Poria Cocos Herb (Poria cocos): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Poria cocos work in the body?

Poria cocos contains bioactive compounds including beta-glucans, triterpenoids such as pachymic acid, and pachymaran that contribute to its therapeutic effects. These compounds modulate immune function, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, and may influence neurotransmitter systems related to anxiety and sleep regulation. The polysaccharide components support digestive health by strengthening spleen and stomach function, consistent with its traditional use in Chinese medicine. Evidence Level: C.

Does Poria cocos interact with any medications?

Poria cocos has limited research on specific drug interactions. Due to its diuretic properties, it may theoretically enhance the effects of diuretic medications, potentially causing dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. Those taking immunosuppressants should exercise caution, as Poria cocos demonstrates immunomodulatory effects. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before combining Poria cocos with prescription medications. Evidence Level: Traditional/C.

What is the recommended dosage for Poria cocos?

The typical adult dosage for Poria cocos is 10-15 grams of the dried fungus prepared as a decoction, or approximately 500mg of a standardized extract taken daily. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is often combined with other herbs in formulations rather than used alone. Dosage may vary based on the specific condition being addressed. Consult a qualified practitioner for personalized recommendations. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Is Poria cocos safe during pregnancy?

Poria cocos is generally considered safe during pregnancy at normal therapeutic doses and has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, high doses should be avoided as they may increase urination frequency, which could be problematic during pregnancy. As with any herbal supplement during pregnancy, consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Evidence Level: Traditional.

What is Poria cocos used for in traditional medicine?

Poria cocos has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years primarily as a spleen and stomach tonic to support digestion and fluid metabolism. It is also valued for calming the mind and heart, making it useful for addressing insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. Additional traditional applications include supporting immune function and promoting mental clarity. Evidence Level: C/Traditional.

What are the side effects of Poria cocos?

Poria cocos is generally well-tolerated with few reported side effects. The most common adverse effect is diarrhea, which typically occurs when taken in excessive doses. Due to its diuretic action, it increases urination frequency and should be avoided by individuals with existing frequent urination issues. No serious adverse events have been reported at recommended doses. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Poria cocos (Fuling) is a medicinal fungus used in traditional Asian medicine for its diuretic, sedative, and renoprotective effects [PMID:39482471, PMID:21347995]. Modern research highlights the biological activities of its polysaccharides and triterpenoids in treating metabolic, renal, and inflammatory conditions [PMID:31030751, PMID:39482471].

Contexte

Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf is a saprophytic fungus of the Polyporaceae family that grows on the roots of Pinus species [PMID:39482471, PMID:21347995]. Its sclerotium is known as fu-ling or hoelen [PMID:35978941, PMID:21347995].

Usages traditionnels

It has been used for over 2000 years in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine as a diuretic, sedative, and tonic, and to invigorate spleen function and calm the mind [PMID:31030751, PMID:21347995].

Composés actifs

The main bioactive components include polysaccharides (PCP), which account for 84% by weight of the dried sclerotium [PMID:31030751], and triterpenoids, specifically lanostane and 3,4-seco-lanostane tetracyclic triterpenoids such as pachymic acid [PMID:39482471, PMID:35978941].

Mécanisme d'action

Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP) act by modulating gut microbiota, increasing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and restoring intestinal and blood-brain barrier integrity [PMID:40484558, PMID:40254847]. Triterpenoids contribute to renoprotective effects through various molecular mechanisms [PMID:39482471]. Other mechanisms include inhibition of the NF-κB-NOX4 signaling pathway for renal protection [PMID:40774496] and the FXR/PPARα-SREBPs pathway for liver protection [PMID:36278226].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve ACognitive Impairment/Dementia

Systematic review of RCTs identified Poria cocos as one of the most frequently used herbs associated with positive cognitive enhancing outcomes [PMID:22303969].

Preuve CCancer

Polysaccharidum of Poria cocos oral solution was approved by the Chinese FDA for treating multiple types of cancers [PMID:30444050].

Preuve DRenal Injury (Sepsis/AKI)

Water-soluble and carboxymethylated polysaccharides reduced serum BUN, creatinine, and inflammatory factors in mouse models [PMID:40774496, PMID:40216133].

Preuve DMetabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)

Ethanol extracts and exosome-like nanovesicles reduced lipid accumulation and liver injury in rat and mouse models [PMID:36278226, PMID:40076875].

Preuve DAlzheimer's Disease

PCP enhanced cognitive function and mitigated pathological alterations in 3xTg-AD mice [PMID:40254847].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence is strongest for cognitive enhancement (systematic review of RCTs). Most other pharmacological claims (anti-inflammatory, renoprotective, hepatoprotective, and antitumor) are based on preclinical animal models or review articles.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 39482471 (2025) — Poria cocos: traditional uses, triterpenoid components and their renoprotective pharmacology. · Acta pharmacologica Sinica
2.PMID: 37517750 (2023) — Poria cocos polysaccharide improves intestinal barrier function and maintains intestinal homeostasis in mice. · International journal of biological macromolecules
3.PMID: 36674937 (2023) — Poria cocos Polysaccharide Ameliorated Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Mice via Regulating the Homeostasis of the Gut Microbiota and Intestinal Mucosal Barrier. · International journal of molecular sciences
4.PMID: 40076875 (2025) — Poria cocos-Derived Exosome-like Nanovesicles Alleviate Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease by Promoting Mitophagy and Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation. · International journal of molecular sciences
5.PMID: 40484558 (2025)

Poria Cocos Herb

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Poria Cocos Herb

Alpinia zerumbet

Allium stipitatum

Auricularia Auricula

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Poria Cocos Herb

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Poria Cocos Herb

Plantes associées

Alpinia zerumbet

Allium stipitatum

Auricularia Auricula

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales