ABSTRACT
A peek into a register of deaths of Scotland reveals that Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, died of “old age” at the age of 96. And we took it for granted. But what is the precise scientific explanation hiding behind this “old age”? Why do we age, and is there such a thing as dying of old age? Is it really as natural as we are used to thinking of it? And finally, why do we have to die? In ancient times the Chinese strongly believed that substances called elixirs were the answer to immortality. Ganoderma, or lingzhi, was one such elixir. The search for the key to immortality continues today, but with a slight change. We do not have to blindly believe anymore. Today we can do more, we can examine such claims via several tests, mainly in vitro and a few in vivo. On the other hand, there are numerous theories of aging. In one of them, known as the oxidative damage theory, antioxidants are the major players. They have a role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis and are valuable prophylactic agents in many chronic diseases and disorders as well as in aging processes. Antioxidants also have widespread applications in cosmetics. Our environment is ever more polluted, increasing the health risk, which opens the door for antioxidant market expansion. By entering the market of lifestyle and well-being, mushrooms also became a promising candidate for the antiage sector. More recent scientific data contributed to the widespread acceptance of Ganoderma metabolites with antioxidant properties. Novel constituents from Ganoderma are constantly extracted and purified, followed by extensive research to verify their antioxidant potential. In addition, the same compounds exhibited the potential for immune regulation, and there is an intensive dialog about whether they are food supplements for health maintenance or therapeutic drugs requiring a prescription.
This chapter discusses the role of Ganoderma metabolites in oxidative stress prevention and their contribution to vivacity and longevity. It provides information on their chemical and molecular mechanisms, bioavailability, safety profile, and preclinical and human clinical research. Finally, attention is drawn to the perspectives in Ganoderma nutraceutical and cosmeceutical formulations aimed to strengthen and support cellular redox homeostasis.
