WolfiPoria Extensa: 17 Benefits of the Poria Mushroom

The Poria cocos mushroom characteristically has a large underground sclerotium; this is the compacted and hardened mycelium (filaments or threads) forming a mass that contains food resources. Poria is a wood decaying fungus and looks like a small coconut, mushroom or potato. In Chinese the sclerotium is called Tuckahoe or Fu ling. The Tuckahoe should not be confused with that used in Indian bread which is arrow arum. It is primary cultivated in China and was used to make delicacies and treats for members of the royal family.

The Poria mushroom contains natural substances that promote good health including polysaccharides and triterpenoids, these are thought to enhance immune system health and provide antioxidant benefits respectively. In view of this, Poria is one of the most sought after traditional medicinals in China.

Poria Mushroom is known by many names, but generally is referred to as any of the following: Fu Ling, WolfiPoria Extensa, or China Root.

Poria Mushroom Identification and Description

Fruiting body: The sclerotium is up to 30cm long and up to 1kg in weight. Colored from pale red to white but commonly light brown.
Smell: The smell has been described as both odorless and ‘special’.
Taste: Sweet but mild.
Spores: Germinate and infect the root of plants growing and reproducing sclerotia.
Edibility: Edible; used to cook with or used as a medicinal herb.
Habitat: Grows on pine trees, in particular Japanese red and Masson Pine; plus fir trees. In the wild, it grows very much like the European truffle.

Division: Basidiomycota; Class: Agaricomycetes; Order: Polyporales; Family: Polyporaceae; Genus: Wolfiporia & Species: Extensa.

Poria Mushroom Look-Alikes

Poria is a pretty distinct looking mushroom, I can’t think of any other mushroom that looks similar to a coconut. It’s generally not confused with anything.

Poria Mushroom Benefits

In China, the Poria mushroom is one of the most commonly prescribed traditional medicine and used in a variety of health conditions, as discussed below. It has been in use for more than two thousand years and pharmacological studies have shown that the abundant source of polysaccharides in Poria provide its biological effects along with triterpenoids, fatty acids, sterols and enzymes. In some cases, such as anxiety and insomnia, there is little scientific research to support the role of Poria, despite it being so commonly used. This is not necessarily due to a lack of effect but rather, the lack of research. It is important to note that before self-administering the Poria mushroom for treatment of any health conditions, advice should be sought from a qualified medical practitioner, this will ensure the safety of the mushroom and highlight any contraindications.

Cancer

A review of the in vitro and in vivo effects of Poria was summarized by Li et al [1.]. In vitro they observed the effects of extracts of Poria polysaccharides and its derivatives on human cancer cell lines for gastric cancer, breast cancer, Liver and leukemia. Generally, the effect of the Poria extract was concentration dependent and varied between cancer types when the in vitro data was examined. Positive results were particularly seen with the liver cancer cells with cell growth inhibition observed. In contrast, in vivo animal models where animals were injected with cancer cells saw a more striking effect with concentration dependent reduction in tumor weight. Within range statistically significant anti-tumor effects were seen in the sarcoma induced, cervical cancer induced and the Ehrlich-Lettre ascites (EAC) cancer cell induced mouse models.

Interestingly, in a mouse model of Gastric cancer, Poria extract in addition to a chemotherapy-type drug (oxaliplatin) were given in tandem. The study saw that this combination could significantly inhibit the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo; furthermore, Poria combined with oxaliplatin could significantly affect the tumor morphology [2.]. This data suggests that the administration of Poria in conjunction with chemotherapy could prove beneficial.

Immune System

A review of studies on cancer cells have suggested that the positive anti-tumor effects seen may be directly linked to the ability of the Poria mushroom to 1) activate immune cells important for innate immunity, leading to an enhancement of natural defense mechanisms 2) Increase cytokines (natural immune modulating factors) to help the cell killing ability of natural killer cells 3) stimulate apoptosis (controlled cell death) and 4) Poria may be able to regulate important enzymes that control the growth and expansion of cancer cells and their ability to become cancerous [1.].

