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Review
. 2023 Dec 16;23(1):324.
doi: 10.1186/s12935-023-03146-8.

Exploring the anti-cancer potential of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) and their versatile role in enhancing drug delivery systems: a multifaceted approach to combat cancer

Xiaoli Gao  1 , Mina Homayoonfal  2
Affiliations
Review

Exploring the anti-cancer potential of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) and their versatile role in enhancing drug delivery systems: a multifaceted approach to combat cancer

Xiaoli Gao et al. Cancer Cell Int. .

Erratum in

Abstract

There has been a growing global interest in the potential health benefits of edible natural bioactive products in recent years. Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal mushroom, has gained attention for its decadent array of therapeutic and pharmaceutical compounds. Notably, G. lucidum exhibits significant anti-cancer effects against various cancer types. Polysaccharides, a prominent component in G. lucidum, are pivotal in conferring its diverse biological and medicinal properties. The primary focus of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer activities of G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs), with particular attention to their potential to mitigate chemotherapy-associated toxicity and enhance targeted drug delivery. Our findings reveal that GLPs exhibit anti-cancer effects through diverse mechanisms, including cytotoxicity, antioxidative properties, apoptosis induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and anti-proliferative effects. Furthermore, the potential of GLPs-based nanoparticles (NPs) as delivery vehicles for bioactive constituents was explored. These GLPs-based NPs are designed to target various cancer tissues, enhancing the biological activity of encapsulated compounds. As such, GLPs derived from G. lucidum represent a promising avenue for inhibiting cancer progression, minimizing chemotherapy-related side effects, and supporting their utilization in combination therapies as natural adjuncts.

Keywords: Cancer; Ganoderma lucidumm; Immunoregulation; Nanoparticle; Polysaccharides.

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Conflict of interest statement

None.

Figures

Fig.1
Fig.1
Immunomodulating effects of GLPs in different types of cancer
Fig.2
Fig.2
Mechanisms of cell death induction by GLPs
Fig.3
Fig.3
Molecular pathways associated with suppression of angiogenesis and metastasis by GLPs
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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