Antitumor Effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) Mediated by Immunological Mechanism and Its Clinical Application

The antitumor effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) is closely related to immunoregulation. Based on our research and other references, this article discussed the antitumor effect of Ganoderma mediated by immunological mechanism, including promoting the function of mononuclear-macrophages and natural killers; promoting M1-type macrophage polarization vs M2-type; promoting maturation and differentiation of dendritic cells, increasing its antigen presentation, activating lymphocytes and increasing cytotoxicity of cytotoxin T lymphocyte; promoting production of cytokines; and inhibiting tumor escape from immune surveillance. Also, clinical studies with immunological indexes were reviewed.