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Background Ganoderma is a white-rot fungus with a cosmopolitan distribution and includes several economically important species. This genus has been extensively researched due to its beneficial medicinal properties and chemical constituents with potential nutritional and therapeutic values. Traditionally, species of Ganoderma were identified solely based on morphology; however, recent molecular studies revealed that many morphology-based species are conspecific. Furthermore, some type species are in poor condition, which hinders us from re-examining their taxonomic characteristics and obtaining their molecular data. Therefore, new species and fresh collections with multigene sequences are needed to fill the loopholes and to understand the biological classification system of Ganoderma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than fifty medicinal mushrooms exhibit diverse therapeutic properties, with Ganoderma species holding particular historical significance in human diets and traditional medicine, especially in Asia, where they are esteemed for their purported contributions to vitality and longevity. Extensive research involving both in vitro and in vivo investigations has been undertaken to elucidate the diverse metabolic activities associated with Ganoderma. Nonetheless, a contentious issue persists regarding the classification of Ganoderma as either a health-promoting food supplement or a therapeutic drug for medical purposes. Various Ganoderma based products, including coffee, powder, tea, beverages, syrups, and lotions, have been commercially promoted as efficacious food and drug supplements offering health benefits. The industry has grown substantially over the past three decades, resulting in many products saturating the market. Despite the substantial scale of the industry, it grapples with inherent challenges in establishing a robust market presence. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of Ganoderma products and the industry while offering recommendations for fostering advanced research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Ganoderma holds profound importance in traditional medicine and modern scientific research. It is renowned for its medicinal properties and ecological significance, particularly in East Asian cultures, which have been revered for centuries. This mushroom has garnered significant attention in recent decades due to its ethnomedicinal use. The importance of Ganoderma genus in traditional medicine and scientific research cannot be overstated. Furthermore, extensive research has been conducted worldwide on the taxonomy and nomenclature of this fungus, although it remains controversial. However, research into the diversity and characterisation of Ganoderma species in Sri Lanka has been relatively limited, and the species diversity of Ganoderma is still not well known. Hence, we collected and identified Ganoderma species in the Sabaragamuwa and Western Provinces, Sri Lanka, aiming to increase research interest in this important mushroom genus. The collected specimens were identified based on comprehensive morphological analyses and rDNA-ITS sequence-based phylogeny. Three Ganoderma species, Ganoderma angustisporum J.H. Xing, B.K. Cui & Y.C. Dai, G. ellipsoideum Hapuar., T.C. Wen & K.D. Hyde, and G. orbiforme (Fr.) Ryvarden were identified in Sri Lanka for the first time. Additionally, a fungicolous strain of Trichoderma atroviride P. Karst. associated with the basidiocarps of G. angustisporum was identified for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma, a genus deeply rooted in traditional medicinal practices across diverse Asian cultures throughout history, has garnered renewed attention due to its promising biotechnological potential, particularly its health-enhancing properties. The distinctive characteristics exhibited by various species within the genus Ganoderma render them invaluable for a wide spectrum of applications in both industrial and pharmaceutical contexts. Recent advancements in biotechnological research have unveiled a plethora of captivating opportunities in which Ganoderma plays a pivotal role. These advancements encompass a range of biotechnological applications, including but not limited to enzyme production, extraction of bioactive compounds, bioremediation, bioprospecting, and biodegradation. The involvement of Ganoderma in these areas highlights its versatility and significance in contributing to advancements across multiple sectors. This comprehensive review explores the diverse biotechnological vistas of Ganoderma, offering insights into its multifaceted potential and the impact of its applications. By elucidating the various applications in biotechnology, this research aims to underscore its pivotal role in contemporary research and innovation. Furthermore, through a deeper exploration of the biotechnological potentials of Ganoderma, this review seeks to highlight its contributions and implications for future advancements in biotechnology and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has created an urgent need for novel antiviral agents, as it has led to a