By Christine Batten and Ryan Thibodaux

Wolfporia extensa
A wood decay fungus Found worldwide Also known as:
Hoelen Poria Tuckahoe China Root Indian Bread

Grows almost entirely underground Most commonly in pine forests Can be up to 20 pounds!

Traditional Chinese Medicine

As a medicinal mushroom Also used as food in China
Mixed with rice into cakes

By Native Americans
As a food source Indian Bread

By African Slaves in North America

As a food source in times of scarcity

Macronutrient distribution not clearly established Supplement makers claim, per 100 g:
1.2 g protein 0.5 g fat 80.9 g carbohydrate 1.7 g cellulose (fiber) 4.27 mg vitamin E 12.6 ug selenium
In line with other mushrooms (e.g. shiitake)

Abundance of micronutrients is verified

K, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn and Zn

Metabolite constitution
Dependent on growing location 6.9mg/g of polysaccharide 10.1mg/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)

Used as an herb for thousands of years

9-15g decocted into a tea Extracts sold in pill form

Used in numerous herb formulas

Combinations of multiple herbs

Ba Zhen Wan
To treat anxiety

Bao He San
Aids digestion after overeating The food coma formula

Bao Ji Wan
Recovery from excessive alcohol consumption

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

Still developing, but Confirmation that Fu Ling presents a remarkable diuretic effect.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2012

Significant anti-hyperglycemic effect due to triterpenic acids

Blood sugars lowered in diabetic rats Insulin sensitivity increased
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011

Three new triterpenoids just discovered!

Doubles known number in Fu Ling from 3 to 6 Further research needed
Chemistry Central Journal, 2012

Fu Ling and Cancer

May reverse multidrug resistance Triterpenoids increased cytotoxicity in KBV200 (cancer) cells
Planta Medica, 2012

Fu Ling and Renal Disease

Effective at decreasing urinary protein loss Inhibits 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 compounds Enhances secretion of immune stimulators/inhibits secretion of immune suppressors Provides antitumor activity by inhibiting angiogenesis
Planta Medica, 2011

No documented adverse side effects have been documented

In part due to insufficient human testing

Should not be used with antidiuretic drugs

Due to Fu Lings diuretic properties

Pregnant women urged to consult a doctor or licensed herbalist before taking Fu Ling

Christine Batten & Ryan Thibodaux