Ganoderma lucidum, mushroom which can do wonders in healing various diseases

Ganoderma lucidum is a type of mushroom which is believed to have done wonders in the medical field. For centuries, the mushroom has been used to treat diabetes, inflammation, ulcer, and bacterial infections. Some even went on to say that it has the potential to even treat cancer. The medical importance of Ganoderma lucidum is being studied across the globe and Indian experts are also leaving no stone unturned to explore the benefits of the medical mushroom.

The mushroom is also known as the ‘Mushroom of immortality as it is supposedly filled with the potential to treat life-threatening diseases. The use of this mushroom for medical purposes can be traced back to 5,000 ago in China. Mentions of the mushroom can be found in centuries-old medical records of countries like Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and India. 

This mushroom, unlike normal mushrooms, grows on wood only. Experts have found that this mushroom carries almost 400 chemical constituents including triterpenes, polysaccharides, nucleotides, alkaloids, steroids, amino acids, fatty acids, and phenols which have properties like immunomodulatory, anti-hepatitis, anti-tumor, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-HIV, antimalarial, hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory properties. 

As this shiny red-brown mushroom is regaining its popularity because of its health benefits, attempts are being made to enhance its cultivation that can provide a source of business and livelihood to its farmers.