) μm × (6.9–8.5) μm. 。

Habitat distribution Ecological environment: 1. Grows at the rhizosphere or on dead tree stumps of plants belonging to the Fagaceae family and the Pinus genus within the Pinaceae family, which are exposed to sunlight.

2. It grows on stumps of broadleaf trees or pine trees of the genus Pinus. It causes white rot in wood. It is endemic to China.

Resource distribution: 1. Widely distributed throughout China, but more abundant south of the Yangtze River.

2. Distributed in the hot and rainy regions south of the Yangtze River.

Pharmacological effects 1. Effects on the Central Nervous System: Intraperitoneal injection of Reishi tincture, concentrated fermented extract of Reishi, alcohol extract of mycelium, and alcohol extract of defatted spore powder all reduce spontaneous locomotor activity in mice. The alcohol extract significantly enhances the central depressant effects of sodium pentobarbital (resulting in the disappearance of the righting reflex) and exhibits anticonvulsant activity against electroconvulsive seizures. The concentrated fermented extract of Reishi or the alcohol extract of mycelium can potentiate the central depressant effects of sodium thiopental. The alcohol extract of defatted spore powder demonstrates a certain antagonistic effect against nicotine-induced tonic convulsions in mice. Oral administration of Reishi’s hot-water extract also significantly reduces spontaneous locomotor activity in mice; ED50 For 2.65 g/kg, and it can significantly enhance the sedative effects of sodium pentobarbital. Both the writhing test in mice and the hot-plate test indicate that it can increase the pain threshold. Adenosine isolated from Ganoderma lucidum also reduces spontaneous locomotor activity in mice, raises the pain threshold, prolongs the time until death due to caffeine poisoning, and relaxes skeletal muscles in mice. Oral administration of concentrated aqueous-alcoholic extracts—both synthetic and natural—from Ganoderma sinense to mice exhibits significant analgesic effects against pain induced by the hot-plate test and acetic acid-induced writhing test. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injection of Ganoderma sp. fermentation broth also suppresses spontaneous locomotor activity in mice, enhances the central depressant effects of sodium pentobarbital, and significantly prolongs the latency of the pain response to radiant heat stimulation of the rat tail, demonstrating a pronounced analgesic effect.

2. Effects on the Cardiovascular System: Reishi tincture exhibits a strong cardiac stimulatory effect on isolated toad hearts. Intraperitoneal injection of Reishi tincture into rabbits can enhance cardiac contractility without significantly altering heart rate. Intraperitoneal administration of Reishi alcohol extract, however, has no significant effect on the T-wave of rabbit electrocardiograms induced by posterior pituitary extract. The tall wave height exhibits a pronounced antagonistic effect, indicating that it has a certain protective action against acute myocardial ischemia. In anesthetized cats, intravenous injection of the ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum immediately caused a drop in blood pressure, though the effect was short-lived. Oral administration of Ganoderma lucidum tincture or ethanol extract to mice both enhanced their tolerance to hypoxia under normal atmospheric pressure. The fermented broth of Ganoderma lucidum or the ethanol extract of its mycelium also exerted a strong cardiac-stimulating effect on isolated toad hearts, with the latter showing even greater potency. Intraperitoneal injection of the ethanol extract of mycelium produced a robust cardiac-stimulating effect on the in vivo hearts of rabbits. In anesthetized rabbits, intravenous injection of the fermented broth induced a transient hypotensive effect without evidence of rapid tolerance. Intraperitoneal injection of the fermented broth or ethanol extract of mycelium, as well as oral administration of hot-water extract of Ganoderma lucidum, all enhanced the ability of mice to tolerate hypoxia under normal atmospheric pressure. In anesthetized dogs, intravenous injection of the total alkaloids from Ganoderma lucidum fermentation broth (prepared by extracting alkaloids from the fermented broth) significantly increased coronary blood flow, reduced coronary vascular resistance, and lowered myocardial oxygen consumption. In anesthetized cats, intravenous injection of the ethanol extract of mycelium resulted in increases in both coronary blood flow and cerebral blood flow. Ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in guinea pigs led to... S-T segment elevation and T-wave inversion can be reversed by the alcohol extract. In isolated guinea pig hearts, both the total alkaloids from fermented Reishi mushroom and the alcohol extract of mycelium can dilate coronary arteries and counteract the coronary vasoconstriction induced by posterior pituitary hormone. Intraperitoneal injection of these two preparations into mice significantly enhances their tolerance to normobaric hypoxia; however, oral administration is ineffective. Intraperitoneal injection of alcohol extracts from either the fruiting bodies or mycelium of Reishi mushroom markedly increases the ability of mouse myocardium to take up 86Rb. The fermentation broth of Ganoderma sp. also exhibits this effect and demonstrates a potent cardiotonic action on isolated toad hearts, as well as enhancing the tolerance of mice to normobaric hypoxia. When spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar rats were orally administered with aqueous extracts of Reishi mushroom at doses of 100–200 mg/kg, a significant reduction in blood pressure was observed. The umbrella portion of the fruiting body showed particularly strong antihypertensive effects; fractionation of the active component using dialysis membranes revealed that the fraction with a relative molecular mass above 100,000 exhibited sustained antihypertensive activity. Intravenous injection of aqueous extracts from Reishi mycelium reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressures in anesthetized rabbits and rats, accompanied by inhibition of sympathetic outflow. The extract did not affect heart rate, and its antihypertensive effect was secondary to suppression of the sympathetic nervous system at the central level. Furthermore, Reishi extract can counteract ventricular arrhythmias induced by barium chloride, provides stable protective effects on myocardial mitochondria in burned rats, elevates plasma and myocardial cAMP levels, reduces oxygen consumption in mice, and enhances their tolerance to hypoxia.

