Research overview
Gut and microbiome
In recent years researchers have begun to look at the relationship between lingzhi and gut bacteria. Once in the gut, these polysaccharides can be used by gut bacteria, so they are seen as a potential . A research team at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University found in mice that a water-soluble lingzhi polysaccharide helped restore the balance of gut bacteria, increased production of , and reduced colon inflammation and the development of colon tumors. The researchers believe this polysaccharide shows promise as a prebiotic for research on preventing and treating colorectal cancer.
Research in this area is so far mainly in animals; human studies have yet to be done.
This topic includes 1 studies and reports, each linked to its source.
Terms explained on this page (4)
- polysaccharides
- Large molecules in lingzhi made of linked sugar units; one of lingzhi’s main active components and closely tied to research on immune regulation.
- prebiotic
- Something the body cannot digest by itself but that beneficial gut bacteria can use, helping them grow. Note that it is not the same as a “probiotic” (live beneficial bacteria).
- short-chain fatty acids
- Small molecules such as butyrate and acetate that gut bacteria produce when they break down polysaccharides and dietary fiber; they play an important role in maintaining the gut barrier and regulating immunity.
- spore powder
- The extremely fine spores released by mature lingzhi, a bit like its “seeds”.