Birch Polypore Extract Used for Intestinal Parasites during Stone Ages
Growing on dead or dying birch trees, the fungus Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus) can be found around the globe in temperate climates wherever birch trees occur.
Birch Polypore's 15 minutes of fame came when it was discovered among the remains of Oetzi the Iceman, whose 5,300 year old mummified body was found 1991 at the border of Austria and Italy in a glacial ice cave.
The general consensus is that Oetzi the Iceman used the Birch Polypore against an infection of the intestinal parasite Trichuris trichuria, of which eggs were found among his remains. [190]
And indeed, Birch Polypore tea has been used historically as a folk remedy against intestinal parasites. It has also been used as a styptic to stop bleeding, and as a general antibiotic. [25]
Studies from 1997 also reported that compounds isolated from Birch Polypore helped reduce chronic skin inflammation [191] as well as inflammation in general. [192]
In terms of its antibiotic properties, Birch Polypore extract has been found effective against Bacillus megateterium. [194] One antibiotic compound that has been isolated from Birch Polypore is known as Piptamine. [193] Medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets proposes that Birch Polypore extract be tested for its effectiveness against anthrax Bacillus anthracis. [134]
Another important compound of Birch Polypore extract is Betulinic Acid, a compound from birch that gets extracted and concentrated by the Birch Polypore. A melanoma study conducted in 1995 showed that Betulinic Acid was toxic to malignant melanoma cells without affecting healthy cells. [195] A possible mechanism behind the anti-tumor property of Birch Polypore extract was suggested in 2002 when it was demonstrated to inhibit enzyme activity involved in tumor development. [196]
In 2001, Betulinic Acid derivatives of Birch Polypore extract demonstrated unique antiviral effects against HIV by blocking HIV reproduction. [197]
A U.S. patent on a Birch Polypore extract was filed in 2004 by world leading medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets, after research at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease (USAMRIID) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) concluded that his proprietary Birch Polypore extract was effective against vaccinia virus and cowpox, and non-toxic to human tissues. [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. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Dr. Rafael has been in the natural health field since Chiropractic College in 1996. His current focus is research and writing about medicinal mushrooms, specifically working with the MycoMedicinals of Paul Stamets, whose Birch Polypore extract is part of the synergistic blend Paul Stamets Host Defense for Travelers. For scientific references to this article, visit the Piptoporus betulinus page.