Ganoderals

Fig. (7). Anliangiogenic effects of compound 1 (ganoderic acid F) isolated from iritcrpcnpoid farclions of GL lucidum.

Widespread reports indicate that, in addition to their anti-inflammatory role, triterpenes have other activities. Triterpenoids have been found to possess cytotoxic, antimicrobial and interesting effects on metabolism. Triterpenoids with antitumour activity include oleanane, lanostane, lupane, friedelane, hopane and quassionoid types. Glycyrrhetinic acid has been described as an antiviral, hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic agent. Cucurbitacins B and E, and oleanolic acid possess a potent protective action on the liver, and ganoderic acid and its derivatives have been shown to be inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis. Lanostane derivatives, like suberosol, have also been found to inhibit HIV replication in H9 lymphocytes [1,3]. 

Ganoderic acids, for example S, are found in the above- and under-ground parts of the fungus Ganoderma lucidum which is used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for tonic preparations to increase vitality. 27-Norlanostanes, for example (-)-17,23-epoxy-28-hydroxy-27-norlanost-8-ene-3,24-dione, are isolated from the bulbs of some Mediterranean grape hyacinths such as Muscari comosum and Scilla scilloides (Liliaceae). 

The Ganoderic/Ganodermic synonyms are best avoided as many of them have been duplicated. Use systematic names. 

Di-Ac [110024-14-1]. 3cc,22S-Diacetoxy- 5(x-hydroxy-1,9 ),24E-lanostatrien-26-oic acid. Ganoderic acid Q. Ganodermic acid P ... 

Constit. of G. lucidum. Syrup, [a] +23° (c, 0.2 in MeOH). Not clear whether this is identical with Ganoderic acid Q above. 

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