20-Hydroxylucidenic acid E2 is a triterpene compound identified in Ganoderma ludicum. It significantly inhibits TPA-induced inflammation and suppresses TPA-induced EBV early antigen expression with an IC50 of 290 mol ratio/32 pmol TPA [indicating that the molar concentration of this compound is 290 times that of TPA (32 pmol) to achieve 50% inhibition of EBV early antigen expression]. This compound is applicable in anti-inflammatory and anticancer research.