New Research Findings | Brazilian Animal Studies Confirm: “Water Extract + Alcohol Extract of Ganoderma Lucidum” Protects Islet Cells and Slows Down the Progression of Diabetes

Once the pancreatic beta cells that secrete insulin have begun to be damaged, diabetes will only spiral further and further into an irreversible downward trajectory. So what role can ganoderma (lingzhi) still play? A report published in July 2018 by Brazilian scholars in the journal Medicines explored precisely this topic.

The Ganoderma extract used in this study contains 80% Ganoderma. Ganoderma lucidum The aqueous extract of the fruiting bodies, as well as a 20% ethanol extract of the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum, were analyzed by HPLC. The analysis revealed that, in addition to ganoderic acids, this Ganoderma lucidum extract also contains a variety of phenolic compounds.

First, the researchers injected streptozotocin (STZ) into the rats to destroy the pancreatic islet β-cells. Then, they administered Ganoderma lucidum extract orally at a daily dose of 1 mL per kilogram of body weight for 30 consecutive days.

The experiment also included a normal control group (rats with normal blood glucose levels), a Ganoderma lucidum + normal glucose group (normal rats administered Ganoderma lucidum extract), and a diabetes group (diabetic rats receiving no treatment whatsoever), for comparison with the previously mentioned “Ganoderma lucidum + diabetes group.”

The results showed that weight loss, elevated blood glucose levels, increased lipid profiles (cholesterol and triglycerides), and elevated renal indices (urea and creatinine) caused by diabetes were all significantly improved by Ganoderma lucidum extract (Figures 1–3).

Figure 1: Body weight changes in rats from each group after 30 days of the experiment

Figure 2: Blood Glucose Changes in Rats Across Groups During the Experiment

Figure 3: Lipid and renal indices of rats in each group after 30 days of the experiment

Meanwhile, ganoderma extract also protects pancreatic beta cells: At the end of the experiment, the average islet area in the “Ganoderma + Diabetes Group” was still half that of the normal control group (96.5 μm²), whereas the islet area in the diabetes-only group had dwindled to almost nothing (3.4 μm²). This finding, to some extent, explains why blood glucose levels in the “Ganoderma + Diabetes Group” did not rise as dramatically as those in the “Diabetes Group.”

In addition, the researchers also analyzed the levels of tryptophan in the blood of the experimental animals. This essential amino acid is a key component in the synthesis of serotonin—a neurotransmitter closely linked to sleep and mood—but metabolic disturbances caused by diabetes often lead to extensive degradation of tryptophan, resulting in severe tryptophan deficiency.

According to the experimental results, Ganoderma lucidum can improve this condition and even increase the tryptophan levels in the blood of diabetic rats to higher levels than those in rats with normal blood glucose. The researchers believe that the increase in tryptophan could be beneficial for improving the overall health of diabetic patients.

The diabetes observed in the above-mentioned experimental animals closely resembles human type 1 diabetes—where the pancreatic beta cells are attacked by the immune system, leading to an insulin deficiency and the onset of diabetes that requires lifelong insulin therapy. However, type 2 diabetes—caused by diet or obesity and characterized by cellular resistance to insulin—often progresses to a stage where the pancreatic beta cells become severely exhausted due to excessive insulin secretion.

Therefore, the aforementioned research findings can serve not only as a reference for type 1 diabetes but also as a valuable guide for type 2 diabetes. Perhaps, before the situation deteriorates to a critical stage, we can take extra measures to protect pancreatic β-cells and slow down the progression of diabetes. Health foods containing “Ganoderma lucidum water extract + alcohol extract” would be a worthwhile option to consider.

[Source] Bach EE, et al. Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Ganoderma lucidum in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. Medicines (Basel). 2018 Jul 28;5(3). pii: E78.

[About the Author / Wu Tingyao]
Having reported firsthand on Lingzhi since 1999, the author continues to do so to this day and is the author of “Lingzhi: Marvelous Beyond Words” (published by People’s Medical Publishing House in April 2017).

★This article is published with the exclusive authorization of the author; all rights are reserved by GanoHerb. ★Without GanoHerb’s authorization, this work may not be reproduced, excerpted, or used in any other way. ★For works already authorized for use, please use them within the scope of the authorization and clearly indicate the source: GanoHerb. ★GanoHerb will pursue legal liability against those who violate the above statement.