What is Ganoderma lucidum extract?
Ganoderma lucidum extract is prepared by processes such as hot water extraction (or alcohol extraction), vacuum concentration, spray drying of ripe fresh Ganoderma lucidum fruiting bodies harvested at the right time.It is the further concentration and purification of Ganoderma lucidum powder, and its main components are Ganoderma lucidum triterpenoids and Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides.
Ganoderma lucidum extracts differ greatly due to the different raw materials and extraction processes used. The extract prepared by the fruiting bodies of Duanwood Ganoderma lucidum containing spore powder as the raw material is of better quality.The extract prepared by the fruiting bodies of Duanwood Ganoderma lucidum from which the spore powder has been taken away is second in quality.The extract made from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum cultivated in bagged materials is of inferior quality.In terms of extraction technology, water extraction mainly extracts the crude polysaccharides in the fruiting bodies while alcohol extraction mainly extracts the triterpenoids in the fruiting bodies.
What are pharmacological effects of Ganoderma lucidum extract?
The water extract of the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum and its polysaccharides/polysaccharide peptides:
Immune regulation, anti-tumor, protection from radiotherapy and chemotherapy-induced injuries, analgesic, sedating and cardiac anti-ischemic effects, cerebral hypoxia-reoxygenation injury avoidance, blood pressure lowering, blood lipid regulation, blood sugar lowering, DNA polymerase activity enhancement, nucleic acid and protein syntheses, hypoxia tolerance, anti-oxidation, free radical scavenging, anti-aging, chemical and immunological liver injury prevention, anti-gastric ulcer, etc. are among the known functions associated with the watersoluble components in Ganoderma lucidum fruiting body.
The alcohol extract of the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum and its triterpenes:
In addition to the liver-protecting, anti-tumor, analgesic, sedative and antioxidative effects listed above for the polysaccharides and/or polysaccharide peptides, the alcohol extract also showed, in vitro, the inhibitive effects on tumor growth, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), histamine release, angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, cholesterol synthesis, platelet aggregation, etc.
(Excerpt from Zhi-Bin Lin’s “Lingzhi From Mystery to Science” May 2008 1st edition. P28-P29).
How to choose Ganoderma lucidum extract products?
1) See if the package has a blue hat sign. The label of health food is also called “blue hat” in the industry. It is the “ID card” of health food. This “ID card” is also a recognition of product quality.
2) Look at the origin of the raw materials of the products. Good raw materials can produce good products. As a raw material for health food, Ganoderma lucidum is of better quality through organic cultivation on logs.
3) Look at the content of characteristic components and health care functions. Crude polysaccharides and total triterpenes are the two major components of Ganoderma lucidum. Generally speaking, the higher the content of these two components, the better the health care effect.
4）Look at the health care function marked on the package. Consumers can choose the corresponding product according to the health function approved on the package. For example, GANOHERB Ganoderma lucidum spore and extract powder is labeled with two health-care functions: immunity enhancement and auxiliary protection against chemical liver injury.
5）Choose Ganoderma lucidum extracts from well-known brands. Be sure to buy it at a formal brand store, major pharmacy or other formal channels. This is the key to ensuring quality.
