Ganoderma lucidum Dry Extract Supplementation Modulates T Lymphocyte Function in Older Women

Authors: Patricia Nancy Iser-Bem, Tiago Bertola Lobato, Amanda Lins Alecrim-Zeza, Laiane Cristina dos Santos de Oliveira, Maria Elizabeth Pereira Passos, Richelieau Manuel, Vinícius Leonardo Sousa Diniz, Ilana Souza Correa, Sarah Poma de Oliveira, Eliane Borges da Silva, Mariana Mendes de Almeida, Beatriz Belmiro Dias, Raquel Bragante Gritte, Adriana Cristina Levada-Pires, Laureane Nunes Masi, Elaine Hatanaka, Tania Cristina Pithon-Curi, Sandro Massao Hirabara, João Paulo Fabi, Rui Curi, Renata Gorjao

Journal: British Journal of Nutrition

Study Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Participants: 60 older women (final sample: 39), aged 60-80, without neurodegenerative or infectious diseases

Intervention:

• Ganoderma lucidum dry extract: 2000 mg/day for 8 weeks
• Placebo group: 2000 mg/day of corn starch for 8 weeks

Outcome Measures:

• Lymphocyte proliferation (stimulated by concanavalin A)
• CD4+ lymphocyte gene expression (FOXP3, IL-10, IL-6, TGF-β, IFN-γ, IL-17, GATA-3)
• T helper (Th) cell profile changes (Th1, Th2, Th17, regulatory T cells)
• Anti-inflammatory versus pro-inflammatory cytokine balance

Summary:
This study examined the immunomodulatory effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) supplementation in older women, focusing on T lymphocyte function. After 8 weeks of supplementation, the Ganoderma lucidum group exhibited enhanced lymphocyte proliferation upon stimulation, indicating improved immune responsiveness.

Gene expression analysis revealed an increase in FOXP3, IL-10, and TGF-β, suggesting a boost in regulatory T cell activity, which helps control inflammation. Additionally, a decrease in Th17+ cells and an increase in Th2+ cells was observed, indicating a shift toward anti-inflammatory immune responses.

Despite these immune changes, Ganoderma lucidum did not induce T lymphocyte proliferation through the CD28 signaling pathway, suggesting that its effects may occur through alternative co-stimulatory mechanisms. No adverse effects were reported, supporting its safety for older adults.

These findings suggest that Ganoderma lucidum supplementation may help counteract age-related immune decline (immunosenescence) by enhancing immune regulation and reducing inflammatory responses, potentially contributing to healthier aging.