Mushrooms in scientific research (144)

systematic review

26 studies, including only 5 RCTs · number of people: not reported

The review collected studies on the use of Hericium erinaceus as a supplement in the context of cognitive function and reported adverse effects. The authors noted that adverse effects are usually not reported in the literature.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled

30 people, 50 to 80 years, Japan

The study examined the effect of taking Hericium erinaceus on a cognitive function scale score in a group of 30 Japanese people aged 50 to 80 with mild cognitive impairment. Very small sample from a single population, the differences faded within 4 weeks after discontinuation.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled

30 women

The study examined the effect of 4 weeks of Hericium erinaceus intake on questionnaire scores for mood, perimenopausal symptoms and sleep quality in a group of 30 women. Very small sample, women only.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled

not reported

The study examined the effect of 12 weeks of taking a Hericium erinaceus fruiting-body supplement on cognitive function test results in a group of adult participants. The authors noted that evidence regarding human health remains uncertain.

pilot RCT, placebo-controlled

49 randomised, 41 completed

The study examined the effect of 49 weeks of taking erinacine A-enriched Hericium erinaceus mycelia on cognitive test results and safety parameters in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. Small, pilot sample size, larger studies needed.

pilot RCT

41 healthy adults

The study examined the effect of a single dose and 28 days of Hericium erinaceus supplementation on cognitive test results, perceived stress and mood in a group of 41 healthy adults. Small sample, null results alongside positive ones, replication needed.

crossover RCT, placebo-controlled, single dose

18 healthy adults

The study examined the effect of a single dose of a standardised Hericium erinaceus fruiting-body extract on cognitive test results and mood measured 90 minutes after administration in a group of 18 healthy young adults. Very small sample requiring replication.

systematic review of preclinical studies · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable, 23 studies

The review collected preclinical studies (in vitro and in rodents) on the role of erinacines in neuroprotection models. No standardisation of erinacine measurement, inconsistent reporting of strains and extraction methods.

compound isolation + in vitro test · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study examined, through compound isolation from the fruiting body and an in vitro test, which substances (hericenones C, D, E) stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis. Historical chemistry paper (1991).

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review collected data on the chemical composition, nutritional value and reported health properties of lion's mane. The author emphasises that many properties come from preclinical studies.

in vitro · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study examined the effect of an aqueous extract on nerve fibre outgrowth in an in vitro cell culture, alone and combined with NGF. The preparation did not protect cells from oxidative damage despite its neurotrophic effect.

case report, safety

1 patient, 63-year-old man

The case report documented acute respiratory failure (pneumonitis) in a 63-year-old man after taking a lion's mane extract 4 months earlier. Single case, safety data, not an efficacy study.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled (preprint, not peer-reviewed)

109 people (57+52), 40-75 years, 8 weeks

The study (preprint, not peer-reviewed) examined the effect of 8 weeks of 2 g daily fruiting-body and mycelium biomass supplementation on visual attention, working memory, sleep quality and mood tests in 109 adults aged 40-75 with reported cognitive difficulties. The authors themselves describe the results as "modest". Preprint status means no scientific peer review.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable (3 human studies + 13 animal studies discussed in the review)

The narrative review analysed 3 human clinical studies and 13 animal studies on the prevention and delayed progression of Alzheimer's disease. The authors point to the need for additional human clinical studies.

Cochrane systematic review with meta-analysis

5 RCTs, total number of people not reported

The review collected randomised studies on the use of Ganoderma lucidum in the context of oncological treatment. The authors noted unsatisfactory methodological quality of the primary studies, incomplete outcome reporting, no long-term survival data, and adverse events reported in only one study.

Cochrane systematic review with meta-analysis

5 studies, 398 people

The review collected randomised studies on the effect of Ganoderma lucidum on cardiovascular risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. The authors noted that only 3 of 5 studies provided data suitable for statistical analysis.

systematic review with meta-analysis, GRADE assessment

17 RCTs, 971 people

The review collected clinical trials on Ganoderma lucidum supplementation regarding anthropometric, metabolic, inflammatory and liver markers. GRADE-assessed evidence quality was very low for all analysed outcomes.

systematic review with meta-analysis of RCTs

23 studies, 4246 people

The review collected randomised studies on Coriolus versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum preparations used as adjunct therapy in oncology patients. Studies were conducted almost exclusively in Asia, with heterogeneous preparations and doses.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled

84 people

The study examined the effect of Ganoderma lucidum, alone and combined with Cordyceps sinensis, on glycaemic parameters and other cardiovascular risk factors in 84 people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Observation period limited to 16 weeks.

