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
Phellinus igniarius is a medicinal mushroom containing beta-glucans and phenolic compounds that modulate immune function and exhibit anti-cancer properties. Its polysaccharides enhance macrophage activity while its phenolic acids provide antioxidant protection against cellular damage.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Phellinus Igniarius, commonly known as Willow Bracket, is a polypore fungus found on willow trees and other hardwoods. It is harvested from the tree bark and dried for medicinal use.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Phellinus Igniarius has been studied in vitro and in animal models for its immune-boosting and anti-cancer properties. Human clinical trials are limited.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
- Rich in polysaccharides and polyphenols. - Contains beta-glucans and triterpenoids. - Low in calories and fat.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Phellinus igniarius contains beta-glucans that bind to CR3 and Dectin-1 receptors on macrophages, activating complement receptor pathways and enhancing phagocytic activity. The mushroom's phenolic compounds, including protocatechuic acid and caffeic acid, scavenge reactive oxygen species through electron donation. Its polysaccharides also modulate T-cell proliferation by influencing cytokine production pathways including IL-2 and interferon-gamma.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Research on Phellinus igniarius is primarily limited to in vitro and animal studies, with few human clinical trials available. Laboratory studies demonstrate that extracts containing 20-40% beta-glucans can increase macrophage activation by 60-80% compared to controls. Animal studies using 200-500mg/kg doses showed enhanced immune responses and reduced tumor growth in cancer models. Human clinical evidence remains insufficient to establish therapeutic efficacy or optimal dosing protocols.
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