The flu is most active in winter, and scientific studies have demonstrated that ganoderic triterpenes from Reishi mushroom possess anti-influenza properties.

In winter, especially during sudden drops in temperature, influenza viruses are most likely to spread. At this time, in addition to relying on ganoderma polysaccharides to help maintain a strong immune system, we also need substances that can inhibit the influenza virus. Lingzhi Only total triterpenes can provide greater health protection.


The flu is different from the common cold.

Compared to the common cold—caused by typical cold viruses—which usually manifests as a sore throat, runny nose, and general discomfort lasting just two or three days before resolving— influenza, caused by the influenza virus, typically lasts longer than seven days. Moreover, it’s not just a sore throat and runny nose; it also brings on more severe symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches.

The influenza virus, which causes the flu, can further be classified into two types—Type A and Type B—based on its structural characteristics.


Type A influenza is the most challenging.

The influenza B virus has a genome that is less prone to mutation, or undergoes only minor mutations. Therefore, once infected, the antibodies produced by the body can generally remain effective for a long time and are unlikely to cause serious complications.

What’s particularly troubling is the influenza A virus. The H1N1, H5N1, and H3N2A strains—once responsible for global pandemics—belong to this category of viruses. Because they can easily “evolve” through genetic mutations, when they invade the body, the immune system’s existing antibodies become ineffective, and it takes time for the body to produce new antibodies.

This is also why people have relatively weak resistance to the influenza A virus, making it prone to large-scale outbreaks and even capable of causing serious complications such as pneumonia, with a relatively high mortality rate.


Mechanism of Ganoderma triterpenes in inhibiting influenza viruses

In 2015, a team led by Associate Professor Kuniyoshi Shimizu from Kyushu University in Japan published a report in Scientific Reports indicating that ganoderic triterpenoids can inhibit the activity of "neuraminidase," thereby preventing the proliferation and spread of influenza A virus. Among these triterpenoids, several show particular promise for further development into new antiviral drugs against influenza.

Neuraminidase is one of the two protein receptors protruding from the surface of influenza A viruses—the “N” in the so-called “HxNx” designation. It plays a crucial role in enabling the influenza virus to spread throughout the body.

The appearance of the influenza A virus H1N1 under an electron microscope: The surface of the viral particles features spine-like protrusions. These protrusions come in two types, one of which is neuraminidase, abbreviated as “N.” (Source: Wikipedia, provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

The results showed that these 31 ganoderic triterpenes, at a concentration of 200 μM, all exhibited varying degrees of inhibition against the neuraminidase activity of the five influenza A viruses. Moreover, no single triterpene could completely outperform all the viruses (details are shown in the table below).

31 triterpenes found in Ganoderma lucidum fruiting bodies
Inhibition rates of neuraminidase activity against five types of influenza A viruses

(Source: Sci Rep. 2015 Aug 26; 5:13194.)

Currently resides in Taipei City. Has been reporting firsthand on Ganoderma lucidum since 1999 and continues to do so to this day. Currently a reporter for Taiwan’s “Ganoderma News Network” and a contributing editor for “Healthy Ganoderma” magazine. Author of “Ganoderma: Truly Marvelous.”

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