Purported to boost immunity and offer other benefits
Poria (Poria cocos) is a key in of mushroom.
It’s been used for 2,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
It’s one of the most commonly prescribed traditional remedies in China.
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Poria has caught the attention of researchers as a potential remedy for symptoms of several different conditions.
So far, research has focused on animals or laboratory studies.
with some promising biochemical results.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
The medicinal part of the mushroom is the filaments under the cap.
you’ve got the option to buy poria dried or in capsule form.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Preliminary research suggests that poria mushrooms may help fight Alzheimer’s disease.
The end result was that poria improved cognitive function.
This builds on earlier research that showed Poria extract reducedoxidative stresson biopsied brain cells obtained from rats.
At that time, researchers suggestedP.
cocosmay help shield the brain from the toxic effects of A. cocosshowed cell-killing abilities in four human lung cancer cell lines.
Another 2020 study showed a compound from poria mushrooms (pachymic acid) killed breast cancer cells.
Researchers noted that pachymic acid has the potential to be used as a low-side-effect treatment.
The mushroom also appears to make changes to the immune system that may help fight cancer.
These are all lab or animal studies.
We’ll need human trials to know whether poria is a safe and effective cancer treatment.
Diabetes
Poria mushrooms may be effective against key in-2 diabetes.
In a 2011 study,researchersfound an extract ofP.
A 2016 study showed an herbal blend including poria lessened insulin resistance in rats.
Other Benefits
Other potential benefits of poria are less well-researched and still in lab and animal testing.
More research needs to be done, but research so far is promising for these uses.
Not enough research has been done, especially in humans, to gauge poria’s side effects.
Little is known about safety, long-term risks, or possible drug interactions.
Not much is known about the safety of poria mushrooms during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant or nursing, it’s best to avoid poria mushrooms in any form.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Dosage and Preparation
No guidelines are established for dosages of poria mushrooms.
Studies show low toxicity levels,meaning it takes a large amount to cause an overdose.
But beyond that, poria’s side effects profile is generally unknown.
Never exceed the manufacturer’s dosing recommendations, and always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
They don’t have to go through the testing pharmaceutical drugs do.
Products used in traditional Chinese medicine may pose safety concerns because they are so loosely regulated.
In the past, products have been tainted with heavy metals, pesticides, and even drugs.
Imported natural remedies pose a risk of contamination.
It’s even possible that they don’t contain the ingredients listed on the product label.
If there are any signs of mold or moisture, discard them immediately.
Certification guarantees a product contains what its label says it does and is free from contaminants.
It doesnotguarantee safety or effectiveness.
Those kinds of statements could be a red flag that a company isn’t reputable.
Summary
Poria cocoshas been used in TCM for 2,000 years.
It may also have benefits for digestion, insomnia, depression, osteoporosis, and skin aging.
The safety profile of poria isn’t yet established.
Toxicity feels like low.
Report any negative side effects to your healthcare provider.
you could take poria as a capsule or tonic, or put it in food.
Look for products tested by independent labs.
A Word From Verywell
It’s easy to think of natural products as “safe.”
However, they can cause side effects and drug interactions.
Don’t delay conventional treatment in favor of poria or other alternative treatments.
That can have dire effects on your outcome, especially when it comes to cancer.
They may be able to spot potential problems based on your overall health and what medications you’re taking.
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