Immunomodulatory Activity of Ganoderma lucidum (Ling Zhi, Reishi) Polysaccharide Extract on Delayed Type Hypersensitivity

International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, Volume 8, Issue 1, 2006

Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman Medical University, Kerman, Iran

Ganoderma lucidum has been recognized as an immunomodulatory natural product. This study investigated the effect of G. lucidum polysaccharide extract (Gl-PS) on the proliferation of mouse lymphocytes and the DTH (delayed type hypersensitivity) response test. Initially, we examined Gl-PS effect on proliferation of mouse lymphocytes in vitro , and then cell-mediated immune response was studied using the DTH test. Results indicate that Gl-PS 0.1 μg/ml can significantly increase proliferation of mouse lymphocytes in vitro . Finally, evaluation of the effect of Gl-PS on DTH response indicates that Gl-PS 100 mg/kg can increase DTH response against SRBC in BALB/c mice. We conclude that Gl-PS has a potent immunomodulatory effect and can be used for potentiation of the immune system against diseases, such as cancer, and other diseases in which the immune response has been weakened.

DOI:10.1615/IntJMedMushr.v8.i1