RCT

88 men over 49 years old

The study examined the effect of an ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum on lower urinary tract symptoms in 88 men over 49 years old. The authors recommended further evaluation on a larger sample and over a longer period.

meta-analysis of animal studies · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable, 49 papers

The review collected animal studies on the effect of Ganoderma lucidum on serum lipid profile. Dose variation between studies, scope limited to animal models.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled

132 people (China)

The study examined the effect of 8 weeks of taking a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract on a neurasthenia symptom severity scale score in 132 Chinese patients. Limitations were not stated explicitly in the abstract.

animal study (rats) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The rat study examined the effect of a 3-day Ganoderma lucidum extract administration (80 mg/kg) on total sleep time and NREM sleep, and on TNF-α levels in blood and brain, using TNF-α blocking antibodies to test the mechanism.

animal study (rats) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The rat study examined the effect of an aqueous extract (80 and 120 mg/kg) on sleep architecture in healthy animals and on pentobarbital-induced sleep, using flumazenil to test the GABAergic mechanism.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled

110 randomised (55/group in final analysis), 12 weeks

The study examined the effect of 12 weeks of Ganoderma lucidum spore oil supplementation (3 g daily, approx. 1 g triterpenes) on lipid profile and kidney/liver safety in people with borderline elevated triglycerides. Limited to a population with borderline hypertriglyceridemia and a short 12-week observation period.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled

59 people

The study examined Cordyceps militaris as an add-on to duloxetine for insomnia associated with depression, in a group of 59 people, using a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT design.

RCT

40 healthy adults

The study examined the effect of a Cordyceps militaris beverage on immune response in 40 healthy adults, using an RCT design.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled

65 enrolled, 58 evaluated

The study examined Cordyceps militaris in mild-to-moderate COVID-19, using a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT, with 65 people enrolled (58 evaluated).

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review collected in vitro, in vivo and clinical data on Cordyceps militaris.

systematic review with meta-analysis

14 RCTs, 528 athletes

The systematic review with meta-analysis collected 14 RCTs (528 athletes) on functional mushroom supplementation in athletes; the review covers multiple mushroom species at once, not only Cordyceps militaris.

animal study (mice) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The mouse study examined the effect of Cordyceps militaris on physical performance.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled (mushroom blend, not an isolated species)

28 (acute phase), 10 (chronic phase)

The study examined the effect of a mushroom blend containing C. militaris (4 g/day) on VO2max, time to exhaustion, ventilatory threshold and power in a cycle ergometer test, using 1-week and 3-week protocols in trained adults. Limitations: n=10 in the chronic phase, a multi-ingredient preparation not isolating the species.

narrative review of human studies · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

5 studies, 321 participants aged 16-35

The narrative review collected 5 intervention studies (2017-2024) on ergogenic effects and post-exercise recovery with supplementation in humans. Small samples, heterogeneous participants and protocols, incomplete randomisation reporting, most studies not registered.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The review discussed the pharmacological potential of the genus Cordyceps, with particular focus on cordycepin, based on in vitro/in vivo data.

narrative review (whole genus Cordyceps) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The review collected traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the entire genus Cordyceps without separating species.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The paper discussed mechanisms of cordycepin interaction with adenosine receptors and hypothetically linked this to brain protection and COVID-19. Purely theoretical, with no original data.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The review discussed TCM tonic herbs (Cordyceps as one of several) in the context of ATP, antioxidation and immunomodulation. Does not isolate Cordyceps.

pilot RCT

20 enrolled, 15 completed

The pilot randomised study examined the effect of the Cs-4 preparation (a fermented Cordyceps sinensis product) on physical performance in older adults, 20 enrolled, 15 completed.

