Ganoderma lucidum dry extract supplementation modulates T lymphocyte function in older women

Ganoderma lucidum (a mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine) compounds may attenuate ageing-related physiological changes and restore normal immunity. However, studies on the physiological effects of Ganoderma lucidum dry extract food supplements are few. Therefore, here, we aimed to investigate the effects of Ganoderma lucidum dry extract food supplement on the lymphocyte function of older women. This was a double-blind clinical trial (n 60) with a final 39 older volunteers, divided into two groups Ganoderma lucidum (n 23) and placebo (n 16). The Ganoderma lucidum group received 2000 mg/d of Ganoderma lucidum dry extract for 8 weeks. We used flow cytometry to determine the lymphocyte profile. CD4⁺ lymphocyte gene expression was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We observed that in the Ganoderma lucidum group, concanavalin A stimulation increased lymphocyte proliferation. Further, we observed an increase in expression of Forkhead box P3, transforming growth factor-beta, IL-10, IL-6, retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma, GATA-binding protein 3 and interferon gamma genes in the Ganoderma lucidum group. Furthermore, in the Ganoderma lucidum group, ionomycin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulation led to decrease in Th17⁺ cells and increase in Th2⁺ cells. Thus, in older women, Ganoderma lucidum regulates T lymphocyte function leading to a predominant anti-inflammatory action but does not induce T lymphocyte proliferation through CD28 signalling pathway.