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]
Zhu Ling grows under the ground on rotting wood. It stays fresh in wet soils for over a year, which proves that it has a powerful immune system loaded with chemical compounds to fight off microbes.
Affirming its traditional use in Chinese Medicine to treat urogenital infections, one modern study reported Zhu Ling to inhibit Chlamydia trachomatis proliferation. [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]
In terms of its anti-parasitic effects, lab tests have shown Zhu Ling to be 100% effective against both Brucella spp. (brucellosis) and Plasmodium falciparum (malaria). [310] However, it has not yet to our knowledge been tested on live patients afflicted with malaria.
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]
As a diuretic, a modern study reported that Zhu Ling did indeed help increase low urine production. However, it simultaneously decreased urine production in patients with already excessive urine output. [301]
A non-glamorous but pragmatic use of Zhu Ling Might therefore be to offer it to patients waiting to give a urine sample, to shorten the wait. [300]
Medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets (Mycelium Running) also lists lung conditions and viruses as areas of therapeutic use for Zhu Ling. [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.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
Zhu Ling grows under the ground on rotting wood. It stays fresh in wet soils for over a year, which proves that it has a powerful immune system loaded with chemical compounds to fight off microbes.
Affirming its traditional use in Chinese Medicine to treat urogenital infections, one modern study reported Zhu Ling to inhibit Chlamydia trachomatis proliferation. [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]
In terms of its anti-parasitic effects, lab tests have shown Zhu Ling to be 100% effective against both Brucella spp. (brucellosis) and Plasmodium falciparum (malaria). [310] However, it has not yet to our knowledge been tested on live patients afflicted with malaria.
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]
As a diuretic, a modern study reported that Zhu Ling did indeed help increase low urine production. However, it simultaneously decreased urine production in patients with already excessive urine output. [301]
A non-glamorous but pragmatic use of Zhu Ling Might therefore be to offer it to patients waiting to give a urine sample, to shorten the wait. [300]
Medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets (Mycelium Running) also lists lung conditions and viruses as areas of therapeutic use for Zhu Ling. [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.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
About the Author:
Dr. Markho Rafael has worked in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90's. 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 scientific references to this article, please go to Zhu Ling page. Click on number indicating reference.
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