Reishi, Lingzhi · 2026 · Journal Article
High relevanceAnti-influenza virus activities of triterpenes from the antler-shaped fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum.
Ganoderma lucidum
Key points
- Ganoderma, a famous fungus, has traditionally been used in China for thousands of years
- Fourteen previously undescribed triterpenes were isolated from the antler-shaped fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum
- Seven of these triterpenes showed inhibitory activity against influenza A virus (IAV) neuraminidase, with IC50 from 5.64 to 18.36 μM. One triterpene exhibited anti-IAV activity in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells
- Four triterpenes significantly reduced IAV-induced production of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β or IL-6 in A549 cells
- Our findings suggest that Ganoderma triterpenes provide new opportunities for the treatment of respiratory viral diseases
From the paper
Abstract
Ganoderma, a famous fungus, has traditionally been used in China for thousands of years. Fourteen previously undescribed triterpenes were isolated from the antler-shaped fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum. Seven of these triterpenes showed inhibitory activity against influenza A virus (IAV) neuraminidase, with IC50 from 5.64 to 18.36 μM. One triterpene exhibited anti-IAV activity in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Four triterpenes significantly reduced IAV-induced production of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β or IL-6 in A549 cells. Our findings suggest that Ganoderma triterpenes provide new opportunities for the treatment of respiratory viral diseases.
Citation
Shao H, Bai Y, Wu C, Sun J, Zhou Z, Chen R, et al. (2026). Anti-influenza virus activities of triterpenes from the antler-shaped fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum. Phytochemistry https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2026.114877 PMID: 41895425
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