Poria mushroom (Wolfiporia cocos) is a fungus. The spores, which store food for the fungus, are sometimes used to make medicine.
Poria mushroom contains chemicals that might reduce swelling and change immune function.
Poria mushroom has been used for memory, anxiety, fatigue, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using poria mushroom for COVID-19.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using poria mushroom for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if poria mushroom is safe. It can sometimes cause allergic reactions.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if poria mushroom is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Surgery: Poria mushroom might slow down the central nervous system (CNS). When combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery, this might slow down the CNS too much. Stop using poria mushroom as a medicine at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Poria mushroom essential oil might increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays a big part in many important body functions. Some medications, called anticholinergic drugs, block the effects of acetylcholine in the body. Taking poria mushroom might decrease the effects of anticholinergic drugs.
Sedative medications (CNS depressants)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Poria mushroom extract might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking poria mushroom extract with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Various medications used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions (Cholinergic drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Poria mushroom essential oil might increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Some medications that are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions, also increase acetylcholine levels. Taking poria mushroom with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.
Herbs and supplements with sedative properties: Poria mushroom extract might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking it along with other supplements with similar effects might cause too much sleepiness and/or slowed breathing in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include hops, kava, L-tryptophan, melatonin, and valerian.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of poria mushroom might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Bai Fu Ling, Bokryeong, Bokryung, Champignon Poria, China-root, Daedalea Extensa, Fu Ling, FuShen, Hoelen, Hongos Poria, Indian Bread, Macrohyporia Cocos, Macrohyporia Extensa, Matsuhodo, Mushroom, Pachyma Cocos, Polyporus, Poria, Poria cocos, Poria Cocos Sclerotium, Poria Sclerotium, Sclerotium Cocus, Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, Sclerotium Poria Cocao, Sclerotium Poriae Cocos, Tuckahoe, Wolfiporia cocos, Wolfiporia Extensa.
Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.
© TRC Healthcare 2024. All rights reserved. Use and/or distribution is permitted only pursuant to a valid license or other permission from TRC Healthcare.