Zhu Ling Mushroom – A Chinese Pharmacy Staple
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]
Zhu Ling grows under the ground on rotting wood. It stays fresh in wet soils for over a year, which proves that it has a powerful immune system loaded with chemical compounds to fight off microbes.
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]
Some of the most promising modern research on Zhu Ling has been on its effect against parasites, for the treatment of Hepatitis B, to boost the immune system, [303, 304] and for the treatment of certain cancers [305, 306, 307, 308] including liver cancer, [309] bladder cancer and leukemia [310, 311] - in particular to help the immune system rebound [312] and to prevent the recurrence of cancer after chemotherapy and radiation. Two studies from 1991 and 1994 showed 68% and 50% reduction rates of cancer recurrence when Zhu Ling was administered after the conclusion of conventional cancer treatments. [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.
In the case of brucellosis, Zhu Ling extract helped reverse the suppression of the immune system, which is part of this debilitating disease. [315, 316]
Another use of Zhu Ling in Traditional Chinese Medicine is for the treatment of hepatitis B. Several studies have confirmed that Zhu Ling has an effect in the treatment of hepatitis B. [317, 318] However, Liu in 2001 concluded that the effect is not strong enough to be able to rely exclusively on Zhu Ling for the treatment of hepatitis B, although it can be used effectively in combination with other forms of treatment. [319, 320] Zhu Ling also demonstrates a protective effect in cases of toxic hepatitis. [321]
A recent study conducted in 2008 showed Zhu Ling extract exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory properties. [322]
As a diuretic, a modern study reported that Zhu Ling did indeed help increase low urine production. However, it simultaneously decreased urine production in patients with already excessive urine output. [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.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
Dr. Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. His current focus is medicinal mushrooms, working specifically with the extracts of Paul Stamets' Fungi Perfecti. (Paul Stamets includes Zhu Ling in his Stamets 7 Blend.) For research references to this article, please go to Zhu Ling page. Click on number indicating reference.