International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, Vol. 8, pp. 1–5 (2006)

Immunomodulatory Activity of Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.:Fr.) P. Karst. (Ling Zhi, Reishi) Polysaccharide Extract on Delayed Type Hypersensitivity

Shafi Mojadadi, Massoumeh Ebtekar, & Zuhair Mohammad Hassan

Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modarres University, P. O. Box: 14115-111, Tehran, Iran

Address all correspondence to Shafi Mojadadi,Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences,

Tarbiat Modarres Uni-versity, P.O. Box: 14115-111, Tehran, Iran; Fax 0098[21] 8006544; [email protected]

ABSTRACT: Ganoderma lucidum has been recognized as an immunomodulatory natural product. This study investigated the effect of G. lucidum polysaccharide extract (Gl-PS) on the proliferation of  mouse lymphocytes and the DTH (delayed type hypersensitivity) response test. Initially, we exam-ined Gl-PS effect on proliferation of mouse lymphocytes in vitro, and then  cell-mediated immune re-sponse was studied using the DTH test. Results indicate that  Gl-PS 0.1 µg/ml can significantly in-crease proliferation of mouse lymphocytes in vitro.  Finally, evaluation of the effect of Gl-PS on DTH response indicates that Gl-PS 100 mg/kg can increase DTH response against SRBC in BALB/c mice. We conclude that Gl-PS  has a potent immunomodulatory effect and can be used for potentiation of the immune system  against diseases, such as cancer, and other diseases in which the immune re-sponse has been weakened.

KEY WORDS: Ganoderma lucidum, Ling Zhi, reishi mushroom, medicinal mushrooms, MTT assay, delayed type hypersensitivity, polysaccharides

 

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