Japanese scholars have demonstrated that the methanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum exhibits antihypertensive effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Analysis revealed that the active constituents are lanostane derivatives, including ganoderic acids. S such as ganoderic acids A and B, and ganoderic aldehyde A. It has also been demonstrated that the methanol extract and its active constituents exhibit inhibitory effects on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in vitro. Among them, ganoderic acid F displays the strongest inhibitory activity, with an IC50 value of 4.7 × 10^-9 mol/L; the remaining compounds—from strongest to weakest—include ganoderic acids H, K, B, C, Y, and S, while ganoderic alcohols A and B and ganoderic aldehyde A show relatively weaker effects. In 1981, a component isolated from the aqueous extract of Ganoderma lucidum fruiting bodies was reported to have a relative molecular mass ≥ 100,000 and to contain lactose, fructose, and glucose, exhibiting antihypertensive effects.

3. Antiplatelet aggregation and antithrombotic effects: In vitro, Zhi Zi injection exhibits effects against ADP. It exhibits a significant inhibitory effect on collagen-induced human platelet aggregation. Healthy individuals should take Reishi mushroom daily. 0.2 g administered for one week significantly inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation, but had a weaker effect on collagen-induced platelet aggregation. In patients with myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction who took Lingzhi for two weeks, both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that it could inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation; moreover, after medication, it also exerted a significant inhibitory effect on in vitro thrombus formation. The aqueous extract of Ganoderma lucidum exhibited an inhibitory effect on thrombin-induced bovine platelet aggregation in vitro, and its active component was adenosine. Oral administration of Ganoderma lucidum extract to rats suppressed both experimental platelet thrombus formation and fibrin thrombus formation, and also enhanced the deformability of aged red blood cells in humans. However, it did not affect either the prothrombin time or the partial thromboplastin time in rats.

4. Effects on the Respiratory System: The mouse tracheal phenol red excretion test demonstrated that the alcohol extract of Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma sp. 1.) Intraperitoneal injection of the fermentation broth all exhibited expectorant effects. The mouse ammonia-induced cough model demonstrated that Ganoderma ( The fermented broth of Ganoderma sp. exhibits a good antitussive effect when administered by intraperitoneal injection. Tincture of Red Reishi, alcohol extract of Red Reishi mycelium, and concentrated fermented broth all exert spasmolytic effects on isolated guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle contraction induced by histamine. However, when administered by intraperitoneal injection, the fermented broth or alcohol extract of Red Reishi mycelium can only protect a small number of animals against histamine-induced “wheezing” in guinea pigs, but significantly prolong the latency period of such wheezing. The fermented broth of Ganoderma sp. can counteract tracheal smooth muscle spasms induced by histamine, acetylcholine, and barium chloride in isolated guinea pig trachea. Moreover, it markedly inhibits the release of histamine from sensitized guinea pig lungs triggered by antigens. The aqueous extract of Red Reishi exerts a mild relaxing effect on isolated guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle and can also antagonize the contractile effects of histamine and slow-reacting substance (SRS-A), which are mediators of allergic reactions, on the trachea.

