Phylogenetic and Biochemical Analysis of the Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) Populations from Altai

G. lucidum is a typical representative of wood-rotting polypores of the Ganodermataceae family (Basidiomycetes). In Russia, G. lucidum is predominantly found in southern regions: in Stavropol and Krasnodar krais, Northern Caucasus, as well as in Altai taiga in logging areas. In this study we investigated the phylogeny of G. lucidum specimens from Altai based on the ITS1 ribosomal spacer, and compared them to reishi from other regions of the world. We also studied the phytochemical content of reishi fruit bodies. Results of the screening suggest that ethanol fractions contain mostly flavonoids, phenols, and coumarins; water fractions are dominated by tannins, carbohydrates, and coumarins; and hexane and ethyl acetate extracts, by terpenoids. The main fatty acids were palmitic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. We found that fruit bodies of Altai G. lucidum contained 32.4 mg of phenols per 1 g of extract (in pyrocatechol equivalent), while flavonoids made up 11.1 mg per g (in quercetin equivalent). Polysaccharide content was 10.72% of the absolutely dry substance.