Evidence supporting the use of: Poria mushroom
For the health condition: Insomnia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Poria mushroom (Poria cocos) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for supporting sleep and treating insomnia. In TCM, Poria is known as "Fu Ling" and is often included in herbal formulas aimed at calming the spirit ("Shen"), promoting urination, and supporting spleen function. Classic TCM texts describe Poria as having sedative and tranquilizing properties, making it a common ingredient in formulas such as Gui Pi Tang and Suan Zao Ren Tang, both traditionally used for insomnia and restlessness. The rationale is based on the belief that Poria can help drain dampness and strengthen the spleen, thereby settling the mind and facilitating sleep.

Scientific evidence for these effects is limited but emerging. A few animal studies and in vitro experiments suggest that compounds in Poria may modulate neurotransmitters or exert mild anxiolytic effects, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Thus, while Poria’s use for insomnia is primarily justified by historical and traditional frameworks, it has not yet been strongly validated by modern scientific research. Its continued use in traditional formulas reflects centuries of empirical observation rather than scientific consensus.

More about Poria mushroom
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5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
amino acids
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black cumin
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rice
calcium
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cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
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cinnamon
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fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
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hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
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morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
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ganoderma
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purslane
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wood betony
goji berry
soursop
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Atractylone
Betony
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Chinese Silkvine
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Clerodendrum trichotomum
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Cyathula
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Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
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Cannabidiol
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Products containing Poria mushroom

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.