This particular species has been used for hundreds of years by Korean physicians to treat various types of cancers, arthritis, and to ease the pain of various disorders.
Little was known about it until the 1970s when studies were published in Chinese and Japanese scientific journals.
Ironically, despite the separation of north and south Korea, it was this mushroom that brought about a spirit of cooperation when the governments of both nations allowed teams of scientists to conduct joint research.
Phellinus linteus is thick, hard, woody, and bitter so it is not used for eating. Instead, has found its way into everything from teas to skin creams.
The colour of the cap is a pale brown to a light yellow but the thick stem ranges from a dark brown to black.
It favours dead or dying mulberry trees found in Korea and parts of nearby China.
Evidence-based healing benefits of Phellinus linteus include:
- it was found to work synergistically with doxorubicin in killing prostate cancer cells
- inhibits metastasis of melanomas
- kills colon cancer cells as well as lung cancer cells
Other sources reveal similar findings for Phellinus linteus:
- proven to prevent blood sugar increases in diabetics
- displays a wide range of immune strengthening and anti-tumor effects
- has significant anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and analgesic effects
- alleviates septic shock
- has antibiotic effects against MRSA bacteria
- kills prostate cancer cells
