Advances in research on the active constituents and physiological effects of Ganoderma lucidum

Background Ganoderma lucidum , a double-walled basidiospore produced by porous basidiomycete fungi, has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years. It is considered a valuable Chinese medicine for strengthening body resistance, invigorating the spleen, and replenishing Qi. G. lucidum contains a variety of active ingredients, such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, nucleosides, sterols, alkaloids, polypeptides, fatty acids, steroids, and inorganic elements, and has anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotection, hypoglycemic, anti-melanogenesis, anti-aging, and skin barrier-repairing activity. Conclusions The review summarizes the traditional usages, distribution, active constituents, structure, and biological effects of G. lucidum , with an aim to offer directions for further research and better usage of G. lucidum as a medicinal raw material.