Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom that has been used for over 2000 years for its medicinal properties. The increasing demand for this mushroom and its bioactive metabolites has stimulated the development of various cultivation techniques. Fermentation methods are particularly promising as they reduce cultivation time and allow better control of growth parameters and standardisation of processes. Research is currently focussing on the effects of cultivation conditions on the production of biomass and bioactive metabolites such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids and proteins. The polysaccharides of G. lucidum are known for their numerous bioactive properties, among which the antitumor and immunomodulatory effects stand out. The triterpenoids isolated from this mushroom have hepatoprotective and anti-HIV activities and are often used as an aid in cancer treatment due to their anti-tumour properties. The proteins of G. lucidum also have good anti-tumour properties. Because of these advantages, G. lucidum is the subject of intensive research that promises new possibilities for its therapeutic and other uses.
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