Quantitative determination of the representative triterpenoids in the extracts of Ganoderma lucidum with different growth stages using high-performance liquid chromatography for evaluation of their 5α-reductase inhibitory properties

► We develop the HPLC method for evaluating the 5α-reductase inhibitory potency of Ganoderma lucidum. ► Stage 5 is the prime stage for harvesting G. lucidum. ► The contents of ganoderic acid TR and DM in G. lucidum extracts could be a very useful indicator.