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The objective of this paper is to review the natural products and the pharmacological functions of Ganodermataceae family. Presently, studies on the bioactive components of Lingzhi are focused on polysaccharides and triterpenes/triterpenoids compounds. New Ganoderma polysaccharides, including their molecular weights, glycosyl residue compositions, glycosyl linkage and branches, are summarized in this paper. Also presented are new types of triterpenes and their characteristics from Lingzhi. Taking Ganoderma lucidum as an example, we reviewed its pharmacological functions in anti-tumor and immune-modulating activities for treating hypoglycemosis, hepatoprotection, and the effect on blood vessel system. Based on the advances in Lingzhi research in the past few decades, both G. lucidum and G. sinense are considered as the representative species of medicinal mushroom Lingzhi in China. Until 2001, G. tsugae was only advised to be used as the materials of the health products. The biologically-active components related to pharmacological functions of these three species were studied more than other Ganodermataceae family species; however, which have been used in less modern folk medicine.

Ligustrum morrisonense Kaneh and Sasaki (abbreviated as LM), an endemic Ligustrum plant in Taiwan, is similar to Ligustrum lucidum, which is usually used for curing hepatic and inflammatory disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of LM by chemical-induced algesia and carrageenan-induced inflammation in rodents. Its triterpenoid contents were measured by using high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector. LM leaf extracts effectively inhibited writhing responses induced by 1% acetic acid and biphasic-licking responses caused by 1% formalin. LM leaf extract also reduced the edema induced by 1% carrageenan. Furthermore, LM leaf extract reduced the abdominal Evan's blue extravasations caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), serotonin, histamine and bradykinin. LM leaf extract has higher contents of amyrin and lupeol among six assayed triterpenoid compounds. In conclusion, LM is a potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory Ligustrum plant, and its anti-inflammatory effects are partially related to decreasing microvascular permeability via inflammatory mediators and inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 activity.

Plants from the genus Sanguisorba have been treated as medicinal ingredients for over 2000 years. This paper reviews advances in the botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological studies of the genus. To date, more than 120 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from these plants, especially from S. officinalis and S. minor. Among these compounds, triterpenoids, phenols and flavonoids are the primary biologically active constituents. Triterpenoids can be used as quality control markers to determine the quality of medicinal materials and their preparations. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that plants from the genus Sanguisorba exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties, including hemostatic, antibacterial, antitumor, neuroprotective and hypoglycemic activities. In Chinese medical practice, many drugs (e.g., tablets and powders) that contain S. officinalis roots have been used to treat leukopenia, hemorrhaging and burns. However, there is still a multitude of Sanguisorba species that have garnered little or no attention. Indeed, there are few reports concerning the clinical use and toxic effects of these plants. Further attention should be focused on the study of these species in order to gather information on their respective toxicology data, any relevant quality-control measures, and the clinical value of the crude extracts, active compounds, and bioactive metabolites from Genus Sanguisorba.

The Ganoderma genus is known for its diverse use as a functional food and therapeutic agent. This fungus has over 428 species, with Ganoderma lucidum being the most studied. The Ganoderma species produce several secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, phenols, and triterpenes, which are largely responsible for their therapeutic properties. Throughout this review, several extracts obtained from Ganoderma species have been studied to delve into their therapeutic characteristics and mechanisms. Such properties like immunomodulation, antiaging, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities have been demonstrated by several Ganoderma species and are supported by a large body of evidence. Although its phytochemicals play a vital role in its therapeutic properties, identifying the therapeutic potentials of fungal-secreted metabolites for human health-promoting benefits is a challenging task. Identification of novel compounds with distinct chemical scaffolds and their mechanism of action could help suppress the spread of rising pathogens. Thus, this review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the bioactive components in different Ganoderma species and the underlying physiological mechanisms.

Ganoderma is the dried fruiting bodiy of Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss.ex Fr.) Karst. or Ganoderma sinense Zhao, Xu et Zhang, belonging to the family Polyporaceae, which grows mainly in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Ganoderma has been used in China for more than 2000 years because of its medicinal properties, such as relieving cough and asthma, providing nourishment, and strengthening. Currently, more than 470 natural compounds have been obtained from the fungus, mainly including terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, phenols, and other types of compounds. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Ganoderma has antitumor, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and immunomodulatory effects. It is mainly used in clinical practice for the treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy and malignant tumors, with few side effects and high safety. This paper reviews the progress of research on its chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications, with the goal of providing a basis for the better development and utilization of Ganoderma.

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinskaja (C. paliurus) is a single species of Cyclocarya paliurus in Juglandaceae. It is a unique rare medicinal plant resource in China that is mainly distributed in the south of China. The leaves of C. paliurus, as a new food ingredient, are processed into tea products in daily life. Triterpenoids are the main active ingredient in C. paliurus. So far, 164 triterpenoid compounds have been isolated and identified from C. paliurus, which are included 3,4-seco-dammaranes, dammaranes, oleanane, ursane, lupinanes, taraxeranes, and norceanothanes. Modern pharmacological studies manifested that these ingredients have a wide range of pharmacological activities both in vitro and in vivo, such as reducing blood sugar, lowering blood lipids, and anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and other activities. In addition, current results indicate that the pharmacological mechanisms of triterpenoids were closely related to their chemical structure, molecular signaling pathways, and the expression of related proteins. In order to further study C. paliurus based on the current research situation, this review summarizes the prospect and systematic summary of the triterpenes of C. paliurus from the aspects of structural characteristics, quality control, biological activity, and the structure–activity relationship, which provide a reference for further research and application of the triterpenoids from C. paliurus in the field of functional food and medicine.