The chloroform extract of fermented Reishi mushroom showed a significant inhibitory effect on histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells in vitro. Oleic acid, isolated from this extract, exhibited an effect on compound 48/ 80 It exhibits dose-dependent inhibitory effects on histamine release and 45Ca uptake induced by A-23187 in mast cells. In vitro, the methanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum can inhibit histamine release from rat mast cells triggered by concanavalin A (Con A) and compound 48/80. Ganoderic acids C and D, isolated from this extract, also suppress such histamine release; their quantitative analysis can serve as a quality-control indicator for this crude preparation.

5. Effects on Metabolic and Endocrine Functions: Intraperitoneal Injection of Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide BN3C in Mice (i.e. D6) It can promote the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids in serum, liver, and bone marrow, accelerate the division and proliferation of bone marrow cells, and also increase the level of P-450 in mouse liver homogenates, thereby enhancing the liver's detoxification function. The extract of Ganoderma lucidum can increase plasma cortisol levels in animals suffering from burns.

Mice were administered intraperitoneally with aqueous extracts of Ganoderma lucidum fruiting bodies, or Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide A, or... B10mg/kg Both 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg doses of the extract exert a blood-glucose-lowering effect. Moreover, the extract demonstrates a significant hypoglycemic action in diabetic mice induced by alloxan. Oral administration of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder extract can counteract hyperglycemia induced in normal mice by intravenous injection of glucose or epinephrine. It exhibits both preventive and therapeutic effects on alloxan-induced diabetic mice and also improves glucose tolerance in these diabetic mice. A hetero-glycan isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum exerts a blood-glucose-lowering effect in male mice, though its potency is weaker than that of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides. Additionally, this hetero-glycan displays good antitumor activity against the S180 murine sarcoma xenograft.

6. Hepatoprotective Effects: Oral administration of Reishi tincture to mice can alleviate liver pathological damage induced by carbon tetrachloride poisoning. Oral administration of alcoholic extracts from both Ganoderma lucidum (Purple Reishi) and Ganoderma tsugae (Red Reishi) to mice reduces the elevation of transaminases caused by carbon tetrachloride. The latter also significantly decreases the accumulation of triglycerides in the liver and effectively alleviates fatty liver induced by ethionine. Moreover, it enhances the liver's metabolic capacity to process pentobarbital sodium in mice, promotes liver regeneration in mice that have undergone partial hepatectomy, and exhibits marked protective effects against toxicity induced by digitalis glycosides and indomethacin (Indocin). Oral or intraperitoneal administration of ether extracts from Reishi spore powder to mice significantly increases their tolerance to indomethacin (Indocin) toxicity. In rats treated with Reishi extract and glutathione, liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride—as assessed by serum transaminase levels and lipid peroxidation—showed a pronounced hepatoprotective effect. Histological examination further confirmed these findings, demonstrating that the combined treatment was more effective than using either agent alone.

