Ganoderma lucidum (Ling-zhi): The Impact of Chemistry on Biological Activity in Cancer

Background: Ganoderma (Ganodermataceae), a genus of medicinal mushrooms, has been employed as an herbal medicine in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for over 2000 years. The fruiting bodies have been used historically in TCM, while the mycelia, and spores are now also used as a tonic, to stimulate the immune system and treat many diseases, including cancers. Keywords: Ganoderma lucidum, Ling-zhi, Ganodermataceae, cancer, polysaccharides, triterpenes.