Exploring the health benefits of Ganoderma: antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of action
Ganoderma, a well-known medicinal mushroom, has garnered attention for its broad therapeutic properties, particularly its potent antimicrobial activities. This review focuses on the mechanisms of action and bioactive compounds responsible for the ability of Ganoderma to inhibit various pathogenic mi...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1535246/full |
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| author | Samantha C. Karunarathna Nimesha M. Patabendige Kalani K. Hapuarachchi Itthayakorn Promputtha Itthayakorn Promputtha Itthayakorn Promputtha |
| author_facet | Samantha C. Karunarathna Nimesha M. Patabendige Kalani K. Hapuarachchi Itthayakorn Promputtha Itthayakorn Promputtha Itthayakorn Promputtha |
| author_sort | Samantha C. Karunarathna |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Ganoderma, a well-known medicinal mushroom, has garnered attention for its broad therapeutic properties, particularly its potent antimicrobial activities. This review focuses on the mechanisms of action and bioactive compounds responsible for the ability of Ganoderma to inhibit various pathogenic microorganisms. The polysaccharides, triterpenoids, proteins, and phenolic compounds in Ganoderma exhibit strong antimicrobial effects by targeting bacterial cell walls, disrupting membrane integrity, and inhibiting key microbial enzymes. These compounds are effective against a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and various fungi. Triterpenoids, specifically, have demonstrated efficacy in modulating immune responses, further enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms against infections. Furthermore, the role of Ganoderma in preventing biofilm formation and combating antibiotic-resistant strains highlights its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. While in vitro and in vivo studies strongly support the antimicrobial properties of Ganoderma, future resety -50arch should focus on large-scale clinical trials to confirm its efficacy and explore its synergistic effects with conventional antibiotics. Establishing standardized dosages and exploring the molecular pathways of its antimicrobial actions will be key to incorporating Ganoderma into clinical practice for infection control. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-285310286f86470985daa89e1602cbea |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2235-2988 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology |
| spelling | doaj-art-285310286f86470985daa89e1602cbea2025-08-20T02:40:13ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology2235-29882025-07-011510.3389/fcimb.2025.15352461535246Exploring the health benefits of Ganoderma: antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of actionSamantha C. Karunarathna0Nimesha M. Patabendige1Kalani K. Hapuarachchi2Itthayakorn Promputtha3Itthayakorn Promputtha4Itthayakorn Promputtha5Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biology and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, ChinaSchool of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, AustraliaCollege of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, ChinaDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, ThailandEnvironmental Science Research Center (ESRC), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, ThailandNatural Extracts and Innovative Products for Alternative Healthcare Research Group, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, ThailandGanoderma, a well-known medicinal mushroom, has garnered attention for its broad therapeutic properties, particularly its potent antimicrobial activities. This review focuses on the mechanisms of action and bioactive compounds responsible for the ability of Ganoderma to inhibit various pathogenic microorganisms. The polysaccharides, triterpenoids, proteins, and phenolic compounds in Ganoderma exhibit strong antimicrobial effects by targeting bacterial cell walls, disrupting membrane integrity, and inhibiting key microbial enzymes. These compounds are effective against a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and various fungi. Triterpenoids, specifically, have demonstrated efficacy in modulating immune responses, further enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms against infections. Furthermore, the role of Ganoderma in preventing biofilm formation and combating antibiotic-resistant strains highlights its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. While in vitro and in vivo studies strongly support the antimicrobial properties of Ganoderma, future resety -50arch should focus on large-scale clinical trials to confirm its efficacy and explore its synergistic effects with conventional antibiotics. Establishing standardized dosages and exploring the molecular pathways of its antimicrobial actions will be key to incorporating Ganoderma into clinical practice for infection control.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1535246/fullantimicrobial activitybiofilm inhibitionpathogenic bacteriapolysaccharidessynergistic effectstriterpenoids |
| spellingShingle | Samantha C. Karunarathna Nimesha M. Patabendige Kalani K. Hapuarachchi Itthayakorn Promputtha Itthayakorn Promputtha Itthayakorn Promputtha Exploring the health benefits of Ganoderma: antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of action Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology antimicrobial activity biofilm inhibition pathogenic bacteria polysaccharides synergistic effects triterpenoids |
| title | Exploring the health benefits of Ganoderma: antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of action |
| title_full | Exploring the health benefits of Ganoderma: antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of action |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the health benefits of Ganoderma: antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of action |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the health benefits of Ganoderma: antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of action |
| title_short | Exploring the health benefits of Ganoderma: antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of action |
| title_sort | exploring the health benefits of ganoderma antimicrobial properties and mechanisms of action |
| topic | antimicrobial activity biofilm inhibition pathogenic bacteria polysaccharides synergistic effects triterpenoids |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1535246/full |
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