RCT, double-blind

22 cyclists

The double-blind RCT examined the effect of the CordyMax Cs-4 preparation (Cordyceps sinensis) on performance in 22 cyclists.

systematic review with meta-analysis

14 RCTs, 1192 people

The systematic review with meta-analysis collected 14 RCTs (1192 people) on Cordyceps sinensis in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

systematic review with meta-analysis of RCTs

15 RCTs, 1310 people

The meta-analysis collected RCTs on oral Cordyceps sinensis as adjunct therapy in patients with renal dysfunction (creatinine, oliguria duration, urine osmolality). Small samples, short observation periods, predominance of studies from China.

animal study (rats) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The rat study examined exercise endurance capacity and skeletal muscle metabolic regulators after Cordyceps sinensis administration.

animal (rats) + in vitro (aorta) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study in anaesthetised rats and isolated aortic rings examined the effect of a Cordyceps sinensis protein fraction on arterial pressure (intravenous administration) and vascular relaxation. Animal model, intravenous administration, does not translate to an oral supplement.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review discussed the properties and potential applications of chaga described in the literature.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review discussed the properties of Inonotus obliquus described in the literature.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The brief narrative review discussed the medicinal and nutraceutical significance of chaga.

in vitro + chemistry · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro study examined the chemical composition and biological activity of chaga extracts.

in vitro · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro study examined the anticancer activity of chaga extracts on cell lines.

animal study (mice) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The mouse study examined the effect of continuous administration of an aqueous chaga extract on cancer progression.

animal study (mice) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice examined the anti-diabetic effect of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides.

case report, safety

1 patient, 69-year-old man

The case report documented oxalate nephropathy after chaga intake, clinically manifesting as nephrotic syndrome in a 69-year-old man. Single case, safety data.

case report, safety

1 patient, 49-year-old man

The case report documented the development of end-stage renal disease after long-term chaga ingestion in a 49-year-old man. Single case, safety data.

chemistry + in vitro · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study examined the chemical structure of polysaccharide fractions from the inner and outer parts of the fruiting body (structural methods) and their effect on nitric oxide production in mouse macrophage and dendritic cell lines in vitro.

case report, safety (chronologically the first of three)

1 patient, 72-year-old woman

The case report documented a link between 6 months of chaga powder intake (4-5 teaspoons daily) by a 72-year-old woman after hepatectomy for liver cancer and worsening kidney function requiring haemodialysis; biopsy showed diffuse tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis and oxalate crystals. Chronologically the first of three reported cases (2014, before Lee 2020 and Kwon 2022).

in vitro · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study examined the effect of the extract on nitric oxide levels and inflammatory markers in resting M0 macrophages and LPS-activated M1 macrophages in vitro, at various concentrations.

Cochrane review with meta-analysis (PSK, drug)

7 RCTs, 1569 people

The Cochrane systematic review with meta-analysis collected 7 RCTs (1569 people) on the effect of PSK (a pharmaceutical drug, not a supplement) on adverse effects of chemotherapy/radiotherapy in colorectal cancer.

meta-analysis of RCTs (PSK, drug)

8 RCTs, 8009 patients

The meta-analysis of RCTs collected 8 studies (8009 patients) on PSK (a drug) as adjunct therapy in gastric cancer.

network meta-analysis (PSK, drug)

23 studies, 10,684 patients

The network meta-analysis collected 23 studies (10,684 patients) on PSK (a drug) in gastrointestinal cancers.

meta-analysis of RCTs

23 studies, 4246 people

The meta-analysis of RCTs collected 23 studies (4246 people) on Coriolus versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum preparations used as adjunct therapy in oncology patients.

pilot RCT, placebo-controlled (PSP, drug)

68 people

The pilot placebo-controlled RCT examined PSP (a drug) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 68 people.

phase I, dose escalation (whole extract, not a drug)

11 recruited, 9 completed

The phase I dose-escalation study examined the safety and tolerability of a whole Trametes versicolor extract (not the purified PSK/PSP drug) in women after radiotherapy for breast cancer. 11 recruited, 9 completed.

RCT (PSP, drug)

24 recruited, 22 completed

The RCT examined the effect of PSP (a drug) combined with amoxicillin on the gut microbiome of healthy people. 24 recruited, 22 completed.

RCT (PSK, drug)

558 people

The RCT examined PSK (a drug) added to postoperative chemotherapy in 558 people.

in vitro (human faecal fermentation, PSP) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

number of donors not specified

The in vitro study examined the fermentation of PSP by human faecal microbiota cultured outside the body (bacterial composition, pH) compared with fructooligosaccharides.

narrative review (PSP) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review discussed the immunomodulatory mechanisms of PSP (cytokines, tumour microenvironment) in the context of adjuvant therapy in Asia.

animal (mice, PSK) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not specified

The mouse study examined PSK (a drug) combined with docetaxel (tumour size, lymphocyte infiltration, NK cell activity).

