![]() Unfortunately, the morphological characteristics are subject to variation resulting from, for example, differences in cultivation in different geographical locations under different climatic conditions and the natural genetic development (e.g., mutation, recombination) of individual species. Ganoderma species are found all over the world, and different characteristics, such as shape and color (red, black, blue/green, white, yellow, and purple) of the fruit body, host specificity, and geographical origin, are used to identify individual members of the species ( Zhao and Zhang 1994 Woo et al. Basidiocarps of this genus have a laccate (shiny) surface that is associated with the presence of thickwalled pilocystidia embedded in an extracellular melanin matrix ( Moncalvo 2000). Karsten is the species type ( Moncalvo 2000). In all, 219 species within the family have been assigned to the genus Ganoderma, of which G. The family Ganodermataceae describes polypore basidiomycetous fungi having a double-walled basidiospore ( Donk 1964). 2004 Lindequist, Niedermeyer, and Jülich 2005). Nevertheless, the Ganoderma species continue to be a popular traditional medicine in Asia and their use is growing throughout the world ( Wachtel-Galor, Buswell et al. However, its reputation as a panacea may have been earned more by virtue of its irregular distribution, rarity, and use by the rich and privileged members of Chinese society than by its actual effects. It was believed that the sacred fungus grew in the home of the immortals on the “three aisles of the blest” off the coast of China ( McMeekin 2005). Wild lingzhi is rare, and in the years before it was cultivated, only the nobility could afford it. lucidum acts to replenish Qi, ease the mind, and relieve cough and asthma, and it is recommended for dizziness, insomnia, palpitation, and shortness of breath. According to the State Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (2000), G. In the Supplement to Classic of Materia Medica (502-536 AD) and the Ben Cao Gang Mu by Li Shin-Zhen, which is considered to be the first pharmacopoeia in China (1590 AD Ming dynasty), the mushroom was attributed with therapeutic properties, such as tonifying effects, enhancing vital energy, strengthening cardiac function, increasing memory, and antiaging effects. lucidum ( Zhu, 1998 Upton 2000 Sanodiya et al. ![]() The book, which has been continually updated and extended, describes the beneficial effects of several mushrooms with a reference to the medicinal mushroom G. This book is also known as “Classic of the Materia Medica” or “Shen-nong’s Herbal Classics.” It describes botanical, zoological, and mineral substances, and was composed in the second century under the pseudonym of Shen-nong (“the holy farmer” Zhu, 1998). The first book wholly devoted to the description of herbs and their medicinal value was Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, written in the Eastern Han dynasty of China (25-220 AD). lucidum images extended beyond religion and appeared in paintings, carvings, furniture, and even women’s accessories ( Wasser 2005). lucidum images in art began in 1400 AD, and they are associated with Taoism ( McMeekin 2005). Lingzhi has been recognized as a medicinal mushroom for over 2000 years, and its powerful effects have been documented in ancient scripts ( Wasser 2005). However, recent reports provide scientific support to some of the ancient claims of the health benefits of lingzhi.ĩ.2. ![]() lucidum ( Figure 9.2) are based largely on anecdotal evidence, traditional use, and cultural mores. The various beliefs regarding the health benefits of G. The specific applications and attributed health benefits of lingzhi include control of blood glucose levels, modulation of the immune system, hepatoprotection, bacteriostasis, and more. These are produced from different parts of the mushroom, including mycelia, spores, and fruit body. lucidum products are available in various forms, such as powders, dietary supplements, and tea. lucidum is unique in that its pharmaceutical rather than nutritional value is paramount. In Chinese, the name lingzhi represents a combination of spiritual potency and essence of immortality, and is regarded as the “herb of spiritual potency,” symbolizing success, well-being, divine power, and longevity. (Courtesy of North American Reishi/Nammex.) (See color insert.) The lingzhi mushroom ( Ganoderma lucidum).
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