Ganoderic Acid and Lucidenic Acid (Triterpenoid).
Ganoderma species is known as a functional mushroom used in many Asian countries. Triterpenoids, ganoderic acids, and lucidenic acids have been isolated from Ganoderma species (Ganodermataceae family), such as Ganoderma lucidum. Triterpenoids have been investigated for their biological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, antiosteoclastic differentiation activity, anti-HIV-1, hepatoprotection, antioxidation, antihypertension, cholesterol reduction, and antiaggregation functions. In this chapter, the sources, biosynthesis, biological functions (including cell cytotoxicity, cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, anti-invasion, autophagy, anti-inflammation, antiosteoclastogenesis, antiasthma, and antihepatitis B activity), and pharmacokinetics of lucidenic acids and ganoderic acids are considered in detail here. This chapter briefly summarizes the multiple functions of lucidenic acids and ganoderic acids and their potential for fighting against human diseases.
School of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Chin-Lin
CL
Hsu
Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Agricultural Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan. Electronic address: gcyen@dragon.nchu.edu.tw.
Gow-Chin
GC
Yen
Biological functions; Ganoderic acids; Ganoderma species; Lucidenic acids; Pharmacokinetics