Mushroom · Mushroom/Fungi
Phellinus linteus (Meshima, Song Gen)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Phellinus linteus is a medicinal mushroom containing bioactive polysaccharides and proteoglycans that modulate immune function through macrophage activation. Its primary mechanism involves stimulating immune cell activity while exhibiting anti-tumor and cardiovascular protective effects.
Phellinus linteus, also known as Meshima or Song Gen, is a medicinal mushroom native to Asia, particularly Korea and Japan. It is cultivated on hardwood logs and extracted for its medicinal properties.
Studies on Phellinus linteus suggest potential benefits for immune modulation and cancer treatment, with some supporting evidence from animal studies and preliminary human trials.
Phellinus linteus is typically consumed in capsule or powder form, with dosages ranging from 1 to 3 grams daily. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Phellinus linteus is a medicinal mushroom with a complex bioactive profile. Macronutrients per 100g dry weight: protein 15-25g (containing essential amino acids including lysine, leucine, and valine), carbohydrates 50-65g (predominantly as polysaccharides), dietary fiber 35-45g (including beta-glucans as primary bioactive fiber fraction), fat 1-3g (including linoleic acid and oleic acid). Key bioactive polysaccharides: beta-(1,3)/(1,6)-D-glucans at approximately 20-35% dry weight (primary immunomodulatory compounds), hispolon (polyphenolic compound, trace to 0.5% dry weight), phelligridins (pyrano[4,3-b]pyran derivatives), interfungins A and B (glycosidase inhibitors). Phenolic compounds total: 8-15mg GAE/g dry weight including caffeic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and protocatechuic acid. Triterpenoids: inoscavin A, B, C and davallialactone present at trace levels (0.01-0.1% dry weight). Minerals: potassium 1800-2200mg/100g, phosphorus 600-900mg/100g, magnesium 80-120mg/100g, calcium 30-60mg/100g, zinc 5-10mg/100g, iron 4-8mg/100g, selenium 0.02-0.05mg/100g. Vitamins: ergosterol (provitamin D2) 200-500mg/100g (converted to vitamin D2 upon UV exposure), B vitamins including riboflavin (B2) 3-6mg/100g, niacin (B3) 40-70mg/100g, pantothenic acid (B5) 10-20mg/100g. Ergothioneine (antioxidant amino acid): 1-5mg/100g dry weight. Bioavailability notes: Beta-glucan bioavailability is enhanced through hot water extraction or decoction; raw consumption yields lower polysaccharide absorption. Polyphenol bioavailability is moderate (10-30%) and enhanced by fermentation processing. Ergosterol conversion to vitamin D2 requires UV light exposure of the mushroom prior to consumption. Protein digestibility is limited by chitin cell wall matrix; extraction or cooking improves amino acid bioavailability by 30-50%.
Phellinus linteus contains bioactive β-glucans and proteoglycans that activate macrophages through toll-like receptor binding, enhancing immune surveillance. The mushroom's polysaccharides stimulate cytokine production including interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, while its compounds inhibit HMG-CoA reductase to reduce cholesterol synthesis.
Limited human studies have shown immune-enhancing effects, with one 12-week trial in 42 participants demonstrating increased natural killer cell activity by 23%. Animal studies indicate potential anti-tumor effects, with some showing 40-60% tumor growth inhibition in mouse models. Cardiovascular benefits are primarily supported by in vitro studies showing cholesterol-lowering mechanisms. More robust human clinical trials are needed to confirm therapeutic efficacy.
Phellinus linteus is generally well-tolerated with minimal reported side effects in healthy adults. Potential mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in sensitive individuals. Due to immune-stimulating properties, it may interact with immunosuppressive medications and should be avoided in autoimmune conditions. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, so use should be avoided during these periods.
