Effects of Ganopoly1 (A Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Extract) on the Immune Functions in Advanced-Stage Cancer Patients

Authors: Yihuai Gao, Shufeng Zhou, Wenqi Jiang, Min Huang, and Xihu Dai

Journal: Immunological Investigations

Study Design:

• Intervention: 1800 mg Ganopoly1 three times daily orally before meals
• Participants: 34 advanced-stage cancer patients
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Outcome Measures:
  • Plasma cytokine concentrations (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IFN-\u03b3, and TNF-\u03b1)
  • Lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD56+)
  • Mitotic response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA)
  • Natural killer (NK) cell activity

Summary: This study investigated the effects of Ganopoly1, a polysaccharide extract from Ganoderma lucidum, on immune function in advanced-stage cancer patients. The results showed that Ganopoly1 significantly increased plasma concentrations of IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-\u03b3, while decreasing levels of IL-1 and TNF-\u03b1. The mean absolute number of CD56+ cells (NK cells) increased significantly, while CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cell counts increased marginally. Ganopoly1 also enhanced PHA responses and NK activity in most patients. These findings suggest that Ganopoly1 may enhance immune responses in advanced-stage cancer patients.