Gano oil:A novel anti-inflammatory and antinocicepetive agent extracted from Ganoderma lucidum inhibits chronic inflammation and relieve pain by hypnotic and analgesic actions of fatty acid amides

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Lingzhi or Reishi - Ganoderma lucidum is an extensively used medicinal mushroom in folklore and traditional medicine in south East Asia to treat a number of diseases. Lingzhi is known as ‘mushroom of immortality’ in Chinese folklore. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is considered as a panacea to cure all diseases. Aim of the study: This study aims to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity and analgesic effect of Gano oil, a novel fatty acid rich extract obtained from G. lucidum and identification of active principle. Methods Anti-inflammatory activity of Gano oil was evaluated using formalin induced oedema model on Swiss albino mice by oral administration as well as topical application. Anti-nociceptive activity was tested by acetic acid – induced writhing test. Free radical scavenging activity determined by DPPH assay. COX enzyme inhibiting activity was assayed using different concentrations of Gano oil exposed to LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Chemical profile of Gano oil was ascertained by HPTLC analysis and active principle was identified by HRLCMS analysis. Results The oral administration of Gano oil at doses of 10,25, 50 mg/kg bwt showed 42, 58 and 73% inhibition of paw oedema while topical applications at dose of 1,5 and 10% reduced 33, 50 and 58% inflammation respectively. Gano oil at 100μg/ml inhibited COX enzyme activity (50%). Acetic acid writhing test showed Gano oil possessed significant antinociceptive activity (P Conclusion Fatty acid rich Gano oil extracted from G.lucidum is a novel anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive agent capable to inhibit inflammation by oral administration as well as topical application. The findings reveal pharmacological interest, clinical significance and therapeutic use. The effect might be assigned to the fatty acid amide constituents especially oleamide which has been demonstrated to have analgesic and hyponotic actions.