Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Chinese Medicinal Mushroom Zhu Ling Used as Antibiotic

By Dr. Markho Rafael

Zhu Ling Mushroom sells widely through Chinese apothecaries in the form of thin slivers. It's traditionally used as a potent antibiotic and anti-tumor remedy, as well as a diuretic and to treat urinary tract infections. [300]

Growing below ground on decaying roots and other wood debris, this mushroom can remain in wet soil for over a year without rotting - a testament to its powerful antimicrobial properties.

In confirmation of its use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for urogenital infections, one study showed Zhu Ling having an inhibitory effect on Chlamydia trachomatis. [302]

A series of modern studies have found promising results in the use of Zhu Ling against parasites, treating Hepatitis B and boosting the immune system, [303, 304] as well as in the treatment of certain types of cancer, [305, 306, 307, 308] including leukemia, [310, 311], bladder and liver cancer. [309] It has been reported to be helpful in immune system recovery and preventing cancer recurrence after chemotherapy and radiation. [312] Two papers from 1991 and 1994 reported 68% and 50% reduction rates of cancer recurrence with the use of Zhu Ling after chemo and radiation. [313, 314]

Two parasites that have responded well to treatment with Zhu Ling extract are Plasmodium falciparum (malaria) and Brucella spp. (brucellosis). Lab exposure of the malaria parasite to Zhu Ling extract proved 100% effective. [310] We don't as of yet have any report from a study on live patients with malaria.

In the case of brucellosis, Zhu Ling extract helped reverse the suppression of the immune system, which is part of this debilitating disease. [315, 316]

Traditional Chinese Medicine also prescribes Zhu Ling for the treatment of hepatitis B. Several research papers have affirmed this use of Zhu Ling. [317, 318] However, a 2001 study by Liu et al. reported that although useful against hepatitis B, Zhu Ling's effect was not strong enough to be used as a standalone treatment. [319, 320] Another research article also reported positive findings with toxic hepatitis. [321]

A 2008 paper reported Zhu Ling being powerfully anti-inflammatory, [322] which could make it useful in a large number of conditions involving inflammation.

One modern study showed that Zhu Ling extract appears to balance urine production by increasing low urinary output and decreasing it if it's too high. [301]

A pragmatic suggestion for the use of Zhu Ling extract is therefore to give it to patients waiting to give a urine sample to decrease the wait time. [300]

In his book Mycelium Running, medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists viruses and respiratory conditions as areas where research has shown Zhu Ling extract to have a beneficial effect. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.

Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.

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