narrative review (PSK) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The review synthesised Asian RCTs on PSK (a drug: gastric, colorectal, oesophageal, breast cancer) and immunological mechanisms. No data on the effect of the whole extract as distinct from PSK.

systematic review with meta-analysis (PSK, drug)

13 clinical studies

The meta-analysis examined the effect of PSK (a drug) preparations added to standard treatment on survival of cancer patients, based on 13 clinical studies.

narrative review (PSP and PSK) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The review synthesised in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence for commercial PSP and PSK preparations as adjunct therapy.

narrative review, bioprocess-focused (PSP) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review focused on the biotechnological production of PSP, with a brief discussion of biological activity.

in vitro, 3 Trametes species · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro study examined antioxidant, antifungal, cytotoxic activity and acetylcholinesterase/tyrosinase inhibition for extracts of three Trametes species from Serbia.

general review (not specifically about Coriolus) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

General review of the anti-inflammatory properties of edible mushrooms; does not specifically concern Coriolus, a source shared across multiple species hubs.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled (combined FoTv preparation, not Coriolus alone)

90 (52 FoTv, 38 placebo)

The RCT examined the safety and feasibility of administering the FoTv mycelium preparation (Fomitopsis officinalis + Trametes versicolor) as an adjunct to COVID-19 vaccination, with observation up to 6 months. A combined preparation of two species; results cannot be attributed to Trametes versicolor alone.

review (no full PRISMA protocol), mostly preclinical · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

11 studies, including 1 phase I study (= 5.6)

The review collected 11 studies (2010-2025) on Coriolus versicolor in breast cancer, mostly cell lines and mice, plus one phase I study. Larger placebo-controlled studies are needed.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled

47 healthy people aged 60+

The double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT examined the effect of Grifola frondosa on cognitive function in 47 healthy people aged 60+.

phase I/II, dose escalation

34 women

The phase I/II dose-escalation study examined the safety and immunological effects of a Grifola frondosa extract in 34 women after breast cancer treatment.

phase II

21 enrolled, 18 evaluated

The phase II study examined a Grifola frondosa extract in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in 21 enrolled people (18 evaluated).

randomised, open-label, no blinding

80 patients

The randomised, open-label study (no blinding) examined a Grifola frondosa extract in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in 80 patients.

systematic review

not applicable

The systematic review (Natural Standard methodology) collected available data on the uses and safety of Grifola frondosa.

observational, uncontrolled

10 patients

The uncontrolled observational study examined the effect of the D-fraction from Grifola frondosa on NK cell activity in 10 oncology patients.

animal meta-analysis · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

24 studies

The preclinical meta-analysis collected 24 animal studies on Grifola frondosa.

animal study · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

20 mice

The study in 20 mice examined the safety of long-term administration of various Grifola frondosa doses.

pilot, research letter, uncontrolled

6 patients

A brief research letter described glycaemia observations in six type 2 diabetes patients taking the extract. Very small sample, no control group.

mechanistic in vitro (L6 cells) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study examined the mechanism of action of the SX-fraction on the insulin signalling pathway in L6 muscle cells, referencing the author's earlier clinical observations.

narrative review by the fraction's author · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

A narrative review summarised data on the SX-fraction in type 2 diabetes; the author is also the fraction's original researcher.

animal study (N and dose not verified) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not established in this literature review

The oldest paper in this set, an animal study on the anti-diabetic activity of the fruiting-body extract (first description of the so-called X-fraction). Animal number and dose were not verified in this literature review.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The review collected data on bioactive compounds (polysaccharides, beta-glucans, proteins, sterols, phenols) and their effects described in the literature.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled

56 people

The 12-week trial examined a Tremella beverage versus placebo, measuring HbA1c and waist circumference in overweight/obese adults with prediabetes. Single-centre, small sample, the authors note the need for larger RCTs.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3 arms

75 people (30/30/15)

The trial examined 8 weeks of 600 mg or 1200 mg daily capsules versus placebo in people with subjective cognitive impairment: safety, memory complaint questionnaire, memory and executive function tests, and grey matter volume (MRI). Small placebo group (15 people), short duration.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review discussed the chemical structure, bioactivity and applications of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides, without measuring effects in humans.

in vitro (PC12h cell line) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro study (PC12h cell line) examined the neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects of a Tremella fuciformis extract.

in vitro + animal (rats) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study combined a cell model (PC12 neurite outgrowth) with an animal model (restoring trimethyltin-impaired memory in rats) after Tremella fuciformis administration.

