Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Fu Ling (Poria cocos) is a medicinal mushroom containing beta-glucan polysaccharides that regulate fluid balance through enhanced kidney function and aldosterone modulation. This traditional Chinese medicine ingredient supports digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria growth and reducing intestinal inflammation.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Fu Ling, or Poria cocos, is a type of fungus that grows on the roots of pine trees. It is harvested and dried for use in traditional Chinese medicine.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Studies on Fu Ling suggest it may help with fluid balance and digestive health, though more rigorous research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Fu Ling (Poria cocos) is a medicinal fungus with a distinct nutritional profile dominated by bioactive polysaccharides rather than conventional macronutrients. Primary bioactive compound: Beta-glucans (pachyman and its derivatives), constituting approximately 70-90% of the dry weight, with pachyman being the dominant polysaccharide at ~50-75% of total dry mass. Secondary polysaccharides include pachymaran and cariolan at trace to minor concentrations. Triterpenes (lanostane-type): total triterpenoid content ranges from 0.1-0.5% dry weight, including pachymic acid, tumulosic acid, dehydrotumulosic acid, and pinicolic acid, which are primary immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agents. Protein content is relatively low at approximately 1.1-2.7g per 100g dry weight, containing essential amino acids including glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and leucine as predominant fractions. Carbohydrates comprise ~80% of dry weight, predominantly as structural beta-1,3/1,6-glucans with low digestible starch content. Fat content is minimal at approximately 0.5-1.5g per 100g dry weight, primarily composed of ergosterol (provitamin D2 precursor) at approximately 0.03-0.08% dry weight. Dietary fiber content is high at approximately 6-8g per 100g dry weight. Mineral content per 100g dry weight: Potassium ~400-600mg, Phosphorus ~150-200mg, Calcium ~20-40mg, Magnesium ~15-25mg, Iron ~3-6mg, Zinc ~1-3mg, Selenium trace amounts (~2-5mcg). Vitamins are present in limited quantities: Niacin (B3) ~4-6mg per 100g, Riboflavin (B2) ~0.2-0.4mg per 100g, with minimal B6 and folate. Caloric density is low at approximately 30-50 kcal per 100g dry weight due to negligible digestible carbohydrates. Bioavailability notes: The large molecular weight of pachyman (~500,000 Da) limits direct absorption; bioavailability of beta-glucans is enhanced when processed into smaller oligosaccharide fractions or via fermentation. Triterpene bioavailability is improved with lipid co-administration given their fat-soluble nature. Ergosterol conversion to Vitamin D2 requires UV exposure prior to consumption.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Fu Ling's beta-glucan polysaccharides activate toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathways, enhancing macrophage activity and cytokine production for immune modulation. The triterpenes pachymic acid and dehydrotrametenolic acid inhibit aldosterone activity, promoting sodium excretion and diuretic effects. These compounds also stimulate beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium growth while reducing pro-inflammatory NF-κB signaling in intestinal epithelial cells.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Small human studies (n=30-60) show Fu Ling extracts reduce edema by 15-25% over 4-8 weeks in patients with mild fluid retention. Animal studies demonstrate 20-40% improvements in gut microbiome diversity and reduced inflammatory markers, though human digestive health data remains limited. Preliminary trials suggest modest anxiety reduction, but larger randomized controlled trials are needed. Most clinical evidence comes from traditional use and small-scale studies rather than robust human trials.
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