The English common name for the tree mushroom Ganoderma applanatum is ‘Artist Conk,’ due to the fact that the light pores on its underbelly stain brown when etched, thus supplying a nature-made canvas for artists.
Artist Conk is a perennial that can live for 40-50 years or longer and grow quite large. Mushroom expert David Arora calls it “the most common conk in our area [USA],” together with Red-belted Conk (Fomitopsis pinicola). [400]
“The only regions where [Artist Conk] seems to be absent are those where there aren’t any trees!” says Arora. [400] It can grow on most hardwood trees plus some conifers species, like the northwestern Douglas Fir.
Historically, Artist Conk was sometimes burned, which produced an insect repellant smoke. It also gives off a pleasant scent. [25]
As commonly seen in modern scientific research, the focus of studies on Artist Conk extract has largely been in regards to its anti-tumor potential. Several studies have affirmed that it does exhibit tumor inhibiting properties. [402, 403, 404, 405] A 2008-paper by Jeong et al. reported that a compound isolated from Ganoderma applanatum “significantly inhibited the growth of solid tumor [Sarcoma-180] and increased the natural killer (NK) cell activity.” [401] Natural killer cells are white blood cells that are part of the body’s defense against cancer.
A less commonly studied area when it comes to medicinal mushrooms is their effect on blood glucose levels and diabetic complications. Jung et al. in 2005 reported that an alcohol extract of Artist Conk showed blood glucose lowering properties. [407] This was later confirmed in 2007 when a new study reported an average 22.0% blood glucose lowering effect by a compound isolated from Ganoderma applanatum, as well as a lowering of blood lipids (triglycerides and cholesterol) by 20.3%. [406]
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But the primary focus of the 2005 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 anti-diabetic and inhibitory effects on diabetic complications.”
Looking at other research on Artist Conk, a 2005 study reported a polysaccharide extract of Artist Conk as strengthening the gastric mucosa barrier, useful in cases gastric ulcers. [410] Other papers have reported Artist Conk extracts as anti-viral, [414] anti-bacterial, [411, 412, 413] anti-parasitic and diuretic, [415] antioxidant, [416] and immune boosting. [25]
In addition, Paul Stamets also lists respiratory conditions and inflammation as areas where research has shown Artist Conk extract to be beneficial, in his book Mycelium Running. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Dr. Markho Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic University in the mid-90’s. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, working with the extracts of Paul Stamets, including the synergistic MycoSoft Gold Formula including Artist Conk. For research references to this article, please visit the Ganoderma applanatum medicinal research page.