Immune suppression

In vitro studies, demonstrated that high concentration levels of a Poria polysaccharide, was able to suppress the growth of B cells (B Lymphocytes). This is preliminary evidence but further supports a role for Poria in immune system modulation [3.] in this case via down regulation of some immune responses, this may be of particular importance in antibody mediated autoimmune disease conditions.

Liver Steatosis

A common cause of liver problems is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the first step of which is hepatic steatosis characterized by the presence of triglyceride (Tg) accumulation; triglycerides are a species of fat.  A study observing the effects of Poria in vitro and in vivo showed that cells treated with Poria extract saw a reduction in Tg and mice with increased levels of fat due to a high fat diet, saw a reduction in liver Tg. Collectively, the evidence supports a tole for Poria in the improvement of hepatic steatosis [4.] and subsequent liver conditions; therefore, providing a supporting role in liver health.

Anti-depressant

In China Poria is a key component of some anti-depressant treatments including Xiaoyaosan and Banxia Houpu decoction [3]. Recently, using a mouse model to study the effects of Poria on depression, it was shown that two polysaccharides from Poria had positive effects and Poria could be a suitable candidate for treatment of depression.

Memory Disorders, Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

A review of 1498 citations of dementia and memory impairments associated with aging and consistent with the clinical features of Alzheimer’s disease were examined and Poria featured regularly as an ingredient in formulas used to treat the aging memory [5.]. Alzheimer’s is the principle type of dementia and is characterized by plaque deposits of beta-amyloid in the brain contributing to neurotoxicity. In the presence of amyloid beta protein, in vitro, there is cell death and oxidative damage. In contrast, when cells were pre-treated with a water-based extract of Poria (5-125µg/ml), there was a reduction in cell death and Poria appeared to suppress oxidative stress and increase the levels of protective proteins. The authors suggest that Poria may be a natural target in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease [6.].

Cerebral Blood Flow

When Poria is used in conjunction with other medicinal herbs and administered as Zhenxuanyin, a rat study showed that 0.03 – 3g/kg a day, greatly improved blood flow in primary cerebral regions of the brain [7.].

Anti-Inflammatory

In vitro, examination of ethanol extract of Poria, showed a decrease in inflammatory cytokines (immune system modulators) levels by interfering with gene expression of the molecules. Indicating, anti-inflammatory capabilities important in conditions such as arthritis [8.].

Diabetes

Administration of Poria extract (50mg/kg) to mice, representing type II diabetes, significantly decreased blood glucose levels, the data suggested that the Poria extract and its triterpenes, reduced postprandial blood glucose levels in mice via enhanced insulin sensitivity [9.].

Insomnia

In tradition Chinese herbal medicine Poria is frequently used as a single herb or in concoctions in the treatment of insomnia. Although, the sedative mechanism of action is not fully understood it is very well used in the treatment of insomnia [10.].

Anxiety

Poria extract is frequently and well known in the treatment of anxiety disorders in traditional Chinese medicine; however, there is a distinct lack of scientific research relating to how Poria exerts its effects [11.].

Anti-Epileptic

Preliminary studies have shown positive effects from the triterpenes taken from the whole Poria (5-160 mg/kg) in the prevention of convulsions in an epileptic mouse model, further work is required to understand the mechanism of action; however, the authors indicate Poria is a potential anti-epileptic drug candidate [12.].

Intestinal Microbiome

A study in young rats administered with a dietary supplement, that also included Poria polysaccharides, showed positive effects in the promotion colonization and maturation of intestinal microbiota and may maintain the health of the intestinal micro-ecosystem [13.].

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A study looking at mice with induced colitis and the effects of Poria polysaccharide CMP33, showed that CMP33 markedly lessened the severity of the colitis, including a reduction in mouse death and a decrease in the macroscopic and microscopic changes associated with the bowel in this disease [14.].

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

The anti-inflammatory effect of Poria on dermatitis was evaluated on an experimentally induced irritant contact dermatitis and statistically significant anti-inflammatory responses was observed [15.]. This study was performed on otherwise healthy humans that were exposed to an irritant before the administration of Poria extract.

Dampness, Diuretic and Promotes Kidney Function

The symptoms of Dampness accumulation are oedema, difficulty urinating, retention of urine, lack of energy, a build-up of phlegm, abdomen distension, diarrhoea, and joint pain. Poria extract, usually in the form of a concoction with a variety of names, has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to eliminate excess fluid to aid with dampness and promote a healthy kidney function [16.].

