Ganoderma lucidum: King of Mushroom

Ganoderma lucidum is a species of macrofungi that grows on dead and deciduous trees. It is one of basidiomycetes rot fungi used to promote excellent health and longevity. The common name of this mushroom is Lingzhi or Reishi mushroom. G. lucidum is an important natural source of myco-compounds that are used to treat different diseases for numerous years. It has many bioactive components, including polysaccharides and triterpenes; thus; it is used in the treatment of cancer and the regulation of the human immune system. Recently, this mushroom has been used as an eco-friendly reducing agent in the green mycosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles. Moreover, G. lucidum was used in the pharmacological application, especially as antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antiviral, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, immune-modulatory, and anticancer agent.