Ganoderma
Lucidum
seu Japonicum
Source
The sporophore of Ganoderma Lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst. or G. japonicum
(Fr.) Lloyd, family Polyporaceae.
Characteristics
Umbrella like fungi composed of pileu and stipe. Pileu flat semicircular,
circular of reniform. Dorsal surface yellow-brown, with annular ridges
and radial veins; ventral surface nearly white to brownish, with many
small pores in which there are numerous basidiospores. Stipe mostly laterally
located curved in zigzag way, yellow-brown. Corky in texture, light in
weight. G. japonicum similar to the former, but deep purple in colour,
stipe laterally or mesially located. Both are bland in taste, warm in
nature, and attributive to heart, spleen, lung, liver and kidney channels.
Indication
1. Tranquilize the mind, enrich vital energy and blood: For deficiency
of heart energy or heart-blood manifested as insomnia, dreaminess, amnesia,
dullness, frightening and severe palpitation; also used for all types
of vital energy deficiency syndrome and blood-deficiency syndrome.
2. Eliminate phlegm, relieve cough and dyspnea: For deficiency-syndrome
with cough and dyspnea. Recently also used for hyperlipemia, hypertension,
coronary heart diseases, arrhythmia, leukocytopenia and hepatitis.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Sedative and analgesic.
2. Increasing the tolerance of cold and anoxia in experimental mice.
3. Exerting mild and prolonged hypotensive effect in rabbits.
4. Protecting the liver of mouse from impairment and decreasing the level
of SGI'T (serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase).
5. Decreasing the level of blood sugar.
6. Antitussive and expectorant.
Administration Decoction: 3-10g.