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Fu Ling Alternative Nutrition Therapy. By Christine Batten and Ryan Thibodaux. What is Fu Ling?. Wolfporia extensa A wood decay fungus Found worldwide Also known as: Hoelen Poria Tuckahoe China Root Indian Bread. Finding Fu Ling. Grows almost entirely underground
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Fu LingAlternative Nutrition Therapy By Christine Batten and Ryan Thibodaux
What is Fu Ling? • Wolfporiaextensa • A wood decay fungus • Found worldwide • Also known as: • Hoelen • Poria • Tuckahoe • China Root • Indian Bread
Finding Fu Ling • Grows almost entirely underground • Most commonly in pine forests • Can be up to 20 pounds!
Historical Uses of Fu Ling? • Traditional Chinese Medicine • As a medicinal mushroom • Also used as food in China • Mixed with rice into cakes • By Native Americans • As a food source • “Indian Bread” • By African Slaves in North America • As a food source in times of scarcity
Nutrient Composition of Fu Ling • Macronutrient distribution not clearly established • Supplement makers claim, per 100 g: • 1.2 g protein • 0.5 g fat • 80.9 g carbohydrate • 1.7 g cellulose (fiber) • 4.27 mg vitamin E • 12.6 ug selenium • In line with other mushrooms (e.g. shiitake)
Nutrient Composition of Fu Ling • Abundance of micronutrients is verified • K, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn and Zn • Metabolite constitution • Dependent on growing location • 6.9mg/g of polysaccharide • 10.1mg/g triterpinoids (potential anticancer agent) • 4.3 mg/g flavonoids (phytochemicals) • 28.7mg/g saponins (may lower cholesterol) • 64.2mg/g mannitol (a sugar alcohol and diuretic)
Fu Ling in Chinese Medicine • Used as an “herb” for thousands of years • 9-15g decocted into a tea • Extracts sold in pill form • Used in numerous herb formulas • Combinations of multiple herbs
Fu Ling in Herbal Formulas • Ba Zhen Wan • To treat anxiety • Bao He San • Aids digestion after overeating • The “food coma” formula • BaoJiWan • Recovery from excessive alcohol consumption
Claims of Chinese Medicine • “Promotes urination and drains dampness” • Acts as a diuretic and relieves water retention • “Harmonizes the Middle Jiao” • The midsection of the body responsible for digestion • “Quiets the heart and calms the spirit” • Provides a tranquilizing/calming effect • “A superb yin tonic” • Aids the body in recovering from general illness
The Science of Fu Ling • Still developing, but… • Confirmation that Fu Ling “presents a remarkable diuretic effect.” • Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2012 • Significant anti-hyperglycemic effect due to triterpenic acids • Blood sugars lowered in diabetic rats • Insulin sensitivity increased • Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011
The Science of Fu Ling • Three new triterpenoids just discovered! • Doubles known number in Fu Ling from 3 to 6 • Further research needed… • Chemistry Central Journal, 2012 • Fu Ling and Cancer • May reverse multidrug resistance • Triterpenoids increased cytotoxicity in KBV200 (cancer) cells • PlantaMedica, 2012
The Science of Fu Ling • Fu Ling and Renal Disease • Effective at decreasing urinary protein loss • Inhibits auqaporinchannels in the kidneys, reducing hypertonic stress • Japanese Journal of Pharmacology, 1982 • A University of Valencia meta-analysis concludes that Fu Ling: • Contains effective anti-inflammatory compounds • Enhances secretion of immune stimulators/inhibits secretion of immune suppressors • Provides antitumor activity by inhibiting angiogenesis • PlantaMedica, 2011
Side Effects and Drug Interactions • No documented adverse side effects have been documented • In part due to insufficient human testing • Should not be used with antidiuretic drugs • Due to Fu Ling’s diuretic properties • Pregnant women urged to consult a doctor or licensed herbalist before taking Fu Ling
Thank You! Christine Batten & Ryan Thibodaux