Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Poria cocos (commonly known as fu ling) is a medicinal mushroom widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Within TCM, fu ling is believed to support the Stomach and Spleen systems, primarily by promoting urination, leaching out dampness, and harmonizing the middle jiao (digestive system). TCM practitioners use fu ling to address symptoms such as poor appetite, diarrhea, and digestive sluggishness, which are attributed to “dampness” obstructing the function of the Stomach and Spleen. Historical materia medica texts, such as the Shennong Bencao Jing and Compendium of Materia Medica, describe these uses extensively.

Modern pharmacological studies have identified some bioactive components in fu ling, such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids, which may have mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there is limited high-quality clinical evidence directly demonstrating its efficacy for supporting the digestive system or Stomach function in humans. The majority of its use in this context remains grounded in traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation. Thus, the evidence rating for fu ling’s role in supporting the Stomach is moderate (3), based on its strong and consistent use in traditional systems, but not definitively supported by modern scientific research.

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