A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Selected strains of the Ganoderma lucidum complex from Finnish forests have excellent broadly acting antiviral properties
Authors: Reshamwala, Dhanik; Shroff, Sailee; Liimatainen, Jaana; Tienaho, Jenni; Kuukkanen, Ilari; Laajala, Mira; Civra, Andrea; Francese, Rachele; Veteli, Pyry; Cortina-Escribano, Marta; Sarjala, Tytti; Karonen, Maarit; Lembo, David; Linnakoski, Riikka; Marjomäki, Varpu
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Scientific Reports
Journal name in source: Scientific Reports
Article number: 23565
Volume: 15
eISSN: 2045-2322
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-08377-5
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-08377-5
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/498712864
Broadly acting antivirals are needed to complement vaccines in present and future pandemics and outbreaks as safe and sustainable tools for combating virus infections. Thus, the current study aims to investigate the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of ferments of selected strains belonging to the Ganoderma lucidum complex isolated from Finland and investigate their mechanism of action. Cytopathic effect inhibition assay and endpoint assay were used to determine the antiviral activity. The antibacterial activity ws examined using recombinant biosensor strains. Mechanism of action studies included time of addition assay, transmission electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, sucrose gradient separation assay, and thermal assay. The metabolite composition of the ferments was studied using UHPLC-HR-MS/MS. Ferments showed antiviral efficacy against non-enveloped enteroviruses, already at room temperature and within one minute. Broad antimicrobial activity was demonstrated with non-enveloped rotaviruses, enveloped coronaviruses, zika viruses, and gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Ferments also directly affected the viruses and caused clustering of the virus particles. Additionally, treatment of enteroviruses with ferments caused strong stabilization of the virus capsid, thus preventing their genome release. UHPLC-HR-MS/MS analysis of the ferments verified the presence of several terpenoid compounds. The results show great promise for the future use of ferments from the Ganoderma lucidum complex in combating microbial infections for various applications.
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Funding information in the publication:
This research was supported by grants from Jane & Aatos Erkko foundation, Business Finland Research to Business grant for “Natural Antivirals”, and Academy of Finland grant “Forest Antivirals” (grant number: 342251).