devastating loss of lives worldwide. In response, numerous vaccines were developed in 2022, with ongoing efforts for more candidates. Despite significant progress, reports of vaccine-related issues and side effects have emerged. The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines has been challenged by new viral variants, a lack of well-designed in vivo experiments, and randomised controlled trials. Currently, no clinically approved antiviral medications exist for treating COVID-19. However, a few broad-spectrum antiviral drugs have shown promising outcomes in clinical studies. Many scientists believe that natural compounds derived from herbal medicines and mushrooms could offer substantial benefits to COVID-19 patients. Ganoderma, known for its traditional use in promoting health and longevity, has a rich history of therapeutic applications and dietary supplementation. Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated that Ganoderma and its derivatives can enhance innate and adaptive immune responses against various pathogens, including viruses, in laboratory settings and living organisms. Therefore, the secondary metabolites in Ganoderma, such as triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins, hold significant potential for developing novel antiviral drugs. These compounds have demonstrated various antiviral mechanisms, including inhibition of viral replication, modulation of immune responses, and direct virucidal effects. Given the ongoing search for effective treatments against COVID-19, Ganoderma and its bioactive compounds stand out as promising candidates for further research and development. Their multifaceted antiviral mechanisms make them suitable for exploration as therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2, potentially contributing to developing novel antiviral drugs and enhancing the effectiveness of existing treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma, a genus of mushrooms known for its long history of medicinal use, has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. This review delves into the bioactive compounds found in Ganoderma and elucidates the intricate mechanisms underlying its immunomodulatory and anti-tumour activities. The diverse health-promoting effects of Ganoderma can be attributed to its decadent array of bioactive compounds, notably polysaccharides, and triterpenoids, which play a pivotal role. The ability of the mushroom to modulate the immune system, enhancing the activity of immune cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages, is a central focus. Furthermore, we explore how Ganoderma exerts anti-tumour effects through the induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and interference with various signalling pathways critical for cancer cell growth and metastasis. As research in this area continues to evolve, a comprehensive understanding of the potential of Ganoderma as a natural health supplement and its role in promoting well-being is emerging, offering promising avenues for further investigation and application in healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ganoderma is a white-rot fungus with a cosmopolitan distribution and includes several economically important species. This genus has been extensively researched due to its beneficial medicinal properties and chemical constituents with potential nutritional and therapeutic values. Traditionally, species of Ganoderma were identified solely based on morphology; however, recent molecular studies revealed that many morphology-based species are conspecific. Furthermore, some type species are in poor condition, which hinders us from re-examining their taxonomic characteristics and obtaining their molecular data. Therefore, new species and fresh collections with multigene sequences are needed to fill the loopholes and to understand the biological classification system of Ganoderma ., New Information: In a survey of Ganoderma in Guizhou Province, southwest China, we found a new species growing on soil and, herein, it was identified by both morphology and phylogenetic evidence. Hence, we propose a new species, Ganodermaovisporum sp. nov. This species is characterised by an annual, stipitate, laccate basidiome, with a red-brown to brownish-black pileus surface and pale white pores, duplex context, clavate pileipellis terminal cells, trimitic hyphal system, ellipsoid basidiospores with dark brown eusporium bearing coarse echinulae and an obtuse turgid appendix. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the novel species sisters to G.sandunense with high bootstrap support. Furthermore, the RPB2 sequence of G.sandunense is supplied for the first time. Notably, we re-examined the type specimen of G.sandunense and provide a more precise description of the duplex context, pileipellis terminal cells and basidia. All species collected are described and illustrated with coloured photographs. Moreover, we present an updated phylogeny for Ganoderma , based on nLSU, ITS, RPB2 and TEF1-α DNA sequence data and species relationships and classification are discussed., (Hong-De Yang, Yong Ding, Ting-Chi Wen, Kalani Kanchana Hapuarachchi, De-Ping Wei.)