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PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES - TOXICOLOGY - DRUG INTERACTIONS

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi Mushroom)

The “Miraculous King of Herbs” – Ganoderma, is highly regarded for its medicinal properties
in the Far East and has unique properties that contribute much to the strengthening of the
immune system. A number of reports have demonstrated that Ganoderma polysaccharides
modulate immune function both in vivo and in vitro. The immunomodulating effects of
Ganoderma polysaccharides are extensive, including promoting the function of antigen-
presenting cells, the mononuclear phagocyte system, humoral immunity, and cellular immunity
(Lin, 2005). The basidiocarp, mycelia and spores of Ganoderma lucidum contain approximately
400 different bioactive compounds, which mainly include triterpenoids, polysaccharides,
nucleotides, sterols, steroids, fatty acids, proteins/peptides and trace elements which have been
reported to have a number of pharmacological effects (Sanodiya et al., 2009).

Toxicity for Ganoderma has not been documented in dogs and cats when administered orally in therapeutic
TOXICOLOGY Ganoderma polysaccharides is >5 g/kg of body weight in mice (Li et al., 2011). 50
doses. Oral LD of Ganoderma spore powder is >21.5 g/kg of body weight in mice (FDA, 1999). Oral LD of
50

Equivalent toxic dose in 20 kg dog: >430 g PO of Ganoderma spore powder.
Equivalent toxic dose in 5 kg cat: >107.5 g PO of Ganoderma spore powder.

DRUG Validated interactions studies do not exist for Ganoderma preparations. Clinical interactions
INTERACTIONS with other drugs have not been reported. However, caution is advised for those receiving

immunosuppressive therapies as Ganoderma potentiates the immune system. The inhibition of
platelet aggregation by Ganoderma may present an additive effect on anticoagulants (Wasser,
2005).

2 | Immunine -VM TM