Anti-influenza virus activities of triterpenes from the antler-shaped fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum.

Ganoderma, a famous fungus, has traditionally been used in China for thousands of years. Fourteen previously undescribed triterpenes were isolated from the antler-shaped fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum. Seven of these triterpenes showed inhibitory activity against influenza A virus (IAV) neuraminidase, with IC50 from 5.64 to 18.36 μM. One triterpene exhibited anti-IAV activity in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Four triterpenes significantly reduced IAV-induced production of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β or IL-6 in A549 cells. Our findings suggest that Ganoderma triterpenes provide new opportunities for the treatment of respiratory viral diseases.