Medicinal Plant Research 2025, Vol.15, No.3, 110-118 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 116 8 Concluding Remarks Over the past decades, more and more evidence has indicated that Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) produces impressive pharmacological activities when it is used with other traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) herbs. Data highlight its capacity to synergize with herbs such as Astragalus, Ginseng, Lycium, and Salvia, triggering enhanced immune modulation, anti-tumor activity, neuroprotection, cardiovascular protection, and anti-aging activity. Mechanistic research shows that these synergistic phenomena are mediated through the modulation of multiple signaling pathways (e.g., NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K-Akt), immune cell functions, reduction of oxidative stress, and interaction with metabolic as well as gut microbiota networks. Collectively, these findings validate the ancient TCM practice of coprescribing Lingzhi with other herbs to maximize therapeutic efficacy. Studies on G. lucidum in polyherbal prescriptions emphasize the supreme significance of synergistic principles in TCM. Its diverse bioactive compounds not only provide direct pharmacological activities but also function as modulators that enhance the bioavailability and functional activities of concurrently ingested herbs. From a modern pharmacological perspective, such synergy provides a rationale for rational herbal formula design and drug discovery. Integration of traditional empirical wisdom with scientific validation improves the implementation of standardized compound formulas, boosts quality control, and provides an evidence base for clinical application. G. lucidum is therefore both a cornerstone of TCM heritage and a viable candidate for modern integrative medicine. Future research must use cutting-edge methods to further elucidate synergistic mechanisms of G. lucidum together with other herbs. Multi-omics techniques-genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome analysis-will be essential for uncovering molecular networks underlying pharmacological interactions. In the meantime, integration of clinical big data and real-world evidence can provide robust evidence on safety, efficacy, and patient-specific outcomes. Tailor-made treatment, according to biomarkers and constitutional types, can potentially customize herbal combinations for optimal therapeutic outcomes. Lastly, the establishment of synergy studies on G. lucidum will not only promote TCM modernization but also the global development of evidence-based herbal medicine. Acknowledgments The authors extend heartfelt gratitude to the research team for their invaluable support in data collection and documentation, whose contributions ensured the successful completion of this study. Special appreciation is due to the two anonymous peer reviewers whose insightful comments and expert advice played a pivotal role in refining this research. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Ahmad F., Ahmad F., Khan M., Alsayegh A., Wahab S., Alam M., and Ahmed F., 2021, Ganoderma lucidum: A potential source to surmount viral infections through β-glucans immunomodulatory and triterpenoids antiviral properties, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 183: 1835-1845. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.06.122 Ahmad M., 2020, Ganoderma lucidum: A rational pharmacological approach to surmount cancer, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 260: 113047. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113047 Ahmad M., Alsayegh A., Ahmad F., Akhtar M., Alavudeen S., Bantun F., Wahab S., Ahmed A., Ali M., Elbendary E., Raposo A., Kambal N., and Abdelrahman M., 2024, Ganoderma lucidum: Insight into antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with development of secondary metabolites, Heliyon, 10(2): e25607. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25607 Ahmad M., Wahab S., Ahmad F., Ashraf S., Abullais S., and Saad H., 2022, Ganoderma lucidum: A potential pleiotropic approach of ganoderic acids in health reinforcement and factors influencing their production, Fungal Biology Reviews, 39(1): 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbr.2021.12.003 Cadar E., Negreanu-Pîrjol T., Pascale C., Sîrbu R., Prasacu I., Negreanu-Pîrjol B., Tomescu C., and Ionescu A., 2023, Natural bio-compounds from Ganoderma lucidum and their beneficial biological actions for anticancer application: A review, Antioxidants, 12(11): 1907. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12111907 Chan S., Tomlinson B., Chan P., and Lam C., 2021, The beneficial effects of Ganoderma lucidum on cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk, Pharmaceutical Biology, 59(1): 1159-1169. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2021.1969413
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