7. Effect on experimental myotonia: Mice were administered Reishi injection via intraperitoneal injection, and 2 ， 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid-induced experimental myotonia significantly reduces aldolase activity. Clinically, the injection of Reishi spore powder has shown certain therapeutic efficacy in treating dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and progressive muscular dystrophy. Liu Gengtao et al. simulated the clinical phenomenon of elevated serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and aldolase levels by injecting rat footpads with guinea pig thigh muscle homogenate plus an immune adjuvant once a week for four consecutive weeks. One week after the final injection, examination revealed the induction of immune-mediated myositis, characterized by increased serum CPK levels, decreased muscle CPK activity, muscle degeneration, and inflammatory infiltration. Concurrently with immunization, rats were injected daily with an aqueous extract of Reishi spores for a total of 30 days. The results showed that serum CPK levels decreased, muscle CPK activity increased, and muscle damage was alleviated. Furthermore, in mice induced with experimental myotonia by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, serum CPK levels also rose; administration of the aqueous extract of Reishi spores effectively reduced these elevated CPK levels. Additionally, the fruiting bodies of Reishi exert a protective effect against lipid peroxidation induced by oxygen free radical injury in rat thigh muscle homogenates, reducing malondialdehyde production and inhibiting superoxide anion generation. Subcutaneous injection of the aqueous extract of Reishi spores into mice for 3–5 days significantly enhanced the activities of acidic phosphatase and β-glucuronidase in peritoneal macrophages, counteracting the suppression of splenic DNA synthesis caused by prednisone. These findings suggest that Reishi possesses certain anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory pharmacological activities.

8. Antioxidant and anti-aging effects: Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide GLA 、 GLB and GLC both inhibit the production of superoxide anion (O₂⁻) free radicals and red blood cell lipid peroxidation, and they also scavenge hydroxyl radicals (·OH). They exhibit superoxide dismutase-like activity and are important factors in Ganoderma lucidum’s ability to delay aging. The effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on DNA synthesis and the number of cell divisions in human diploid lung fibroblasts indicate that BN3B and BN3C promote DNA synthesis and slow down cellular aging.

9. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Oral administration of both synthetic and natural concentrated extracts from aqueous decoctions of Ganoderma lucidum significantly inhibited joint swelling induced by carrageenan in rats. Oral administration of synthetic Ganoderma lucidum also exerted an inhibitory effect on xylene-induced ear swelling in mice and markedly reduced the increased skin capillary permeability induced by carrageenan in mice. It significantly suppressed the formation of cotton pellet granulomas and the migration of leukocytes into the exudate, leading to a significant increase in body weight. Moreover, it had no adverse effects on the weights of the thymus, adrenal glands, or spleen, nor did it cause any damage to the gastric mucosa in rats.

10. Antitumor activity: The crude extract from the stipes of Ganoderma lucidum fruiting bodies exhibits activity against mouse S180 cells. Inhibition rate: 87.6% of its composition consists of polysaccharides and proteins. A variety of polysaccharides isolated from the hot-water extract of Ganoderma lucidum, when administered by intraperitoneal injection, exhibit an inhibitory effect on S180 transplantable tumors in mice. However, oral administration is ineffective. Polysaccharide-protein complexes isolated from the mycelium of artificially cultivated Ganoderma lucidum also suppress the growth of S180 tumors in mice and significantly increase the number of plaque-forming cells in the spleen of mice immunized with sheep red blood cells. It is suggested that the antitumor activity of these polysaccharides is mediated through the host, enhancing the host’s immune function rather than exerting direct cytotoxic effects. When mice were injected intraperitoneally daily with 5–20 mg/kg of polysaccharides GL-1, GL-2, or GL-3 isolated from Ganoderma lucidum for 10 consecutive days, the inhibition rate against S180 tumors ranged from 42% to 97%. Both glucans and heteropolysaccharides present in Ganoderma lucidum display antitumor activity against S180 tumors in mice.

11. Anti-radiation effect: Mice exposed to a lethal dose of 60Co. Exposure can cause acute radiation sickness leading to death. For example, administering an alcohol extract of the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum orally prior to exposure. After irradiation, continued administration of Reishi mushroom for 2 weeks significantly reduced the mortality rate in mice. Although administering Reishi mushroom intraperitoneally only after irradiation had no effect on the lethal impact of 60Co radiation, it did extend the average survival time of the animals. These findings suggest that Reishi mushroom exerts a certain protective effect against radiation-induced damage. In male mice exposed to X-rays, intraperitoneal injection of Reishi mushroom extract can effectively prevent radiation-induced injury.

