This book presents a state-of-the-art report on recent advances concerning Ganoderma and where the field is going. Although some older work is also cited, the main focus is on advances made over the past 20 years in the pharmacology and clinical applications of Ganoderma. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) has been used as a traditional medicine in Asian countries to maintain health and to treat diseases for more than two thousand years. Recently, its value has been demonstrated in preventing and treating certain diseases, such as tumors, liver disorders, renal injury, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, cerebral ischemia reperfusion, bronchitis etc. In addition, laboratory and clinical studies have confirmed that the chemical components of Ganoderma, such as Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptides and triterpenes isolated from the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum, produce diverse pharmacological effects. Ganoderma and its components play an important part in antioxidant stress, radical-scavenging, immunomodulation, and intracellular signaling regulation, and accordingly warrant further study. This book systematically reviews the latest advances in our understanding of pharmacology and clinical applications of Ganoderma, and offers researchers and graduate students valuable new insights into the pharmacology and clinical applications of Ganoderma and related products.

Annotation. Diseases caused by Ganoderma species cause major losses of palms and other perennial crops throughout the world, and these are particularly significant in Asia. Successive replanting of crop monocultures can be rapidly exploited by soil borne fungi such as Ganoderma, and the problem will become more serious in the 21st century, as more areas become due for second or even third replanting. Environmental considerations will reduce exploitation of new forest areas, making further replanting of these crops inevitable. Thus, appropriate, integrated management systems for these diseases are vital. However, the development of such control measures has been hampered in the past by a limited knowledge of the nature and inter-relationships of populations of different hosts and the mechanisms of disease establishment and spread.This book aims to address these limitations through enhanced knowledge of the biology and taxonomy of Ganoderma species. The use of molecular and biochemical methods can be used to provide a greater understanding of the spread of the pathogen, and consequently, the improved management of disease.

This book presents a state-of-the-art report on recent advances concerning Ganoderma and where the field is going. Although some older work is also cited, the main focus is on advances made over the past 20 years in the research history, classification, chemical components and industry of Ganoderma. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) has been used as a traditional medicine in Asian countries to maintain health and to treat diseases for more than two thousand years. Recently, its value has been demonstrated in preventing and treating certain diseases, such as tumors, liver disorders, renal injury, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, cerebral ischemia reperfusion, bronchitis etc. In addition, laboratory and clinical studies have confirmed that the chemical components of Ganoderma, such as Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptides and triterpenes isolated from the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum, produce diverse pharmacological effects. Ganoderma and its components play an important part in antioxidant stress, radical-scavenging, immunomodulation, and intracellular signaling regulation, and accordingly warrant further study. This book systematically reviews the latest advances in our understanding of Ganoderma’s basic knowledge, history of modern research, species, cultivation, components, spore polysaccharide and industry of Ganoderma, and offers researchers and graduate students valuable new insights into the development and clinical applications of Ganoderma and related products.

The global popularity of herbal supplements and the promise they hold in treating various disease states has caused an unprecedented interest in understanding the molecular basis of the biological activity of traditional remedies. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects focuses on presenting current scientific evidence of biomolecular ef

Comprehensive and timely, Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms: Technology and Applications provides the most up to date information on the various edible mushrooms on the market. Compiling knowledge on their production, application and nutritional effects, chapters are dedicated to the cultivation of major species such as Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Agaricus subrufescens, Lentinula edodes, Ganoderma lucidum and others. With contributions from top researchers from around the world, topics covered include: Biodiversity and biotechnological applications Cultivation technologies Control of pests and diseases Current market overview Bioactive mechanisms of mushrooms Medicinal and nutritional properties Extensively illustrated with over 200 images, this is the perfect resource for researchers and professionals in the mushroom industry, food scientists and nutritionists, as well as academics and students of biology, agronomy, nutrition and medicine.