Tinnitus

In addition to the administration of conventional medicines, a traditional Chinese medicine with a mixture of medicinal herbs, including Poria, was effective in easing symptoms in 84% of patients with tinnitus [17.].

Poria Mushroom Dosage

Poria is edible. It can be cooked with or taken as a dietary supplementation.

Poria Mushroom Toxicity, Safety & Side Effects

Despite being used in Chinese medicine for centuries, there is little scientific research relating to the safety of the Poria mushroom or any long-term effects; this is due to the lack of studies in humans. Always err on the side of caution when ingesting for the first time due to potential allergic reactions. If pregnant or nursing avoid using or seek medical advice before administering the Poria mushroom. It is noteworthy that cytotoxicity tests performed on cells with a concentration dosage of 10-200µg/mL saw no toxicity [3.].

References:

1. Li, X., et al., Molecular basis for Poria cocos mushroom polysaccharide used as an antitumour drug in China. Journal of cellular and molecular medicine, 2019. 23(1): p. 4-20.
2. Wang, N., et al., Molecular mechanism of Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin on the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer cells. Biomed Pharmacother, 2018. 102: p. 865-873.
3. Zhang, W., et al., Antidepressant and immunosuppressive activities of two polysaccharides from Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf. Int J Biol Macromol, 2018. 120(Pt B): p. 1696-1704.
4. Kim, J.H., et al., Poria cocus Wolf Extract Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis through Regulation of Lipid Metabolism, Inhibition of ER Stress, and Activation of Autophagy via AMPK Activation. Int J Mol Sci, 2019. 20(19).
5. May, B.H., et al., Memory Impairment, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease in Classical and Contemporary Traditional Chinese Medicine. J Altern Complement Med, 2016. 22(9): p. 695-705.
6. Park, Y.H., et al., Poria cocos water extract (PCW) protects PC12 neuronal cells from beta-amyloid-induced cell death through antioxidant and antiapoptotic functions. Pharmazie, 2009. 64(11): p. 760-4.
7. Jingyi, W., et al., Observation on the effects of Chinese medicine zhenxuanyin for improving cerebral blood flow in rats with cerebral ischemia. J Tradit Chin Med, 1997. 17(4): p. 299-303.
8. Jeong, J.-W., et al., Ethanol extract of Poria cocos reduces the production of inflammatory mediators by suppressing the NF-kappaB signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 2014. 14: p. 101-101.
9. Li, T.-H., et al., Anti-Hyperglycemic Properties of Crude Extract and Triterpenes from <i>Poria cocos</i>. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011. 2011: p. 128402.
10. Singh, A. and K. Zhao, Chapter Five – Treatment of Insomnia With Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine, in International Review of Neurobiology, B.-Y. Zeng and K. Zhao, Editors. 2017, Academic Press. p. 97-115.
11. Lee et al., A review study in treatment for anxiety disorder in traditional Chinese medicine J of Oriental Neuropsychiatry. 2012. 23 (2): 1-12.
12. Gao, Y., et al., Antiepileptic activity of total triterpenes isolated from Poria cocos is mediated by suppression of aspartic and glutamic acids in the brain. Pharmaceutical Biology, 2016. 54(11): p. 2528-2535.
13. Wang, M., et al., Supplementation with compound polysaccharides contributes to the development and metabolic activity of young rat intestinal microbiota. Food Funct, 2019. 10(5): p. 2658-2675.
14. Liu, X., et al., The protective effects of Poria cocos-derived polysaccharide CMP33 against IBD in mice and its molecular mechanism. Food Funct, 2018. 9(11): p. 5936-5949.
15. Fuchs, S.M., et al., Assessment of anti-inflammatory activity of Poria cocos in sodium lauryl sulphate-induced irritant contact dermatitis. Skin Res Technol, 2006. 12(4): p. 223-7.
16. Wang, J. and X. Xiong, Control strategy on hypertension in chinese medicine. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2012. 2012: p. 284847-284847.
17. Yang, D.J., [Tinnitus treated with combined traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, 1989. 9(5): p. 270-1, 259-60.