BACKGROUND: Triterpenes (especially triterpene acids) are some of the major physiologically active components of Ganoderma lucidum. However, submerged fermentation techniques for triterpenes have not been optimized for commercial use, and the total triterpene yield is still very low. The aim of this work was to develop a two-stage pH-control strategy integrated with the use of an ether extract from the medicinal insect, Catharsius molossus (EECM), as a stimulus for enhanced G. lucidum triterpene acid production. RESULTS: Triterpene acid product...