Chinese Medicinal Mushroom Zhu Ling Used as Antibiotic
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.
Affirming its traditional use in Chinese Medicine to treat urogenital infections, one modern study reported Zhu Ling to inhibit Chlamydia trachomatis proliferation. [302]
Other modern studies have found Zhu Ling useful against parasites, hepatitis B and for strengthening the immune system. [303, 304] It’s also been reported to have an effect on certain types of cancer in conjunction with standard cancer treatment, [305, 306, 307, 308] including bladder and liver cancer, [309] as well as leukemia. [310, 311] Used as an adjunct to chemotherapy and radiation, it appears to help speed up immune system recovery. [312] Two papers published in 1991 and 1994 also presented findings that Zhu Ling administered after chemotherapy and radiation helped lower cancer recurrence rates by 68% and 50% respectively. [313, 314]
Two parasites that have responded well to treatment with Zhu Ling extract are Plasmodium falciparum (malaria) and Brucella spp. (brucellosis). Lab exposure of the malaria parasite to Zhu Ling extract proved 100% effective. [310] We don’t as of yet have any report from a study on live patients with malaria.
In the case of brucellosis, Zhu Ling extract helped reverse the suppression of the immune system, which is part of this debilitating disease. [315, 316]
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 2008 paper reported Zhu Ling being powerfully anti-inflammatory, [322] which could make it useful in a large number of conditions involving inflammation.
One contemporary research paper published findings that Zhu Ling helped balance urine output by increasing low urine production and decreasing excessive production. [301]
A pragmatic suggestion for the use of Zhu Ling extract is therefore to give it to patients waiting to give a urine sample to decrease the wait time. [300]
Paul Stamets in his book Mycelium Running also lists viruses and lung conditions among the areas where Zhu Ling has demonstrated usefulness. [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. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.
Dr. Rafael has worked in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90′s. He currently specializes in medicinal fungi, working specifically with the extracts of Paul Stamets’ Fungi Perfecti. (Paul Stamets incorporates Zhu Ling in his Stamets 7 Mushroom Blend.) For research article references, please go to Zhu Ling Mushroom page. Click on number indicating reference.