Research Update | University of Macau Confirms That Ganoderma Spore Oil Enhances Immunity by Modulating Gut Microbiota.

A study published in the August 2020 issue of Pharmacological Research—jointly conducted by the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research of Chinese Medicine at the University of Macau (the corresponding author of the research report) and several domestic research institutions—found that:

Daily supplementation of mouse with ganoderma spore oil (800 mg/kg) for 27 consecutive days significantly enhanced the phagocytic capacity of macrophages and the cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Moreover, the effect was more pronounced at higher doses than at lower doses.

Macrophages and natural killer cells are the key players in the “innate immune response.” In the immune system, their role is akin to that of public security officers patrolling everywhere in the human world to maintain order—essentially serving as the frontline defenders against various bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells.

Therefore, the responsiveness of macrophages and natural killer cells can be significantly enhanced—from the usual 60 to 70 points up to 70 to 80 points—thanks to the supplementation with spore oil, undoubtedly increasing the immune system’s ability to effectively combat various “invisible enemies.”

Why does spore oil boost immunity? It’s closely linked to gut microbiota.

The gut is the body’s largest reservoir of immune cells and also harbors a diverse array of bacteria—commonly referred to as the “gut microbiota.” Different dietary habits can either promote or suppress various types of gut microbiota. Moreover, the composition and proportions of the gut microbiota, as well as the metabolites produced by different species of gut bacteria, can influence the direction and intensity of immune responses.

According to the analysis in this research report, after mice consumed spore oil for a period of time, both the composition of their gut microbiota and their metabolites underwent changes, such as:

An increase in beneficial bacteria such as those belonging to the genus Lactobacillus, a reduction in harmful bacteria such as those belonging to the genus Staphylococcus and Helicobacter, and changes—such as increases or decreases—in more than ten metabolites including dopamine and L-threonine, among others.

These changes all contribute to enhancing macrophages' phagocytic activity and boosting the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells.

Over the past few years, numerous studies have demonstrated that extracts from Ganoderma lucidum fruiting bodies and spore powder exert immune-enhancing effects closely linked to the regulation of gut microbiota and their metabolites. Now, finally, a study has filled in the gap regarding spore oil in this regard. A tripartite rivalry among these three key players is now clearly taking shape.

Although boosting the activity of macrophages and natural killer cells can enhance the defensive level of the innate immune response, truly achieving a comprehensive immune boost requires the support of other frontline sentinels—such as neutrophils and dendritic cells—as well as members of the adaptive immune response—including T cells, B cells, and antibodies—to form a complete and robust immune network.

The “three strengths” of Lingzhi each have their own unique approach to regulating immunity—so why not join forces and maximize your chances of defeating this “invisible enemy”?

[Source of Information]

Xu Wu, et al. An integrated microbiome and metabolomic analysis identifies immunoenhancing features of Ganoderma lucidum spore oil in mice. Pharmacol Res. 2020 Aug;158:104937. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104937.

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