Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan Extracted from Ganoderma lucidum as Adjunct Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Series

Saskia Aziza Nursyirwan (Division of Gastroenterology, Pancreatobiliary, and Digestive Endoscopy, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia)
Marcellus Simadibrata (Division of Gastroenterology, Pancreatobiliary, and Digestive Endoscopy, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia)
Rabbinu Rangga Pribadi (Division of Gastroenterology, Pancreatobiliary, and Digestive Endoscopy, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia)
Virly Nanda Muzelina (Division of Gastroenterology, Pancreatobiliary, and Digestive Endoscopy, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia)
Hasan Maulahela (Division of Gastroenterology, Pancreatobiliary, and Digestive Endoscopy, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia)
Amanda Pitarini Utari (Division of Gastroenterology, Pancreatobiliary, and Digestive Endoscopy, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia)
Enrik John Aguila (Institute of Digestive and Liver Diseases, St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City, Taguig City, Philippines/ School of Medicine and Public Health, Ateneo de Manila University, Pasig City, Philippines)
Ardhia Fefrine Indarta (Division of Gastroenterology, Pancreatobiliary, and Digestive Endoscopy, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia)

The Indonesian Journal of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Digestive Endoscopy
Vol 27, No 2 (2026): VOLUME 27, NUMBER 2, August, 2026

The management of ulcerative colitis is primarily focused on the prevention of complications, remission sustenance, and enhancement of overall quality of life. However, long-term use of various pharmacological therapies can be associated with several side effects, including myelosuppression, hepatitis, lupus-like syndrome, and an increased risk of malignancy. These limitations have led to the search for safer therapeutic options, including bioactive compounds such as Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan with immunomodulatory properties. Ganoderma lucidum contains Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan as a principal bioactive compound extracted from its mycelium. Despite the broad therapeutic properties, exploration into its role specifically for ulcerative colitis patients remains scarce. Therefore, this case series aimed to explore the potential role of Beta-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan derived from Mycelium extract of Ganoderma lucidum in managing ulcerative colitis.