12. Immunomodulatory Effects: Intraperitoneal injection of protein polysaccharides isolated from Ganoderma lucidum can increase the number of cells, macrophages, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the peritoneal exudate of mice, indicating an immunostimulatory effect on sheep red blood cells (SRBC). The number of hemolytic plaque-forming cells in the spleen of immunized mice was significantly increased. This polysaccharide contains galactose, glucose, and xylose. Interleukin-... 2 (IL-2) is one of the important lymphokines and plays a crucial role in the immune regulatory network. It is primarily produced by T helper cells; thus, the level of IL-2 indirectly reflects the functional status of T cells. Studies have shown that in vitro, hydrocortisone and cyclosporine A can significantly inhibit the production of IL-2 by mouse splenic cells. The hot-water extract of Ganoderma lucidum significantly counteracts the inhibitory effects of these two agents, promoting IL-2 production in a concentration-dependent manner. Overall studies also demonstrate that Ganoderma lucidum can enhance IL-2 production by splenic cells even under conditions where immunosuppressive agents are simultaneously administered, with a notable increase in IL-2 production observed. The polysaccharide component BN3C from Ganoderma lucidum can significantly enhance the phagocytic capacity of peritoneal macrophages in mice toward chicken red blood cells. It also mildly activates mouse splenic cells, inducing them to enter a state of low-level proliferation and IL-2 production—though this effect is far weaker than that induced by ConA. When used in combination with ConA, BN3C markedly enhances cell proliferation but reduces IL-2 activity. The target cells for BN3C include T cells, B cells, and accessory cells. BN3C can also mitigate the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on the proliferation of mouse splenic cells. The Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides BN3A, BN3B, and BN3C all significantly increase IL-2 production by normal mouse splenic cells in vitro. They can restore the ability of splenic cells from aged mice to produce IL-2 and partially counteract the inhibitory effects of hydrocortisone or cyclosporine A on IL-2 production in mouse splenic cells. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides promote IL-2 secretion and enhance T-cell function. In a mixed lymphocyte culture model in mice, these polysaccharides exhibit varying degrees of antagonism against the immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporine A, hydrocortisone, mitomycin C, fluorouracil, and cytarabine; when the degree of suppression is mild, they can completely reverse the inhibition and restore normal immune function.

An immunomodulator, Ganoderma-8, was isolated from the mycelium of Ganoderma lucidum. LZ —8), which can agglutinate sheep red blood cells but has no such effect on human red blood cells. In whole-animal experiments, repeated administration of this substance to mice can prevent the occurrence of allergic reactions, suggesting that this effect is due to a reduction in antibody levels. A protein contained in the mycelium of Ganoderma lucidum exhibits a 100% inhibitory effect when administered by either intravenous or intraperitoneal injection against Type I hypersensitivity reactions induced in CFW mice using bovine serum albumin as the antigen. Furthermore, lymphocytes treated with this protein also show a marked attenuation of Type IV hypersensitivity reactions (reduced from 100% to 20.4%).

The alcohol-extracted water-soluble fraction (GLSE) of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder, when administered by intraperitoneal injection, affects... 2 GLSE exerted significant inhibitory effects on mouse skin allergic reactions induced by 4-dinitrochlorobenzene, delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions in the mouse footpad induced by SRBC, and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions induced by injection of allogeneic splenic cells. In vitro, GLSE also showed a marked inhibitory effect on Con A-induced splenic lymphocyte transformation in mice. The above results indicate that GLSE can suppress cellular immune functions in mice.

The alkali extract of *Ganoderma lucidum* mycelium can activate the complement system. C3 It can also activate the reticuloendothelial system in mice, increase carbon clearance rate, and enhance the number of splenic hemolytic plaque-forming cells. Its active components include polysaccharides and proteins.

