Antrodia camphorata (also known as Antrodia cinnamomea or "niu-chang-chih") is a medicinal mushroom native to Taiwan, traditionally used in folk medicine for treating liver disorders, poisoning, and tumors. In recent years, its use as a supportive agent during chemotherapy—specifically for reducing side effects—has been investigated in laboratory and preclinical studies, with some early-phase human research.

Scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in mitigating chemotherapy side effects is limited but emerging. In vitro and animal studies suggest that Antrodia camphorata extracts may exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, which could theoretically help reduce chemotherapy-induced toxicity (e.g., liver or gastrointestinal damage). For example, certain polysaccharides and triterpenoids from the mushroom have shown protective effects against oxidative stress and cellular damage in animal models.

However, clinical trials in humans are scarce. A handful of small pilot studies in cancer patients have reported improvements in quality of life or reductions in chemotherapy-related side effects (like fatigue or liver enzyme elevations), but these studies tend to have methodological limitations (small sample sizes, lack of blinding or controls). Comprehensive, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these benefits and to assess safety and interactions with chemotherapy agents.

In summary, Antrodia camphorata is traditionally used for cancer and liver support, and there is some preclinical scientific evidence to justify its use as a supportive agent during chemotherapy, but current human data are limited and not definitive.