in vitro (human dermal fibroblasts) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro study on human dermal fibroblasts examined whether Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides inhibit UVA-induced photodamage.

in vitro (fibroblasts) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro study on human dermal fibroblasts examined whether a Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide reduces hydrogen peroxide-induced damage by upregulating SIRT1.

chemical analysis of the raw material · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The chemical analysis of the raw material examined whether a compound from Tremella fuciformis has a structure and chemical profile comparable to animal-derived hyaluronic acid.

animal (mice) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The preclinical mouse study examined the anti-stress effects of enzymatic Tremella fuciformis extracts.

parallel RCT, 2 doses, no placebo

52 people (21-41 years old, healthy)

The trial examined 4 weeks of eating 5 g or 10 g dried Shiitake daily in healthy adults, measuring ex vivo proliferation and activation of γδ-T and NK-T cells, salivary sIgA, CRP and cytokine profile. No placebo group, only a young healthy population, short duration; the authors themselves note the shortage of human intervention studies.

animal, isolated polysaccharide fraction (lentinan) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The mouse study measured inhibition of sarcoma S-180 by an isolated polysaccharide fraction from Lentinus edodes (the founding paper for the lentinan drug, not a supplement).

in vitro + animal (S-180 tumour) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro and animal study (S-180 tumour model) examined the anticancer effect of β-glucan from Lentinus edodes and its mechanism.

meta-analysis of 12 clinical studies (injectable lentinan + chemotherapy, drug)

950 people (492 lentinan / 458 control)

The meta-analysis collected 12 clinical studies of intravenous lentinan added to NSCLC chemotherapy (efficacy, toxicity), data from 2 databases (PubMed, CNKI). An intravenous pharmaceutical preparation, clearly different from an oral fruiting-body supplement, analogous to PSK/PSP for Coriolus.

animal (rats) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The rat study examined the mechanism by which eritadenine (a Shiitake compound) lowers cholesterol via changes in hepatic phospholipid metabolism.

animal (mice) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study in hypercholesterolemic mice examined the effect of Lentinus edodes on fat removal.

in vitro (MCF-7, lymphocytes) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro study (MCF-7 cell line and lymphocytes) examined the cytostatic and immunomodulatory properties of Lentinula edodes.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review discussed the pharmacological properties of Lentinus edodes described in the literature.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review discussed the therapeutic and nutraceutical values of shiitake described in the literature.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review discussed the isolation, structure and immunomodulatory activity of Lentinus edodes polysaccharides.

narrative review of beta-glucans in general (not specifically about Shiitake) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review discussed fungal beta-glucans and mammalian immunity in general; does not specifically concern Shiitake, a source shared across multiple species hubs.

general review (not specifically about Shiitake) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

General review of the anti-inflammatory properties of edible mushrooms; does not specifically concern Shiitake, a source shared across multiple species hubs.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review discussed Auricularia auricula-judae as a functional food.

in vitro · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro study examined the extraction, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of crude polysaccharides from wood ear mushroom.

in vitro · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro study examined the antioxidant capacity of fresh and processed fruiting bodies and mycelium of wood ear.

in vitro · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro study examined the antithrombin-mediated anticoagulant activity of a polysaccharide from Auricularia auricula.

in vitro · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro study examined extraction optimisation, structural characterisation and anticoagulant activity of acidic polysaccharides from wood ear.

animal study (mice) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The mouse study examined whether a novel polysaccharide from Auricularia auricula alleviates carrageenan-induced thrombosis.

animal study (rats) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study in diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats examined the hypolipidemic effects of biopolymers from wood ear.

animal study (ICR mice) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study in ICR mice examined the cholesterol-lowering effect of an Auricularia auricula ethanol extract.

chemistry + animal (mice) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study combined chemistry with a mouse model, examining the properties of a polysaccharide purified from solid-state fermentation as a hypolipidemic agent.

animal study (KK-Ay mice) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study in genetically diabetic KK-Ay mice examined the hypoglycaemic effect of a water-soluble polysaccharide from wood ear.

animal study (mice) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study in high-fat-diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice examined the hypoglycaemic effect of Auricularia auricula polysaccharides.

animal study (mice) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The mouse study examined the characterisation of natural melanin from Auricularia auricula and its hepatoprotective effect against acute alcohol-induced liver injury.

