Investigation of the antibacterial properties of the bracket fungus Ganoderma lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum, a bracket fungus indigenous to Queensland’s tropical rainforests, is a saprophytic fungus. Also common to Japan (known as Red Reishi) and China (Lingzhi), G. lucidum was traditionally used to heal wounds and ensure smooth tissue regeneration. In traditional Asian medicine, the fungus has been utilised for centuries as a universal panacea for wellbeing, restoration, longevity, wisdom and happiness. Further, the medicinal effects were claimed to cover a range of diseases such as chronic wounds and bacterial and viral infections. As such, we aimed to evaluate the bactericidal properties of G. lucidum and validate traditional accounts