Grifola Umbellata (Grifola umbellata): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Grifola umbellata work as a diuretic?

Grifola umbellata (Zhu Ling) contains polyporus polysaccharides that appear to increase urine output by promoting kidney function and fluid excretion. Research suggests these compounds may enhance glomerular filtration and inhibit tubular reabsorption of water and electrolytes. The mushroom also contains ergosterol, which may contribute to its diuretic effects. Evidence level C indicates limited clinical trials, but traditional use supports these mechanisms.

Does Grifola umbellata interact with diuretic medications?

Grifola umbellata may have additive effects when combined with prescription diuretics like furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, potentially causing excessive fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances. Due to its immunostimulant properties, it may also interact with immunosuppressant medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Patients taking lithium should avoid this herb, as increased urination can affect lithium clearance. Consult a healthcare provider before combining with any medications.

What is the recommended dosage for Grifola umbellata?

The typical adult dosage for Grifola umbellata is 6-15 grams of dried mushroom daily, or 1-3 grams of standardized extract. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is commonly prepared as a decoction by simmering the dried mushroom in water. Dosage may vary based on the specific condition being treated and individual factors. Always follow product label instructions or consult a qualified practitioner for personalized dosing recommendations.

Is Grifola umbellata safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Grifola umbellata is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The diuretic effects may alter fluid balance and electrolyte levels, potentially affecting fetal development. There is insufficient safety data for breastfeeding women, so avoidance is recommended. Additionally, this herb is contraindicated in individuals with kidney disease due to its effects on urinary function. Consult a healthcare provider before use if you have any underlying health conditions.

What is Grifola umbellata used for in traditional medicine?

Grifola umbellata, known as Zhu Ling in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used for centuries to treat edema, urinary tract conditions, and promote urination. It is also valued for its immunostimulant properties and may support overall immune function. Traditional uses include addressing fluid retention, urinary difficulty, and certain kidney-related conditions. Modern research (Evidence Level C) suggests potential benefits, though more clinical trials are needed to confirm traditional applications.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 29 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Grifola umbellata (also known as Polyporus umbellatus or Zhu Ling) is a medicinal polypore fungus used in traditional medicine for its diuretic and antineoplastic properties [PMID:3059066, PMID:20083182].

Background

Grifola umbellata is a terrestrial fungus of the phylum Basidiomycota [PMID:14987072]. It is commonly referred to in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Zhu Ling, specifically the sclerotia of the fungus [PMID:20083182, PMID:20600759].

Traditional uses

It has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a diuretic [PMID:20083182] and is utilized in formulas such as Zhu-Ling decoction for the treatment of chronic kidney diseases [PMID:39048245].

Active compounds

The fungus contains polysaccharides (PPS), including beta-glucans [PMID:20600759, PMID:35889308], and oligosaccharides such as laminaritriose, laminaritetraose, laminaripentaose, laminarihexaose, laminariheptaose, laminarioctaose, and laminarinonaose [PMID:39048245]. Other constituents include reducing sugars, proteins, fats, and ergosterol [PMID:1418531].

Mechanism of action

Polysaccharides from G. umbellata activate and mature murine bone-derived dendritic cells and upregulate macrophage functions (such as nitric oxide production and cytokine expression) via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) [PMID:20600759, PMID:20673883]. It may also enhance the phagocytic function of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) [PMID:4062314]. In rats, aqueous extracts affect the expression of aquaporins (AQP1, AQP2, AQP3) and vasopressin V(2) receptors in the kidney medulla [PMID:20083182].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BBladder Cancer (Postoperative Recurrence)

In a clinical study of 313 patients, the recurrence rate for the Zhuling group (34.9%) was lower than the control group (64.7%) [PMID:11829890]. Another study of 146 patients showed a recurrence rate of 33.3% for Zhuling compared to 65.1% for the control group [PMID:7842985].

Evidence DDiuresis

Oral administration of aqueous extract of sclerotia in normal rats significantly increased urine output starting at 4 hours [PMID:20083182].

Evidence DLupus Nephritis

A case report indicated that integrated therapy including Zhu-Ling-Tang helped decrease urinary total protein from 1367.9 mg/24h to 143.6 mg/24h over 143 days [PMID:30012398].

Evidence DTumor Growth (Animal Models)

Polysaccharides isolated from mycelia significantly inhibited the growth of H22 implanted tumors in mice [PMID:23648036].

Safety & adverse effects

One clinical study reported that Zhuling was convenient in usage and had no side effects [PMID:7842985].

Evidence summary

Evidence consists primarily of animal studies (D), case reports (D), and small-scale clinical trials (B) focusing on diuretic effects and bladder cancer recurrence. There is significant preclinical data regarding its immunomodulatory and antitumor mechanisms via TLR4 activation.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 14987072 (2004) — Biologically active compounds from Aphyllophorales (polypore) fungi. · Journal of natural products
2.PMID: 24049465 (2005) — Morphological Characteristics of Hyphal Interaction between Grifola umbellata and its Companion Fungus. · Mycobiology
3.PMID: 3059066 (1988) — Traditional Chinese medicine and the search for new antineoplastic drugs. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 37438987 (2023) — An integrated strategy by absorbed component characterization, pharmacokinetics, and activity evaluation for identification of potential nephroprotective substances in Zhu-Ling decoction. · Journal of separation science
5.PMID: 39048245 (2024) — A novel strategy with in vivo characterization, extraction, isolation and activity evaluation for discovery of absorbed anti-inflammatory oligosaccharides from Zhu-Ling decoction.

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Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Grifola Umbellata

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

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Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Grifola Umbellata

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources