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Reishi, Lingzhi · 2026 · Journal Article

High relevance

Anti-influenza virus activities of triterpenes from the antler-shaped fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum.

Ganoderma lucidum

OncologyImmune supportMetabolic healthLiver support
SpeciesReishi, Lingzhi
JournalPhytochemistry
Year2026

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 IC 50 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

Metadata-grounded summary

Citation 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 IC 50 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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