Ganoderma lucidum extract protects DNA from strand breakage caused by hydroxyl radical and UV irradiation

The fruit bodies of Ganoderma lucidum have been used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases in the Orient. Its antitumor and immune enha ncing properties, along with no cytotoxicity, raise the possibility that it could be effective in preventing oxidative damage and resulting disease. U sing agarose gel electrophoresis, we have evaluated the potential of Ganode rma,lucidum extract as a radioprotector and antioxidant defense against oxy gen radical-mediated damage. Although the evidence presented here is based on in vitro using isolated DNA, the results clearly demonstrate that the ho t-water extract of Ganoderma lucidum, shows good radioprotective ability, a s well as protection against DNA damage induced by metal-catalyzed Fenton r eactions and UV irradiation. We also found that the water-soluble polysacch aride isolated from the fruit body of Ganoderma,lucidum, was as effective a s the hot-water extract in protecting against hydroxyl radical-induced DNA strand breaks, indicating that the polysaccharide compound is associated wi th the protective properties. Our data suggest that Ganoderma mushroom meri ts investigation as a potential preventive agent in humans.