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Poria (Poria cocos) is a type of mushroom long used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a medicinal tonic to promote immune health. It is also believed by some to prevent or treat a wide range of illnesses and disorders, from anxiety and insomnia to cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Next to licorice root, poria is arguably one of the most commonly prescribed traditional remedies in China. Typically sourced from the mushroom's filaments (the threadlike membranes under the cap), this medicinal mushroom is available both in dried and dietary supplement form.
Also Known As
- • China root
- • China tuckahoe
- • Fu ling
- • Hoelen
- • Matsuhodo
Health Benefits
Poria mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in eastern medicines for their diuretic, sedative, and tonic effects. Poria contains several substances thought to promote good health, including polysaccharides (known to enhance immune function) and triterpenoids (a class of compounds with antioxidant effects).
In traditional Chinese medicine, poria mushrooms are believed to aid in the prevention or treatment of a variety of common and uncommon illnesses, including:
- • Alzheimer's disease
- • Anxiety
- • Cough
- • Cancer
- • Diabetes
- • Diarrhea
- • Fatigue
- • High cholesterol
- • Insomnia
- • Kidney infection
- • Senile dementia
- • Tinnitus
- • Urination problems
Despite their popularity in TCM, there is little qualitative evidence to support the use of poria mushrooms in preventing or treating any medical condition.
A number of small studies have hinted at benefits, although most are low-quality or lack the statistical evidence to draw a reasonable conclusion. Further research is needed.
Alzheimer's Disease
Preliminary research suggests that poria mushrooms may help fight Alzheimer's disease. According to a 2009 study in the German journal Die Pharmazie, water-based P. cocos extract appeared to reduce the oxidative stress on biopsied brain cells obtained from rats.
The study's authors suggested that P. cocos may help shield the brain from the toxic effects of beta-amyloid, a substance associated with the formation the brain plaques in people with Alzheimer's disease. Despite the positive finding, there has been no evidence of this occurring outside of the test tube.
Diabetes
Poria mushrooms may be effective against diabetes, according to a 2011 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Researchersfound that a crude oral extract of P. cocos delivered at a dose of 50 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) significantly decreased blood glucose levels in lab mice.
Triterpenes, compounds believed to enhance insulin sensitivity, were specifically credited for this effect.
In theory, taking a poria supplement with meals may reduce blood sugar fluctuations in people with diabetes or insulin resistance. However, this has yet to be proven in research.
Cancer
Several test-tube studies have suggested that poria mushroom may possess anti-tumor properties that could help fight or prevent certain forms of cancer, including pancreatic cancer and breast cancer.
A 2018 study in the journal Cells reported that an extract of P. cocos exhibited cytotoxicity (cell-killing abilities) in four human lung cancer cell lines. Despite the findings, there is no evidence that injecting P. cocos into a live tumor has any cytotoxic effect or that taking the extract by mouth can either prevent or treat cancer.
Possible Side Effects
Due to a lack of studies investigating the effects of poria mushrooms in humans, little is known about their safety, long-term risks, or possible drug interactions. Even though the mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, that doesn't necessarily mean they are safe.
Keep in mind that supplements and herbal remedies are largely unregulated in the United States and are not required to undergo the testing that pharmaceutical drugs do. Because of this, imported natural remedies pose a risk of contamination and/or may not contain the ingredients listed on the product label.
If you experience any adverse effects (like vomiting or diarrhea) after consuming poria, call your doctor's office and let them know what product or supplement you have taken.
Not much is known about the safety of poria mushrooms during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or nursing, you may want to err on the side of caution and avoid poria mushrooms in any form.
Dosage and Preparation
There are no guidelines directing the appropriate use of poria mushrooms. When taken in tablet or capsule form, poria is typically dosed at anywhere from 500 milligrams (mg) once daily to 1,200 mg twice daily. As a rule of thumb, never exceed the manufacturer's dosing recommendations.
Dried poria mushrooms are usually prepared as a tonic by steeping the mushrooms in boiling water. Pre-packaged granules usually come in 10-gram sachets intended to be mixed with between 50 to 100 milliliters (ml) of boiling water. The flavor is described as sweet, but bland.
Some people will even make porridges, soups, and rice cakes from reconstituted or powdered mushrooms, transforming the medicinal remedy into a culinary treat.
What to Look for
According to the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health, products used in traditional Chinese medicine pose safety concerns because they are so loosely regulated. In the past, products have been found to be tainted with heavy metals, pesticides, and even drugs.
When buying poria supplements or powders, opt for well-known brands that been voluntarily submitted for testing by an independent certifying body like the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, or ConsumerLab.
Although certification is a less common practice in the herbal supplements industry, it has started to be embraced by larger manufacturers. Certification guarantees that a product contains what its label says it does, though it does not guarantee safety or effectiveness.
Per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), manufacturers of dietary supplements (which include traditional Chinese medicines) are barred from making any misleading claims about cures or other health benefits. Consider any such statements a sign that you should choose a different product.
If buying imported whole dried poria mushrooms, do not assume they are safe because they come in a sealed container. If there are any signs of mold or moisture, discard them immediately.