Research II.

Conference: The Experimental Biology 2004At: Washington DCVolume: FASEB J. 2004; 18(4): A999 (650.7)
Authors:
Wen-Chuan Lin
Yue-Wen Wu
Ming-Chun Xie
Jia-Shi Zhu
Qinghai University

Abstract
Literature reported that Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is capable of protecting liver. This study is to examine the liver protective functions of ReishiMax (RM), a proprietary product containing both extract of G. lucidum fruit body and cracked spores of G. lucidum (Pharmanex). We used a CCl4 (20%, 0.5ml/rat)-induced liver injury rat model. RM was given daily to rats at a dose of 208, 624, 1664 mg/kg by gavage, starting one week prior to CCl4 injection, and continuously after CCl4 injection for 8 weeks to the end of experiment. CCl4 injection caused liver injuries in the vehicle control group, featuring increase in serum GOT and GPT, liver collagen, and spleen weight, decreases in serum albumin and liver total protein. RM supplementation reduced the transaminases (p<0.05~0.01) and liver collagen (p<0.01); prevented the reductions of serum albumin (p<0.05) and liver total protein (p<0.05); reduced spleen weight (p<0.05). Histopathology examination showed apparent improvement of liver structure in RM-treated rats. Our results demonstrated that RM protects the liver from chemical injuries, improves liver functions, and prevents injury-associated liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. (A research grant provided by Pharmanex)

Didem Sohretoglu1,2, Chao Zhang2,3, Jun Luo2,4 and Shile Huang 2,5

Abstract

“Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) extracts, as dietary supplements, have been found to exert potent anticancer activity, which is attributed to the presence of polysaccharides and triterpenes. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer action of G. lucidum extracts remains to be investigated. Here, we show that ReishiMax GLp, containing G. lucidum polysaccharides and triterpenes (GLPT), inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell death in human lung cancer cells (A549 and A427) and simultaneously suppressed the signaling pathways of mammalian target of rapamycin complexes 1 and 2 (mTORC1 and mTORC2), respectively. Mechanistically, GLPT downregulated the phosphorylation and protein levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGFR) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) as well as the protein level of RAS homolog enriched in brain (Rheb). In addition, GLPT also activated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) network. This was evidenced by observations that GLPT increased the phosphorylation of AMPKα (T172) and its substrates tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2, S1387) and regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (raptor, S792). Ectopic expression of dominant-negative AMPKα partially mitigated the inhibitory effect of GLPT on mTORC1, indicating that GLPT inhibits mTORC1 partly by activating AMPK. The results suggest that G. lucidum extracts exert anticancer action at least partly by suppressing mTORC1/2 signaling via activation of AMPK and inhibition of IGFR/PI3K/Rheb in tumor cells.”

A prestigious nutrition and health journal published a study using Pharmanex’s ReishiMax GLp. The study demonstrates the effects of Ganoderma lucidum on cell proliferation in breast cells. The study yielded results suggesting the Ganoderma lucidum, or Reishi Mushroom, had a desirable effect on healthy cell proliferation in human breast cells. This study was in response to a comprehensive review by national and international health organizations correlating the importance of proper nutrition.

This study suggests that the isolated polysaccharides and triterpenes within Reishi mushrooms contain healthy proliferation effects through different mechanisms, including by stimulation of the immune response (polysaccharides) or by the cytotoxic effects. Not only did these mechanisms prove to be efficacious in human breast cells but previous research has shown similar results in prostate cells as well.

Previously researchers had difficulty defining the biologically active components in their samples of Ganoderma lucidum. After purchasing Pharmanex® ReishiMax GLp powder extract with cracked-spore technology they were able to use a standardized amount of product thus enhancing the results of the study.

ReishiMax GLp®
Pharmanex’s ReishiMax GLp is a proprietary extract of Reishi mushroom that has been standardized for potency and effectiveness. Pharmanex’s cracked-spore technology unlocks reishi’s active ingredient making ReishiMax highly bioavailable. ReishiMax has been shown to support your body’s own natural immune system.*

Reishi mushroom has been used for over 2000 years in China for addressing a variety of health conditions. It is probably the most frequently referenced herb in Chinese medical texts and has traditionally been used to support healthy immune function and to promote longevity and vitality.(text nuskin.com)

ReishiMaxô is a dietary supplement developed and manufactured by Pharmanex, LLC, formulated to provide long-term nutritional support for a healthy immune system. ReishiMaxô has been demonstrated to support healthy immune system function and stimulate immune cell proliferation. ReishiMaxô is a proprietary Reishi extract, containing the highest level of actives currently on the market. This standardized product also incorporates cracked spores, a novel technology that releases Reishiís active ingredient, providing unique immune activity not found in other Reishi products.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushroom is a fungus occurring as a shelf-like form on the sides of fallen broad leaf trees and stumps. Reishi, also known in Asia as Lingzhi, is a basidiomycete and belongs to the family Polyporaceae. In nature, Reishi grows in densely wooded mountains with high humidity and low light and has been found primarily in China and Taiwan. The spores of Reishi have very tough outer husks with several layers. Reishi is a rare mushroom and is extremely hard to cultivate. In 1971, Yukio Naoi, a researcher at Japanís Kyoto University, successfully developed artificial wood log cultivation of Reishi. This discovery led to the ability to cultivate Reishi in large quantities with reproducible and consistent production. There are 62 types of Reishi, of which six are most common ó red, purple, blue, yellow, black, and white. Pharmanex has chosen to use red Reishi in ReishiMaxô because it can produce the highest quality extract and has been subject to the most scientific evaluation (INPR 1998, HKU 2001).
Reishi is one of the earliest herbal remedies recorded in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, between the years of 206 B.C. ó 8 A.D. (Shen 1997). Reishi, also known as Lingzhi, is one of the most valued and potent herbal products in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In China, Reishi is a TCM herb of choice as a general tonic for promoting longevity, vitality and endurance, and for health preservation. * As recorded in New Compilation of Materia Medica (y. 1757), Reishi ìbenefits heart and lung, nourishes the essence and vital energy, prevents from illness, and acts for millennia as a longevity-promoting herbal tonic.î* (Chang 1986, Ying 1987, Hsu 1986). Reishi is listed in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as ësuperior gradeí (Shen 1997). This grade is reserved only for TCM herbs that are non-toxic tonic herbs that are without side effects even when taken for a prolonged period of time.
The immune system is intricate, with a variety of functions vital to health. When functioning properly, the immune system is a formidable defense mechanism essential to maintaining optimal health. It recognizes a seemingly infinite number of viruses and bacteria and will even defend against changes in our own cells that pose serious threats to our well being. The immune system helps to prevent the consequences of these changes by removing damaged or aged cells and identifying and destroying altered cells damaged by oxidative stress.

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