For centuries, Ganoderma has been used as a traditional medicine in Asian countries to prevent and treat various diseases. Numerous publications are stating that Ganoderma species have a variety of beneficial medicinal properties, and investigations on different metabolic regulations of Ganoderma species, extracts or isolated compounds have been performed both in vitro and in vivo. However, it has frequently been questioned whether Ganoderma is simply a dietary supplement for health or just a useful “medication” for restorative purposes. More than 600 chemical compounds including alkaloids, meroterpenoids, nucleobases, nucleosides, polysaccharides, proteins, steroids and triterpenes were extracted and identified from Ganoderma, with triterpenes serving as the primary components. In recent years, Ganoderma triterpenes and other small molecular constituents have aroused the interest of chemists and pharmacologists. Meanwhile, considering the significance of the triterpene constituents in the development of new drugs, this review describes 495 compounds from 25 Ganoderma species published between 1984 and 2022, commenting on their source, biosynthetic pathway, identification, biological activities and biosynthesis, together with applications of advanced analytical techniques to the characterization of Ganoderma triterpenoids.

Phytopathogenic Ganoderma species pose a significant threat to global plant health, resulting in estimated annual economic losses exceeding USD (US Dollars) 68 billion in the agriculture and forestry sectors worldwide. To combat this pervasive menace effectively, a comprehensive understanding of the biology, ecology, and plant infection mechanisms of these pathogens is imperative. This comprehensive review critically examines various aspects of Ganoderma spp., including their intricate life cycle, their disease mechanisms, and the multifaceted environmental factors influencing their spread. Recent studies have quantified the economic impact of Ganoderma infections, revealing staggering yield losses ranging from 20% to 80% across various crops. In particular, oil palm plantations suffer devastating losses, with an estimated annual reduction in yield exceeding 50 million metric tons. Moreover, this review elucidates the dynamic interactions between Ganoderma and host plants, delineating the pathogen’s colonization strategies and its elicitation of intricate plant defense responses. This comprehensive analysis underscores the imperative for adopting an integrated approach to Ganoderma disease management. By synergistically harnessing cultural practices, biological control, and chemical treatments and by deploying resistant plant varieties, substantial strides can be made in mitigating Ganoderma infestations. Furthermore, a collaborative effort involving scientists, breeders, and growers is paramount in the development and implementation of sustainable strategies against this pernicious plant pathogen. Through rigorous scientific inquiry and evidence-based practices, we can strive towards safeguarding global plant health and mitigating the dire economic consequences inflicted by Ganoderma infections.

Members of the genus Fomitopsis are medicinal mushrooms and a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant pharmacological and biotechnological potential. This paper provides a comprehensive review of their secondary metabolites, including polysaccharides, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. In addition, their chemical structures and biological activities are described in detail. These compounds exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, with promising applications in cancer therapy, cardiovascular health, and immune modulation. Beyond medicine, Fomitopsis plays a crucial role in biotechnology, contributing to bioremediation, biofuel production, pharmaceutical development, and functional food innovation. By integrating traditional medicinal knowledge with recent scientific advances, this review highlights the biomedical significance and industrial relevance of Fomitopsis, underscoring its expanding role in health and environmental sustainability.

Mushrooms, which are an integral part of human nutrition and traditional medicine in various cultures, including Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Europe, appear to be an ideal food for a healthy lifestyle. Their rich range of bioactive compounds in certain macrofungi, supported by scientific research and clinical trials, has demonstrated their nutritional and medicinal value. This review covers the historical context, pharmacological efficacy, innovative biotechnological advancements in macrofungal cultivation, and value-added products derived from medicinal mushrooms. It emphasizes the rapidly growing market for mushroom-based beverages, highlighting their role in contemporary health practices and their growing recognition as nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Ganoderma, a well-known medicinal mushroom, has garnered attention for its broad therapeutic properties, particularly its potent antimicrobial activities. This review focuses on the mechanisms of action and bioactive compounds responsible for the ability of Ganoderma to inhibit various pathogenic microorganisms. The polysaccharides, triterpenoids, proteins, and phenolic compounds in Ganoderma exhibit strong antimicrobial effects by targeting bacterial cell walls, disrupting membrane integrity, and inhibiting key microbial enzymes. These compounds are effective against a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and various fungi. Triterpenoids, specifically, have demonstrated efficacy in modulating immune responses, further enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms against infections. Furthermore, the role of Ganoderma in preventing biofilm formation and combating antibiotic-resistant strains highlights its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. While in vitro and in vivo studies strongly support the antimicrobial properties of Ganoderma, future resety -50arch should focus on large-scale clinical trials to confirm its efficacy and explore its synergistic effects with conventional antibiotics. Establishing standardized dosages and exploring the molecular pathways of its antimicrobial actions will be key to incorporating Ganoderma into clinical practice for infection control.