Updated and expanded second edition of the leading reference book on the clinical use of medicinal mushrooms. Written by a biochemist and herbalist with over 20 years' experience of working with medicinal mushrooms, this book provides an in-depth resource for healthcare practitioners. It covers 20 of the most widely used species and contains sections on their use for cancer and other health conditions, as well as discussion of the different formats of mushroom supplement available . 'This really important book is a unique and excellent compilation.' Dr SP Wasser - Editor, International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 'This beautifully illustrated book is an invaluable resource on medicinal mushrooms.' Giovanni Maciocia - Author, Foundations of Chinese Medicine 'Easily the most accessible primer on the pharmacology, applications and Chinese medical uses of the top mycological medicinals.' Journal of Chinese Medicine

Management of High Altitude Pathophysiology presents a comprehensive overview on the various therapeutic practices and ongoing research relating to the development of more potent and novel formulations for managing high altitude pathophysiology. It provides a detailed application of both herbal and non-herbal therapeutic agents, including their nanoformulations. This important reference provides benefits to the medical and herbal scientific communities, doctors treating patients with high altitude complications, individuals travelling to high altitudes for recreation or work, and scientists working on future drug development. - Provides the recent advances and potential therapeutic agents for ameliorating the high-altitude complications - Includes herbal remedies for the prophylaxis and treatment of the high-altitude maladies - Elucidates the significance of Yogic practices and ergonomics in managing stress at high altitude

Bioactive Polysaccharides offers a comprehensive review of the structures and bioactivities of bioactive polysaccharides isolated from traditional herbs, fungi, and seaweeds. It describes and discusses specific topics based on the authors' rich experience, including extraction technologies, practical techniques required for purification and fractionation, strategies and skills for elucidating the fine structures, in-vitro and in-vivo protocols, and methodologies for evaluating the specific bioactivities, including immune-modulating activities, anti-cancer activities, anti-oxidant activities, and others. This unique book also discusses partial structure-functionality (bioactivities) relationships based on conformational studies. This comprehensive work can be used as a handbook to explore potential applications in foods, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceutical areas for commercial interests. - Serves as a comprehensive review on extraction technologies, and as a practical guide for the purification and fractionation of bioactive polysaccharides - Brings step-by-step strategies for elucidating the fine structures and molecular characterizations of bioactive polysaccharides - Includes detailed experimental design and methodologies for investigation bioactivities using both in-vitro and in-vivo protocols - Clarifies how to extract, purify, and fractionate bioactive polysaccharides, also exploring health benefits - Useful as a guide to explore the commercial potentials of bioactive polysaccharides as pharmaceuticals, medicine, and functional foods

For the past two millennia, Ganoderma has been prized as the "mushroom of immortality" in ancient Asian cultures, owing to its health benefits. Modern research has further revealed that the genus is rich in bioactive components, including polysaccharides and triterpenoids, uncovering various medicinal prospects both in vitro and in vivo. Clinical trials conducted so far have emphasized the safe and effective use of the mushrooms, with a particular focus on Ganoderma lucidum. Currently, the Ganoderma-based industry is witnessing a significant surge, offering a plethora of dietary and medicinal products. Recognizing the impact of these developments, the book Ganoderma: Cultivation, Chemistry, and Medicinal Applications Volume 2 aims to consolidate the latest information on the macrofungi, emphasizing its bioactive compounds, diverse therapeutic effects, and industrial applications. Key Features: This book provides a thorough exploration of Ganoderma polysaccharides, unraveling their chemical composition, structure, and potential health benefits. Comprehensive coverage is provided to understand antimicrobial properties of the medicinal mushrooms. The text also delves into the potential role of Ganoderma in safeguarding against various skin diseases, accompanied by discussions on underlying mechanisms. A detailed examination of Ganoderma includes its potential cardioprotective effects, encompassing impacts on blood pressure, cholesterol level, and overall heart function. This book also provides an in-depth analysis of the capacity of the macrofungi to stimulate the immune system. The volume encompasses findings related to the impact of Ganoderma on prevention or mitigation of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, it contributes to the understanding of medicinal applications by exploring Ganoderma-based nanoparticles, offering novel insights into potential therapeutic avenues. A comprehensive overview of the Ganoderma-inspired industry highlights its diverse contributions ranging from dietary supplements, cosmeceuticals, and nutricosmetics to healthcare products.