Preclinical studies have established that Linzhi or Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLPS) fractions have potent immuno-stimulating effects and anti-tumor activity. However, it is unclear whether these effects also appear in humans in vivo.
A study published in the Journal of Immunological Investigations indicated that GLPS extracted from Lingzhi could increase the immune function of advance-stage cancer patients.
Thirty-four patients with advanced- stage cancer were given the 1800mg of GLPS (Ganopoly), three times daily orally before meals for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of treatment, patients were assessed on their immune function.
Treatment of GLPS for 12 weeks resulted in a significant improvement in immune parameters:
1) The mean plasma concentrations of IL-2, IL-6 and interferon (IFN)-gamma were increased
2) The mean absolute number of CD56+ cells was significantly increased
3) The numbers of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ were marginally increased
4) Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was enhanced
5) Mean natural killer activity was significantly increased
6) Levels of IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) were significantly decreased.
This study found that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLPS) fractions enhanced the immune responses in patients with advanced-stage cancer.
Source: Immunol Invest. 2003 Aug:32(3):201-15.
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