Natural Compounds and Health Benefits of <i>Ganoderma capense</i>

Abstract

Ganoderma capense, a member of the Ganoderma genus within the Polyporaceae family, has long been recognized for its high nutritional value and extensive use in traditional medicine. Its primary distribution is in China and South Africa, with the type locality being South Africa. This species is rich in a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including various polysaccharides, glycopeptide macromolecules, and various small-molecule compounds, such as sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, steroids, and alkaloids. Research indicates that these chemical constituents exhibit numerous pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities, as well as inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, reduction in blood lipids, and promotion of neural synapse growth. Apart from its use in traditional Chinese medicine, the components of G. capense are utilized globally for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, febrile convulsions, HIV, and diabetes. This underscores the extensive medical applications of G. capense, emphasizing its significance in contemporary and traditional healthcare. This review summarizes the latest research findings on the bioactive compounds and pharmacological effects of G. capense, compiled from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Elsevier. This study aimed at providing researchers in this field with in-depth scientific insights and guidance, promoting further application and development in the pharmaceutical and food industries, and serving as a reference for subsequent exploration of active substances and the development of new disease treatments.

Keywords

• <i>Ganoderma capense</i>
• medicinal fungi
• bioactive compounds
• pharmacological effects