Fu LingAlternative Nutrition TherapyBy Christine Batten and Ryan Thibodaux

What is Fu Ling?Wolfporia extensa

A wood decay fungusFound worldwideAlso known as:

Hoelen PoriaTuckahoeChina Root Indian Bread

Finding Fu Ling

Grows almost entirely undergroundMost commonly in pine forestsCan be up to 20 pounds!

Historical Uses of Fu Ling?Traditional Chinese Medicine

As a medicinal mushroomAlso used as food in China

Mixed with rice into cakes

By Native AmericansAs a food source“Indian Bread”

By African Slaves in North AmericaAs a food source in times of scarcity

Nutrient Composition of Fu Ling

Macronutrient distribution not clearly establishedSupplement makers claim, per 100 g:

1.2 g protein0.5 g fat80.9 g carbohydrate1.7 g cellulose (fiber)4.27 mg vitamin E12.6 ug selenium

In line with other mushrooms (e.g. shiitake)

Nutrient Composition of Fu Ling

Abundance of micronutrients is verifiedK, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn and Zn

Metabolite constitutionDependent on growing location6.9mg/g of polysaccharide10.1mg/g triterpinoids (potential anticancer agent)4.3 mg/g flavonoids (phytochemicals)28.7mg/g saponins (may lower cholesterol)64.2mg/g mannitol (a sugar alcohol and diuretic)

Fu Ling in Chinese MedicineUsed as an “herb” for thousands of years

9-15g decocted into a teaExtracts sold in pill form

Used in numerous herb formulas

Combinations of multiple herbs

Fu Ling in Herbal FormulasBa Zhen Wan

To treat anxietyBao He San

Aids digestion after overeatingThe “food coma” formula

Bao Ji WanRecovery from excessive alcohol consumption

Claims of Chinese Medicine“Promotes urination and drains dampness”

Acts as a diuretic and relieves water retention

“Harmonizes the Middle Jiao”The midsection of the body responsible for digestion

“Quiets the heart and calms the spirit”Provides a tranquilizing/calming effect

“A superb yin tonic”Aids the body in recovering from general illness

The Science of Fu LingStill developing, but…Confirmation that Fu Ling “presents a remarkable diuretic effect.”

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2012Significant anti-hyperglycemic effect due to triterpenic acids

Blood sugars lowered in diabetic ratsInsulin sensitivity increased

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011

The Science of Fu LingThree new triterpenoids just discovered!

Doubles known number in Fu Ling from 3 to 6Further research needed…

Chemistry Central Journal, 2012

Fu Ling and CancerMay reverse multidrug resistanceTriterpenoids increased cytotoxicity in KBV200 (cancer) cells

Planta Medica, 2012

The Science of Fu LingFu Ling and Renal Disease

Effective at decreasing urinary protein lossInhibits auqaporin channels in the kidneys, reducing hypertonic stress

Japanese Journal of Pharmacology, 1982

A University of Valencia meta-analysis concludes that Fu Ling:

Contains effective anti-inflammatory compoundsEnhances secretion of immune stimulators/inhibits secretion of immune suppressorsProvides antitumor activity by inhibiting angiogenesis

Planta Medica, 2011

Side Effects and Drug Interactions

No documented adverse side effects have been documented

In part due to insufficient human testingShould not be used with antidiuretic drugs

Due to Fu Ling’s diuretic propertiesPregnant women urged to consult a doctor or licensed herbalist before taking Fu Ling

Thank You!

Christine Batten & Ryan Thibodaux