The effects of ganoderma alcohols isolated from Ganoderma lucidum on the androgen receptor binding and the growth of LNCaP cells.

The effects of ganoderma alcohols isolated from ethanol extracts of Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Krast (Ganodermataceae) on the androgen receptor binding and the growth of LNCaP cells have been investigated. Less than two hydroxyl groups in 17β-side chain are needed for binding to androgen receptor. In the case of the ganoderma alcohols with the same number of hydroxyl groups in 17β-side chain, the one which has C-3 carbonyl group showed better binding activity to androgen receptor than that which has C-3 hydroxyl group. The unsaturation in 17β-side chain is needed for the inhibition of the cell proliferation of androgen-induced LNCaP cells growth.