The medicinal mushroom Zhu Ling is prevalent in pharmacies throughout China. Available in the form of dried thin slivers, it's sold as a remedy for urinary tract infections and tumors, and as an antibiotic and diuretic. [300]
Growing below ground on decaying roots and other wood debris, this mushroom can remain in wet soil for over a year without rotting - a testament to its powerful antimicrobial properties.
In confirmation of its use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for urogenital infections, one study showed Zhu Ling having an inhibitory effect on Chlamydia trachomatis. [302]
A series of modern studies have found promising results in the use of Zhu Ling against parasites, treating Hepatitis B and boosting the immune system, [303, 304] as well as in the treatment of certain types of cancer, [305, 306, 307, 308] including leukemia, [310, 311], bladder and liver cancer. [309] It has been reported to be helpful in immune system recovery and preventing cancer recurrence after chemotherapy and radiation. [312] Two papers from 1991 and 1994 reported 68% and 50% reduction rates of cancer recurrence with the use of Zhu Ling after chemo and radiation. [313, 314]
Two parasites that have responded well to treatment with Zhu Ling extract are Plasmodium falciparum (malaria) and Brucella spp. (brucellosis). Lab exposure of the malaria parasite to Zhu Ling extract proved 100% effective. [310] We don't as of yet have any report from a study on live patients with malaria.
Tests on live subjects with brucellosis have been conducted, showing an improvement in immune system function. [315, 316] Immune system suppression is a characteristic symptom of brucellosis.
As previously mentioned, another of the many uses of Zhu Ling in Traditional Chinese Medicine is for hepatitis B. This use has been affirmed by modern research. [317, 318] A 2001 study reported that although not powerful enough as a standalone treatment of hepatitis B, it was useful in combination with other treatments. [319, 320] Positive results have also been reported in use of Zhu Ling with toxic hepatitis. [321]
A recent study conducted in 2008 showed Zhu Ling extract exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory properties. [322]
One contemporary research paper published findings that Zhu Ling helped balance urine output by increasing low urine production and decreasing excessive production. [301]
A logical conclusion from this is that Zhu Ling could be conveniently given to patients waiting to provide a urine sample in order to expedite the process. [300]
In his book Mycelium Running, medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists viruses and respiratory conditions as areas where research has shown Zhu Ling extract to have a beneficial effect. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.
Growing below ground on decaying roots and other wood debris, this mushroom can remain in wet soil for over a year without rotting - a testament to its powerful antimicrobial properties.
In confirmation of its use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for urogenital infections, one study showed Zhu Ling having an inhibitory effect on Chlamydia trachomatis. [302]
A series of modern studies have found promising results in the use of Zhu Ling against parasites, treating Hepatitis B and boosting the immune system, [303, 304] as well as in the treatment of certain types of cancer, [305, 306, 307, 308] including leukemia, [310, 311], bladder and liver cancer. [309] It has been reported to be helpful in immune system recovery and preventing cancer recurrence after chemotherapy and radiation. [312] Two papers from 1991 and 1994 reported 68% and 50% reduction rates of cancer recurrence with the use of Zhu Ling after chemo and radiation. [313, 314]
Two parasites that have responded well to treatment with Zhu Ling extract are Plasmodium falciparum (malaria) and Brucella spp. (brucellosis). Lab exposure of the malaria parasite to Zhu Ling extract proved 100% effective. [310] We don't as of yet have any report from a study on live patients with malaria.
Tests on live subjects with brucellosis have been conducted, showing an improvement in immune system function. [315, 316] Immune system suppression is a characteristic symptom of brucellosis.
As previously mentioned, another of the many uses of Zhu Ling in Traditional Chinese Medicine is for hepatitis B. This use has been affirmed by modern research. [317, 318] A 2001 study reported that although not powerful enough as a standalone treatment of hepatitis B, it was useful in combination with other treatments. [319, 320] Positive results have also been reported in use of Zhu Ling with toxic hepatitis. [321]
A recent study conducted in 2008 showed Zhu Ling extract exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory properties. [322]
One contemporary research paper published findings that Zhu Ling helped balance urine output by increasing low urine production and decreasing excessive production. [301]
A logical conclusion from this is that Zhu Ling could be conveniently given to patients waiting to provide a urine sample in order to expedite the process. [300]
In his book Mycelium Running, medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists viruses and respiratory conditions as areas where research has shown Zhu Ling extract to have a beneficial effect. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.
About the Author:
Dr. Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. His current focus is medicinal fungi, specifically working with the extracts of Paul Stamets' Fungi Perfecti. (Paul Stamets incorporates Zhu Ling in his Stamets 7 Blend.) For research references to this article, please go to Zhu Ling page. Click on number indicating reference.