13. Other Effects: Both Reishi spore powder and Reishi extract can significantly reduce salivation induced by pilocarpine in mice, indicating peripheral anticholinergic effects. Ganoderma lucidum was used to treat patients with chronic bronchitis for 4 weeks. One month later, the activity of whole-blood cholinesterase generally decreased in most patients, suggesting that it can reduce the excitability of the parasympathetic nervous system. The tincture or alcohol extract of Ganoderma lucidum exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on isolated rabbit small intestine or guinea pig ileum; this inhibition was even more pronounced when the small intestine was stimulated by acetylcholine. The fermented broth or alcohol extract of the mycelium of Ganoderma lucidum exerted a marked inhibitory effect on isolated ileal smooth muscle in rabbits and showed antagonistic effects against ileal contractions induced by barium chloride, acetylcholine, and histamine. Furthermore, the fermented broth of Ganoderma lucidum significantly inhibited uterine contractions induced by posterior pituitary extract in isolated rat uteri. When administered via intraperitoneal injection to mice, the hot-water extract of Ganoderma lucidum demonstrated its effects. 3.5 g/kg, administered continuously for 1 week, can significantly prolong the swimming time of mice.

14. Toxicity: Ganoderma lucidum has low toxicity; the LD50 of Reishi extract administered by intraperitoneal injection in mice is... For 38.3 ± 1.04 g/kg: When the hot ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum was administered by intraperitoneal injection to mice, the LD50 was 6.75 g/kg; the MLD via oral gavage was 165 g/kg. The cold ethanol extract exhibited even lower toxicity. When rats were orally administered 1.2 g/kg and 12 g/kg of the cold ethanol extract daily for a total of 30 days, no signs of toxicity were observed in terms of growth and development, liver function, or electrocardiogram. In dogs, after oral administration of the cold ethanol extract at 12 g/kg daily for 15 days, followed by oral administration of the hot ethanol extract at 24 g/kg daily for another 13 days, the results were similar to those observed in rats, with no abnormalities detected in pathological sections.

The injection prepared by alcohol extraction from artificially cultivated Ganoderma lucidum induced allergic reactions of varying degrees in guinea pig tests. There have been reports that, after administration to patients, mild cases presented with urticaria, skin itching, palpitations, chest tightness, and laryngeal edema; in severe cases, anaphylactic shock occurred, posing a life-threatening risk. Therefore, oral administration should be adopted in clinical practice.

Identification 1. Take 2 g of this powder. Add ethanol. Take 30 ml, heat under reflux for 30 minutes, filter, and evaporate the filtrate to dryness. Dissolve the residue in 2 ml of methanol to prepare the sample solution. Separately, take 2 g of Ganoderma lucidum reference material and prepare the reference material solution using the same procedure. Perform the thin-layer chromatography test (Pharmacopoeia Appendix VI B): Pipette 4 μl of each of the two solutions and spot them separately onto the same silica gel G thin-layer plate. Use the upper layer of a developing solvent system consisting of petroleum ether (60–90℃), ethyl formate, and formic acid (15:5:1) as the developing agent. Develop the chromatogram, remove the plate, allow it to air-dry, and then examine it under a UV lamp (365 nm). In the chromatogram of the sample, at the position corresponding to that of the reference material chromatogram, a fluorescent spot of the same color will appear.

2. The total ash content must not exceed 3.2%. Pharmacopoeia Appendix ⅨK). The acid-insoluble ash content shall not exceed 0.5% (Pharmacopoeia Appendix ⅨK).

Preparation Take the raw medicinal materials, remove impurities, and sieve out sand and soil.

Characteristics of the medicinal slices: See “Identification of Herbal Materials.” ” Item. Store in a dry container, seal tightly, and keep in a cool, dry place.

Taste and properties Sweet; neutral; non-toxic

Meridian Tropism Lung; Heart; Spleen; Kidney meridians

Indications and Main Functions Nourishes qi and blood; calms the heart and mind; strengthens the spleen and stomach. Primarily indicated for deficiency-induced fatigue, palpitations, insomnia, dizziness, mental exhaustion and weakness, chronic cough with asthma, coronary heart disease, silicosis, and tumors.

Dosage and Administration For internal use: Decoct in water, 10-15g; ground into powder, 2-6g ; or soak in alcohol.

