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 accordance with the use of Zhu Ling in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a contemporary study concluded that it had an inhibitory effect on Chlamydia. [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]
As an anti-parasitic, Zhu Ling was shown to be 100% effective in a lab test against both the dreaded malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) and brucellosis (Brucella spp.). [310] Tests on live patients with malaria still need to be conducted.
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.
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 novel use of Zhu Ling besides the traditional Chinese usage is as a powerful anti-inflammatory, as reported by a new study published in 2008. [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. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.
Information:
Dr. Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. His current focus is medicinal mushrooms, specifically working with the extracts of Paul Stamets' Fungi Perfecti. (Paul Stamets includes Zhu Ling in his Stamets 7 Blend.) For research article references, please go to Zhu Ling Mushroom page. Click on number indicating reference.
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