DNA damaging potential of Ganoderma lucidum extracts

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Genotoxicology

Background:

• Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi/Reishi) is a medicinal mushroom with a history of use for various ailments and life extension.
• It's recognized as an adjuvant in cancer therapy, with polysaccharides modulating immune response and triterpenes exhibiting cytotoxicity.
• The precise DNA-damaging mechanisms of G. lucidum extracts compared to conventional drugs remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the DNA damaging potential of Ganoderma lucidum extracts.
• To utilize the β-galactosidase biochemical prophage induction assay (BIA) for assessing DNA damage in herbal medicines.
• To compare the genotoxic effects of G. lucidum with doxorubicin, a known DNA intercalating agent.

Main Methods:

• The study employed the β-galactosidase biochemical prophage induction assay (BIA).
• Ganoderma lucidum extracts were tested for their ability to induce DNA damage.
• Doxorubicin served as a positive control to validate the assay's sensitivity.

Main Results:

• A purified fraction of G. lucidum containing C16 and C18:1 fatty acids showed weak activity.
• This activity could not be attributed to direct DNA interaction.
• Doxorubicin induced significant DNA damage, contrasting sharply with G. lucidum extracts.

Conclusions:

• The micro BIA assay effectively differentiated cellular effects between G. lucidum extracts and doxorubicin.
• Ganoderma lucidum extracts exhibit a weak DNA damaging potential.
• These findings align with the traditional use of G. lucidum for promoting longevity by avoiding DNA injury.