Ganoderma Lucidum Extract: Scientific Innovation of the Traditional "Immortal Herb" in Modern Healthcare

Ganoderma lucidum of the age of thousands of years is currently gaining a fresh life due to the advent of contemporary extraction methods. It is one of the emerging trends in the world health business. Ganoderma lucidum is an invaluable healing plant, which is considered to be the Immortal Herb and it has been applied in medicine for more than two thousand years. Ganoderma lucidum has been in the list of first-grade medicinal herbs in Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica and its active components have been discovered due to modern scientific investigations. It has also been one of the brightest gems of traditional Chinese medicine. The modern extraction techniques have brought Ganoderma lucidum extract, which is a concentrate of the active elements of Ganoderma lucidum, to become one of the new trends in the health sector. According to the available data, the market value of Ganoderma lucidum extract is continuously on the rise worldwide with a high rate of consumption in healthcare food products. 

Ganoderic acid is extracted from fruiting bodies or mycelia of Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis: Fr.) P. Karst., fungus of the family Polyporaceae. Wild Ganoderma lucidum grows naturally on decomposing wood and stumps, but the main production method in the present times is artificial cultivation. Superior types of Ganoderma lucidum extract use modern extraction methods such as hot water extraction, ethanol extraction, and supercritical CO2 extraction, among others. The water-soluble ingredients, e.g. polysaccharides can be extracted using hot water, while the lipophilic ingredients, including triterpenoids, can be extracted using ethanol. The critical phases in the extraction process are raw material selection, extraction, concentration, purification, and drying to powder. The process requires the correct setting of temperature and process parameters to maintain the quantity of active substances. Extraction yield of high quality Ganoderma extract is normally 4-6% and this implies that 25 kg of dried Ganoderma gives 1 kg of extract. The indicators of quality are the content of polysaccharides and triterpenes, heavy metal limits, and the profile of bacteria. Product quality can be assured through standardized production processes and strict quality control. 

The primary biological property of Ganoderma extract is immunostimulation. Research has indicated that Ganoderma polysaccharides increase total immune indices, enhance macrophage phagocytosis and enhance natural killer cell cytotoxic activity. The findings of clinical trials indicate that Ganoderma extract increases the growth and differentiation of white blood cells, and enhances the anti-cancer activity of macrophages and T cells. According to a hospital research in China, Ganoderma lucidum preparations were found to have beneficial effects in the case of elderly people suffering from chronic bronchitis, and the effectiveness was more than 60%. Anti-aging and Antioxidation PPS and triterpenoids in Ganoderma lucidum has powerful antioxidant activity, that can efficiently remove free radicals as well as reduce cell concentration. Ganoderma lucidum extract has been demonstrated by science to improve tolerance to low-oxygen, eradicate the body's free radicals and protect the cell membranes thereby slowing aging. Its antioxidant effect is still active after the compound is absorbed and digested in the body. 

Ganoderma lucidum extract protects the heart and the brain in various ways. The clinical studies indicate that it reduces high blood pressure and is effective even in patients who do not respond to the usual blood pressure medication. Blood lipid profiles are regulated by Ganoderma triterpenoids based on studies that they inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis. The Ganoderma extract was found to reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides, bad cholesterol in the blood, but to increase good cholesterol in animal studies. Ganoderma extract is a good protector of the liver. The polysaccharide substances are highly efficient in protecting the liver, and experiments have indicated that they prevent chemically induced liver damage, including damage caused by carbon tetrachloride. In China, Ganoderma is used as an adjunctive therapy in acute and chronic hepatitis. The protective action against liver damage has been experimentally and clinically reported through traditional and scientific studies. 

How Ganoderma Extract is Used as a Health Product. Ganoderma extract is consumed as a nutritional supplement and is found in several health products such as capsules, tablets, powders and oral solutions. Ganoderma extract is most commonly used as a product to boost the immune system. Immune-Boosting Nutritional Supplements 

Ganoderma lucidum extract is frequently combined with vitamin C, zinc, and other nutrients that have a combined immune boosting effect. These supplements are recommended to those whose immunity is suppressed and to those recovering after surgery. 

Anti-Fatigue Operation of Nutrient Supplements 

Ganoderma lucidum extract is one of the important ingredients of sports nutrition products that enhance the production of energy by the mitochondria and decrease lactic acid concentration after exercise. Sports Nutrition powders and ready to drink liquids can be consumed at the convenience of the individual. 

Chronic Disease Support 

Ganoderma lucidum extract is promising in the auxiliary therapy of chronic diseases. Clinical Studies Daily consumption of 1.2-1.8 g Ganoderma polysaccharides tends to improve insulin sensitivity hence assists in the therapy of diabetes. Triterpenoid compounds help in reducing blood pressure by inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). To mention sleep and mood, a randomized double trial demonstrated that the continuous intake of Ganoderma lucidum extract containing 1.5 g of polysaccharides during 4 weeks enhanced sleep quality, with a 30% decrease of the value of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). This is scientific evidence backing the application of Ganoderma lucidum extract in sleep assisting products.¬† Ganoderma lucidum extract is also used with grape seed extract and astaxanthin and other active ingredients in anti-oxidant and anti-aging formulas that are designed to enhance the ability of the body to eliminate free radicals, and this meets the anti-aging market. 

The quality of Ganoderma lucidum extract is determined by the quality of the raw material and the extraction technique. Good products should have the standardized content of active ingredients, and the two key evaluation indices are the levels of polysaccharides and triterpenoids. When consumers want to buy the healthcare products of Ganoderma lucidum extract, they should read the safety test reports which include heavy metals, remains of pesticides, and bacteria. Reliable manufacturers are willing to provide all the information concerning the tests to confirm that the products are safe. To maintain health, the usual dosage per day is 30120 mg (with a polysaccharide content of 10 -12.5%). The therapeutic dosage may be as high as 250 mg, 1-4 times a day. To avoid stomach issues, it should be taken with food. Most of the population is tolerant of Ganoderma lucidum extract with minor side effects like dizziness and dry mouth in a small population. Pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, and those on blood thinners should consult a doctor before using it. 

The market of Ganoderma lucidum extract is increasing very rapidly due to the increase in the world population that is becoming more aware of health issues. Ganoderma lucidum based healthcare products are expected to have a steady market growth over the next five years. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market, with North America and Europe recording high growth rates. Genetic engineering and fermentation technology advancements will increase the bioactive content of Ganoderma lucidum extracts in the future. Customized formulas that address specific health needs of individual consumers will be developed due to the trend of personalized nutrition. The multi-millennium-old healing herb Ganoderma lucidum, has developed a powerful synergy with the contemporary scientific developments which open up new doors to human health.