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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]

Zhu Ling grows under the ground on rotting wood. It stays fresh in wet soils for over a year, which proves that it has a powerful immune system loaded with chemical compounds to fight off microbes.

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]

Some of the most promising modern research on Zhu Ling has been on its effect against parasites, for the treatment of Hepatitis B, to boost the immune system, [303, 304] and for the treatment of certain cancers [305, 306, 307, 308] including liver cancer, [309] bladder cancer and leukemia [310, 311] – in particular to help the immune system rebound [312] and to prevent the recurrence of cancer after chemotherapy and radiation. Two studies from 1991 and 1994 showed 68% and 50% reduction rates of cancer recurrence when Zhu Ling was administered after the conclusion of conventional cancer treatments. [313, 314]

In terms of its anti-parasitic effects, lab tests have shown Zhu Ling to be 100% effective against both Brucella spp. (brucellosis) and Plasmodium falciparum (malaria). [310] However, it has not yet to our knowledge been tested on live patients afflicted with malaria.

Tests on live subjects with brucellosis have been conducted, showing an improvement in immune system function. [315, 316] Immune system suppression is a characteristic symptom of brucellosis.

Another use of Zhu Ling in Traditional Chinese Medicine is for the treatment of hepatitis B. Several studies have confirmed that Zhu Ling has an effect in the treatment of hepatitis B. [317, 318] However, Liu in 2001 concluded that the effect is not strong enough to be able to rely exclusively on Zhu Ling for the treatment of hepatitis B, although it can be used effectively in combination with other forms of treatment. [319, 320] Zhu Ling also demonstrates a protective effect in cases of 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.

As a diuretic, a modern study reported that Zhu Ling did indeed help increase low urine production. However, it simultaneously decreased urine production in patients with already excessive urine output. [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]

Paul Stamets in his book Mycelium Running also lists viruses and lung conditions among the areas where Zhu Ling has demonstrated usefulness. [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. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.

Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.

Dr. Markho Rafael has worked in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90’s. His current focus is medicinal mushrooms, working specifically with the extracts of Paul Stamets’ Fungi Perfecti. (Paul Stamets incorporates Zhu Ling in his Stamets 7 Mushroom Blend.) For scientific article references, please go to Zhu Ling page. Click on number indicating reference.

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