Attention Use with caution based on empirical evidence. According to “Compendium of Materia Medica”: “It is incompatible with Hengshan. It is contraindicated when taken concurrently with Bianqing and Yinchenhao.” ”

Compound "Chu Ci: Nine Songs": “ “Gathering the Three Delights from the mountain gate.” Its commentary states: “The Three Delights refer to the herb known as Zhi grass.” In Ji Kang’s poem, we read: “Radiant Lingzhi—three blooms in a single year.” Thus, it earned the name “Three Delights.” As for the character “Zhi,” according to the “Gangmu”: “Originally, ‘Zhi’ was written as ‘Zhi,’ its seal-script form resembling the shape of grass growing on the ground. Later, people borrowed this character as a linguistic term and thus added the radical ‘grass’ to distinguish it.” The “Er Ya” defines “Yin” as “Zhi.” The “Er Ya Yishu” notes: “The character ‘Yin’ does not appear in other texts; Sun Shixing once raised a question about it. Upon investigation, I found that the “Leiju” volume 98, citing the “Er Ya,” renders it as ‘Jun Zhi.’ Evidently, the character ‘Jun’ had been corrupted into ‘Yin.’ This is confirmed by the passage in the “Liezi—Tang Wen Pian”: ‘On decaying soil grows Jun Zhi, which emerges at dawn and perishes at dusk’... Moreover, in the “Zhuangzi—Xiaoyou You” chapter, the commentary cites both Sima Biao and Cui Zhuan, both identifying ‘Jun’ as ‘Zhi.’ Therefore, the original text of the “Er Ya” indeed read ‘Jun Zhi.’”

Various arguments and discussions 1. “Bi Lu”: Red ganoderma grows in Huoshan. “Purple ganoderma grows in the high valleys of summer. All six varieties of ganoderma are non-toxic and are harvested in June and August.” 2. According to the “Newly Revised Materia Medica”: “The Five Ganoderma species, as recorded in the ‘Classic,’ are said to grow on the Five Mountains, each bearing a distinct color. Yet, among the specimens submitted from various regions, the white ganoderma is not necessarily from Mount Hua, and the black ganoderma is rarely found on the Five Mountains themselves. Moreover, most ganoderma are yellow or white, while black or blue ones are exceedingly rare. Nevertheless, purple ganoderma is the most abundant—yet it does not belong to the category of the Five Ganoderma. Still, ganoderma itself is extremely hard to come by; even if one were to obtain a few specimens, how could they possibly be taken continuously over a long period?” 3. According to the “Compendium of Materia Medica”: “The ‘Shennong Classic’ states that the essence of mountains and rivers, clouds and rain, the four seasons and the five elements, as well as yin and yang and the cycles of day and night, give rise to the five-colored divine ganoderma, which serves as an auspicious sign for sage kings. The ‘Illustrated Book of Auspicious Omens’ notes that ganoderma typically emerges in June: green in spring, purple in summer, white in autumn, and black in winter. Ge Hong’s ‘Baopuzi’ further describes ganoderma as including stone ganoderma, wood ganoderma, herb ganoderma, flesh ganoderma, and mushroom ganoderma—altogether numbering hundreds of varieties. Stone ganoderma resembles stone statues and grows along the shores of rocky islands at the edges of seas and oceans. Flesh ganoderma looks like flesh itself, adhering to large rocks with distinct head and tail ends—it is a living organism. Red ones resemble coral, white ones like cut fat, black ones like lacquer, green ones like emerald feathers, and yellow ones like purple gold—all glowing brightly and transparent as solid ice. The larger specimens weigh over ten jin, while the smaller ones weigh three or four jin. Whenever one seeks ganoderma, entering the famous mountains, one must do so in March or September—the months when the mountains are believed to yield divine herbs... Shi Zhen once doubted: Could ganoderma really arise from the residual vapors of decay, much like tumors or growths in humans? Yet throughout history, people have regarded it as an auspicious herb, claiming that consuming it could grant immortality—a notion truly absurd. Only recently, after reading Cheng Shi’s words, did I realize that he had already expressed precisely what I had been trying to say; our views are fundamentally the same. Furthermore, alchemists discovered that if one piles wood in damp places and applies certain medicinal substances to it, five-colored ganoderma will spontaneously grow there. During the Jiajing reign, Wang Jin even cultivated such ganoderma and presented it to Emperor Shizong. This was something never before mentioned by earlier scholars—and it is crucial that we know about it.”

Excerpt Chinese Materia Medica