Phellinus Linteus or Mesima Mushroom: Health Benefits [And More]

The Phellinus Linteus or Mesima is a medicinal mushroom revered for its many and varied holistic health benefits.

It is primarily found in Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Korea where it has been renowned for its medicinal properties for centuries. In China, it is known as sanghuang; in Korea, it is known as sanghwang or song gen; and in Japan, it is known as meshimakobu.  Sometimes its called ‘black hoof mushroom’ as a common name due to its hoof shape while still growing on the tree.

Background

As a basidiomycete fungus, the Phellinus Linteus or Mesima mushroom often grows in large numbers on mulberry trees. Aside from its distinctive shape, the mushroom also has a thin stem that’s usually dark brown or black.

The Phellinus Linteus or Mesima mushroom has a distinct bitter taste and not at all pleasant to eat. As such, it is usually consumed in the form of a medicinal tea in Korea. Notably, the mushroom is regarded as a medicine that can promote health and longevity in traditional Asian cultures. When consumed regularly as a tonic, the mushroom has been found to treat and prevent a diverse range of ailments such as diarrhea, hemorrhages, gastroenteritis dysfunction, and certain diseases.

Active Compounds

• polysaccharide
• protocatechuic acid
• protocatechualdehyde
• caffeic acid
• ellagicacid
• hispidin
• davallialactone
• hypholomine B
• interfungins A (an inhibitor of protein glycation)
• inoscavin A

Among the other medicinal mushrooms that belong to the fungal group of hymenomycetes, the Phellinus Linteus or Mesima mushroom is unique in the fact that it possesses the greatest concentration of anti-tumor properties. This makes it an ideal candidate as an anti-disease drug.

In fact, over the past decade, Korean scientists have been researching on the mushroom’s possible ability of improving the body’s immunity and of enhancing the effects of chemotherapy.

Aside from curing internal illnesses and diseases, this mushroom has also been found to have the ability to facilitate wound healing. This shows that Phellinus Linteus or Mesima mushroom has a diverse range of indications and healing abilities.

Although the most distinct component of the Phellinus linteusis is its polysaccharide content, it has also been found to have high proteoglycan components. Likewise, many of its active components have been discovered to possess anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties as well as considerable benefits as a natural remedy for skin maladies.

Health Benefits of Phellinus Linteus or Mesima Mushroom

Anti-disease

Although Phellinus linteus has been shown to be a possible alternative treatment for disease, specifically breast, liver, Neuroblastoma, prostate, bladder, bone, and lung disease, more research has to be conducted in order to obtain conclusive evidence of its efficacy. In general though, the extract from the mushroom have been known to suppress angiogenesis, metastasis and the growth of tumors, stimulate the cell’s immune defense, and lessen inflammation.

In some studies, marked improvement was witnessed in disease patients who consumed the mushroom in conjunction with other treatments. Conversely, other patients were able to experience a spontaneous regression of their diseases even if all that they consumed was the Phellinus linteus without any assistance from other conventional therapies.

More clinical trials and scientific medical studies are being conducted on the efficacy of Phellinus Linteus mushroom as an alternative treatment for disease but the data so far is very promising.

Anti-inflammatory for Arthritis

Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis were able to experience markedly less inflammation in their joints after consuming the polysaccharide extract from the edible fruit of the Phellinus linteus. Their autoimmune responses also lessened considerably after taking the mushroom extract. Similarly, the mushroom has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent especially in cases of septic shock that are caused by lipopolysaccharides.

Antihistamine

Numerous studies have proven that the polysaccharides of Phellinus linteus are highly effective in treating immune imbalances and allergic reactions. Specifically, the active components in the mushroom are capable of suppressing Th2 cytkines and conversely inducing secretion of Th1 cytokines that are known to promote a more balanced immune system capable of fight off allergies.

Additionally, the extracts of Phellinus linteus have been reported to display the ability to suppress the release of histamine in the body even after the introduction of known allergic stimuli. This makes the mushroom a suitable treatment for patients suffering from various skin ailments such as atopic dermatitis or asthma caused by allergies.

Treatment for infertility

Many women who have elevated levels of NK cells and cytokine often suffer from infertility issues. Consuming Phellinus Linteus or Mesima mushroom has been shown to lower these components and thus increase the chances of successful pregnancies.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for adults who are not suffering from any serious ailments is 10-30 g of the dried mushroom. The mushroom can be consumed as a tea or added into a viand and consumed on a daily basis.

For patients who need to consume a more concentrated dose of the polysaccharide extract form the mushroom’s full fruiting body, the recommended dosage would be 1 g of the Black Hoof Mushroom Extract powdered extract on a daily basis.

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Side Effects, Risks and Contraindications

Thousands of years of use have shown no contraindications for the Black Hoof Mushroom; only safe use. However, those suffering from autoimmune diseases or organ transplants should use extreme caution.

The first time or two that a person takes Phellinus Linteus or Mesima mushroom, he or she may experience a slight allergic reaction that may include skin rash or itchiness, indigestion, dizziness or headache as the mushroom releases its unique “beneficial toxins” into the system. This is completely natural and will subside.

As an all-natural herbal health supplement, more clinical studies are need to study the risks and side effects of the Phellinus Linteus or Mesima mushroom.