Ganoderic acid B is a chemical marker in quality control of G. lucidum and related products. Ganoderic acid B-containing herbs has potential influence towards therapeutic window of trifluoperazine.Ganoderic acid B has antinociceptive effect; it is moderately active inhibitors against HIV-1 protease with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 0.17-0.23 mM.

Forbesione exhibits anti-HIV-1 activity. Forbesione also has antitumor effects, it combined with 5-FU strongly induced apoptosis in Ham-1 cells.