Triterpenoids
Trigerpenoids are generally made up of 30 carbon atoms. It is the general name of compounds that are structurally complex and diverse. They are found in animals, plants, fungi, and other microorganisms in nature.
Many studies have proven the high medical application value of triterpenoids. For example, ginseng saponin is a derivative most familiar to all. The most notable is that triterpenoids are believed to have anti-cancer effects, because they can inhibit tumor growth, with less toxicity to normal cells.
Triterpenoids rich in Antrodia are considered the most important active ingredient. Antrodia triterpenoids are known to inhibit the growth of mammal blood cancer (leukemia) cells. Through experiments on mammalian cancer cells cultured, it has been confirmed that triterpenoids can inhibit colon cancer, breast cancer, and liver cancer cells.
In addition, triterpenoids can lower the body’s free radical content and has anti-inflammatory effect through the effective inhibition of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Currently known diseases caused by free radicals in the body include: Atherosclerotic vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, caner, aging, etc.
Benzene
Several Antrodia steroid compounds have been identified, of which A(Antrocamphin A) has received the most attention.
The research team of Professor Wang Shen-yang from National Chung Hsing University, induced acute inflammation in rats through LPS, after the rats were fed with A (Antrocamphin A), largely expressed nitric oxide free radicals and prostaglandin concentrations decreased, thus indicating the higher the A (Antrocamphin A), the stronger the “anti-inflammatory” effect.
A (Antrocamphin A) is believed to be the indicator ingredient of Antrodia’s “anti-inflammatory” activity effectiveness, and it is only found in Antrodia fruiting bodies.
This research report has been accepted and published by the food chemistry authoritative international journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Multiple national patents have also been applied for.
Quinone and Ubiquinone Derivatives
Antroquinonol is one of the compositions of Antrodia mycelium.
This composition has been experimentally confirmed to inhibit cancer cell proliferation in liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Additionally, Antroquinonol has been confirmed to inhibit the activity of hepatitis B virus.
Therefore, Antroquinonol is said to be an important indicator ingredients of Antrodia mycelium.
Steroids
Antrodia steroid compounds are also derivatives of triterpenoids, especially compounds with ergosterol alkyl (ergostane) as the skeleton. These steroid compounds are named from Antcin A to Antcin K, from Zankuic acid A to Aankuic acid E, as well as more common fungi steroids.
The antrodia composition of several steroid Antrodia has also been confirmed to have good medicine and health effects. For example, from experiments on cultured from cells show that Antcin A possesses anti-inflammatory effect; Zhankuic acid A (Antcin B) has cytotoxic efficacy and anti-inflammatory properties; Zhankuic acid has the effect of inhibiting the parasympathetic and serotonin effect, thus the sedative and antidepressant effects. In addition, Zhankuic acid C (Anctin H) also possesses cytotoxic activity.
β-glucan
Glucan falls under the polysaccharide class; it is also currently one important indicator for the international community to determine the effectiveness of polysaccharides in enhancing the body’s immunity. Therefore, active polysaccharide generally refers to dextran.
Dextran enhances the body’s immunity through the complement system, macrophages, natural killer cells, and other important human immune-related functions.
Dextran also has antitumor activity, protecting cells from genotoxic carcinogens and inhibiting the formation and growth of tumor cells and the transfer of tumors. Therefore, dextran is used to complement cancer therapy and chemotherapy. In nature, the mushroom class has the highest content natural and non-toxic polysaccharide (dextran) beneficial to the body. The significant immunomodulator efficacy of Antrodia has a lot to do with Antrodia’s glucan-rich content.