Medicinal Plant Research 2025, Vol.15, No.3, 110-118 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 111 This study aims to analysis the synergistic activities of G. lucidum, when used in combination with other TCM drugs, particularly focusing on pharmacologic interactions. Specifically, it lays out the major bioactive constituents and pharmacological effects of G. lucidum, describes its synergism and antagonism with other traditional herbal medicines, and indicates the molecular mechanisms of such interactions. In addition, it discusses preclinical and clinical information, safety, and quality control matters. By incorporating evidence from both traditional practice and modern biomedical research, the review is expected to provide an overall picture of the pharmacological grounds of G. lucidum compounds, thereby offering theoretical instruction and practical reference for the creation of new herbal products and TCM modernization. 2 Major Bioactive Components and Pharmacological Effects of Ganoderma lucidum 2.1 Triterpenoids Triterpenoids, especially ganoderic acids, are among the most abundant, and have relatively good pharmacological activity components in Ganoderma lucidum. More than 100 different triterpenoids have been identified so far, among which ganoderic acid A has been the most extensively studied. These compounds exhibit a variety of biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, liver-protective, neuroprotective and antiviral effects. In terms of mechanism of action, triterpenoids can induce apoptosis, block the cell cycle, inhibit topoisomerase activity, and regulate signaling pathways, such as mTOR and JAK-STAT3, thereby exerting their anti-tumor and cell-protective effects (Ahmad et al., 2022; Peng et al., 2023; Wang et al., 2024). 2.2 Polysaccharides Polysaccharides, like β -glucan, are the main water-soluble active components in G. lucidum. Polysaccharides are renowned for their immunomodulatory effects, and can enhance innate and adaptive immune responses, by activating macrophages, dendritic cells and T lymphocytes. Polysaccharides also possess multiple activities, containing anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-diabetes, liver protection and neuroprotection. Its mechanisms of action include regulating cytokine production, inducing apoptosis of cancer cells, and regulating oxidative stress and metabolic pathways (Zeng et al., 2018; Ahmad et al., 2021; Gao and Homayoonfal, 2023). 2.3 Phenolic compounds and sterols G. lucidum contains a variety of phenolic compounds and sterols, such as ergosterol, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Phenolic compounds, including quercetin and oleanolic acid, are associated with acetylcholinesterase inhibition and free radical scavenging, which contribute to neuroprotection, and reduce oxidative damage. Sterols can also regulate immune responses, and may play a role in the overall therapeutic effect of G. lucidum (Sheikha, 2022; Lian et al., 2024). 2.4 Pharmacological activities: immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, etc. G. lucidum exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities, mainly attributed to its rich content of polysaccharides, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds and sterols. Its immunomodulatory effect has been widely studied. β -glucan and other polysaccharides can enhance innate, and adaptive immunity by activating macrophages, dendritic cells and natural killer cells, as well as regulating cytokine production and lymphocyte activity (Peng et al., 2023). The anti-inflammatory effect of G. lucidum, is mainly achieved by inhibiting key inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, IL-6 and COX-2, as well as suppressing the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Both triterpenoids and sterols are involved in this process. Studies have shown that, they can reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes in various cell and animal models (Zeng et al., 2018; Ahmad, 2020; Chen et al., 2024; Lian et al., 2024; Liu et al., 2024). Antioxidant activity is another important characteristic of G. lucidum. Its active ingredients can effectively eliminate free radicals, reduce lipid peroxidation, and enhance the activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress and related
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