in vitro / chemistry · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The chemistry/in vitro study examined melanin extraction from Auricularia auricula waste residue.

in vitro (biosynthesis) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro study examined the biosynthetic pathways of melanin in Auricularia auricula.

open-label RCT (no blinding), maltodextrin control · the first human study found for wood ear

50 people (24/26)

The study examined 8 weeks of consuming a functional food with wood ear powder twice daily versus a control, measuring body composition, waist circumference, lipid profile, fibre intake, constipation scales (CAS, ROME II) and gut microbiota in Korean middle-aged adults. Open-label study (formally randomised but unblinded). The authors noted a small sample, no long-term data, and no dose-dependence assessment.

animal study (rats) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The rat study examined diuretic activity and the expression of aquaporins (AQP1-3) and the V2 receptor in the kidney medulla after Polyporus umbellatus administration.

animal study · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The animal study examined whether an aqueous extract of Polyporus umbellatus sclerotium inhibits urinary bladder carcinogenesis.

in vitro (mouse dendritic cells) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro study examined the activation of mouse dendritic cells by a purified Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharide via the TLR4 receptor.

in vitro (macrophages) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The in vitro study examined macrophage activation by a Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharide fraction via the TLR4 receptor.

animal study · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The animal study examined the efficacy of Zhuling (Polyporus) polysaccharide combined with BCG vaccine in inhibiting bladder carcinoma.

structural chemistry + in vitro (L1210 line) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The chemistry study isolated seven new compounds (polyporusterones A-G) from the fruiting body and tested cytotoxicity in vitro.

compound isolation + animal model · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study isolated an anti-aldosteronic (diuretic) compound from Polyporus sclerotium and tested it in an animal model.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The review collected knowledge on the traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology and quality control of Polyporus umbellatus; the author notes that the studies are mostly preclinical.

narrative review of beta-glucans in general (not specifically about Polyporus) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review discussed fungal beta-glucans and mammalian immunity in general; does not specifically concern Polyporus, a source shared across multiple species hubs.

general review (not specifically about Polyporus) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

General review of the anti-inflammatory properties of edible mushrooms; does not specifically concern Polyporus, a source shared across multiple species hubs.

systematic review of chemistry and preclinical bioactivity (qualified) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

156 and 28 hepatitis B patients (the PUP pharmaceutical drug, 1990s, no randomisation or blinding)

The review collected over 50 years of research on the extraction, structure and bioactivity of Polyporus polysaccharides, with one reference to two historical, open-label studies of the Chinese PUP drug in hepatitis B patients. These are NOT RCTs or dietary-supplement studies; the review is systematic regarding chemistry, not clinical efficacy, hence a qualified level B.

RCT, double-blind, placebo-controlled (3-ingredient combination)

70 people, 4 weeks

The study examined 4 weeks of a Poria cocos + Ziziphus spinosa + GABA combination on PSQI questionnaire scores, total sleep time and skin parameters in 70 people with sleep complaints. Three ingredients at once; the effect cannot be attributed to poria alone.

monotherapy clinical study (no mention of randomisation/placebo in the abstract)

21 people, 800 mg in the evening

The study examined the effect of the extract (800 mg in the evening) on sleep parameters measured by questionnaire and polysomnography in 21 people with insomnia (mean age approx. 55). The abstract does not specify randomisation or a placebo group; very small sample.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review discussed the pharmacological profiles and therapeutic applications of pachymic acid (a compound from poria).

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review discussed the chemical composition and pharmacological properties of Poria cocos.

in vitro / activity review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The review and in vitro study discussed the role of lanostane triterpenoids from Poria cocos in immunoregulatory activity.

preclinical mechanistic study · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The preclinical, mechanistic study examined the anti-hyperglycaemic properties of crude extract and triterpenes from Poria cocos.

narrative review · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review discussed progress in research on the bioactivity, chemical composition and pharmacological mechanism of Wolfiporia cocos.

animal study (rats) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The study examined the effect of a water-soluble polysaccharide on anxiety-like behaviour after sleep deprivation, gut microbiota, and the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway in rats.

narrative review of beta-glucans in general (not specifically about poria) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

The narrative review discussed fungal beta-glucans and mammalian immunity in general; does not specifically concern poria, a source shared across multiple species hubs.

general review (not specifically about poria) · preclinical studies (in vitro and rodent)

not applicable

General review of the anti-inflammatory properties of edible mushrooms; does not specifically concern poria, a source shared across multiple species hubs.