Artists Conk

Aka Ganoderma applanatum

ARTIST'S CONK

Scientific Name: Ganoderma

applanatum
Common Name: Artist's Conk

Has immunostimulating properties

Fights cancers
Stops pain
Eliminates
indigestion
Reduces phlegm
It is Antibiotic

It is Antiviral

As is common in modern medical science, much of the recent research on Artist Conk extract
has been focused on its cancer fighting properties. In a study conducted this year, 2008, Jeong
et al. concluded that a compound [exo-biopolymer] isolated from Artist Conk "significantly
inhibited the growth of solid tumor [Sarcoma-180] and increased the natural killer (NK) cell
activity." 401 (The natural killer cell is a type of white blood cell that is of particular importance
in the human body's natural defense against cancer.) Several other studies have also found Artist
Conk Extract to possess anti-tumor properties. 402, 403, 404, 405
Another area of interest in the study of Artist Conk extract has been its effect on blood sugar
and potential to inhibit some of the complications of diabetes. A study in 2007 found that a
compound extracted from Artist Conk was able to lower the glucose level in body fluids by
22.0%, and cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 20.3%. 406 The glucose lowering effect of an
alcohol extract of Artist Conk was previously noted in a study by Jung in 2005. 407
But the primary focus of the study by Jung et al. was on the Artist Conk extract's potential as
an aldose reductase inhibitor. Aldose reductase is an enzyme commonly considered the culprit
to many of the organ complications seen in diabetes. Finding a way to inhibit aldose reductase
is believed to be a major key to combat diabetic complications. Three separate studies have
concluded that Artist Conk extract is a potent aldose reductase inhibitor. 407, 408, 409 Jung concludes,
"These results suggested that G. applanatum [Artist Conk] might possess constituents with antidiabetic and inhibitory effects on diabetic complications."
An unusual article published in 2005 reported that a polysaccharide extract from Artist Conk
"could strengthen gastric mucosa barrier." 410 Several other studies have found Artist Conk
extract or isolated compounds from Artist Conk to be anti-bacterial, 411, 412, 413 anti-viral, 414 antiparasitic, 415 immune enhancing, 25 diuretic, 415 and potently antioxidant. 416

In his book "Mycelium Running," medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists the following
areas where research has shown Artist Conk extract to have a beneficial effect: Inflammation &
Respiratory Conditions. 134

Artist's Conk (Ganoderma applanatum)

Habitat: Very common on dead and dying hardwood trees, especially common on large oak and
maple logs and stumps; occasionally reported on conifers as well, particularly Douglas fir. The
fruiting bodies are perennial, adding a new layer of tubes (in which the spores are produced) each
year.
Medicinal use: Note that this mushroom has strong laxative/diuretic effects. This mushroom
has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is reputed to be beneficial for the lungs and
respiratory system. It also appears to have anti-tumor potentials, but more research is needed.
Recommended form: Steeped in hot water to make a tea.
Comments: One of the largest common mushrooms, these woody shelflike growths can be found
wherever large hardwood trees occur.

Ganoderma applanatum
by Michael Kuo
Most people have seen Ganoderma applanatum at one time or another; it is widely distributed (found in all 50 of the
United States!) and common--typically seen at the bases of stumps or on logs. It is sometimes known as the "Artist's
Fungus," since its pore surface bruises brown and retains the bruising for years if the mushroom is picked and brought
inside. I have seen very intricate and beautiful etchings on Ganoderma applanatum, in craft stores and yard sales. My
own attempts at Ganoderma art, however, have not been very beautiful--unless you call abusive woodland notes for
my mushrooming buddies "beautiful."
Distinguishing features for Ganoderma applanatum include its unvarnished, furrowed and lumpy, brown-crusted cap
surface; its white pore surface, which bruises brown; and its brownish or cinnamon flesh. It is perennial, and the
specimens can develop for dozens of years.
Description:
Ecology: Saprobic and sometimes parasitic; growing alone or in groups on decaying logs and stumps, or from the
wounds of injured, living (for a while, anyway) trees; producing a white to straw-colored rot of sapwood and heartwood;
found on most species of hardwoods and on many conifers; perennial; common and very widely distributed in North
America.
Cap: 5-75 cm (!) across; more or less fan-shaped, semicircular, or irregular; with a dull, unvarnished outer crust; often
furrowed in "zones"; brownish to grayish brown.
Pore Surface: White, becoming dirty yellowish or dingy brownish to olive in age; bruising brown; with 4-6 tiny (nearly
invisible to the naked eye) circular pores per mm; tubes in layers (a new layer is added each year), separated by
brown tissue, with each layer 4-12 mm deep.

Stem: Usually absent; if present, lateral and stubby.

Flesh: Brown to cinnamon brown (rarely whitish); very tough.
Chemical Reactions: Flesh and tubes black with KOH.
Spore Print: Brown or reddish brown.
Microscopic Features: Spores 8-12 x 6.5-8 ; more or less elliptical, with a truncated end; appearing smooth at lower
magnifications, but with oil immersion appearing double-walled, with a series of "pillars" between the walls; inamyloid.
Cystidia and setae absent. Hyphal system trimitic.
REFERENCES: (Persoon, 1799) Patouillard, 1887. (Saccardo, 1888; Overholts, 1953; Smith, Smith & Weber, 1981; Arora, 1986; Gilbertson & Ryvarden,
1986; States, 1990; Lincoff, 1992; Horn, Kay & Abel, 1993; Evenson, 1997; Barron, 1999; Roody, 2003; McNeil, 2006; Miller & Miller, 2006; Binion et al, 2008.)
Herb. Kuo 02191001.

Ganoderma annularis, found on hardwoods in California, has tubes that do not develop in new layers each year, and
extremely thin flesh; its spores measure 10-12 x 6-8 . Ganoderma brownii, also found on California hardwoods, has
layered tubes and spores 9-12 x 7-9 .