Ganoderma spore powder contains little triterpenoids

Area of Science:

• Pharmacognosy
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Food Science

Background:

• Ganoderma spore powder (GSP) is derived from Ganoderma fungi and is recognized for its potential in health products.
• The spore's germ cell is released during the fungus's mature growth phase.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify and compare triterpenoid content in broken and unbroken Ganoderma spore powder (GSP) against the Ganoderma lucidum fruiting body (GL).
• To assess the dissolution characteristics of triterpenoids in GSP following simulated digestion.

Main Methods:

• High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) was employed to analyze triterpenoids in 12 batches of GSP and GL samples.
• Liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) was used for verification.
• Bionic extraction simulated gastrointestinal fluid dissolution, analyzed via HPTLC.

Main Results:

• Broken GSP samples achieved a sporoderm-broken rate exceeding 85%.
• Triterpenoid levels in GSP were less than 50% relative to the fruiting body.
• Dissolution of triterpenoids from GSP was lower in simulated gastrointestinal fluid than in methanol.

Conclusions:

• Ganoderma spore powder (GSP) contains limited amounts of triterpenoids.
• The dissolution of triterpenoids from GSP in artificial gastrointestinal fluid is minimal, impacting bioavailability.