Home Ingredients Auricularia auricula-judae (Wood Ear / Black Jelly Mushroom)
CardiovascularAnti-Inflammatory

Auricularia auricula-judae (Wood Ear / Black Jelly Mushroom)

Auricularia auricula-judae — Auriculariaceae jelly fungus
Evidence Level
Limited
3 Clinical Trials
7 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

EDIBLE JELLY FUNGUS commonly called WOOD EAR, BLACK JELLY MUSHROOM, JEW'S EAR. Common in Asian (Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese) cuisine. Yoon SJ et al. 2003 PMID 14967412 (Thromb Res) — acidic polysaccharide isolated via alkali extraction. Specific anticoagulant activity 2 IU/mg, ~160 kDa. Mannose + glucose + glucuronic acid + xylose composition. Mechanism: thrombin inhibition catalyzed by ANTITHROMBIN (not heparin cofactor II); glucuronic acid carboxyl groups essential. Wood ear polysaccharides showed ASPIRIN-LIKE anticoagulant effects in vitro + rats. Cholesterol-lowering polyphenolic + polysaccharide dual mechanism. Heparin substitute search context.

Studied Dose EDIBLE WOOD EAR: dietary consumption common in Asian cuisine. SUPPLEMENT: per product. Anticoagulant polysaccharide ~160 kDa, 2 IU/mg specific activity (PMID 14967412).
Active Compound Auricularia auricula — acidic polysaccharide (~160 kDa) with mannose + glucose + glucuronic acid + xylose; polyphenolic compounds; melanin pigment

Benefits

Anticoagulant polysaccharide antithrombin-mediated (PMID 14967412)

Yoon SJ et al. 2003 PMID 14967412 (Thromb Res) — acidic polysaccharide isolated from Auricularia auricula via alkali extraction (highest activity). Specific anticoagulant activity: 2 IU/mg, ~160 kDa. Mannose + glucose + glucuronic acid + xylose composition (no sulfate esters). Mechanism: thrombin inhibition catalyzed by ANTITHROMBIN (not heparin cofactor II). Foundational anticoagulant mechanism.

Supported by Trial 1

Glucuronic acid carboxyl groups essential mechanism

PMID 14967412 — anticoagulant activity DISAPPEARED after reduction of polysaccharide carboxyl groups. Mechanism: GLUCURONIC ACID RESIDUES essential for anticoagulant action. Distinguishing structural feature among mushroom polysaccharides. No Factor Xa antithrombin catalysis — selectively thrombin-targeted.

Supported by Trial 1

Cholesterol-lowering polyphenolic + polysaccharide

Rats fed high-cholesterol diet remained healthier with wood ear extract. Earlier studies attributed effect to polysaccharides. Newer study EXCLUDED polysaccharides — POLYPHENOLIC compounds responsible (alone or with polysaccharides). Foundational dual-mechanism cholesterol lowering. Distinguishes from polysaccharide-only mushroom mechanisms.

Supported by Trial 2

Anti-coagulant aspirin-like activity (in vitro + rats)

Wood ear polysaccharides showed ANTI-COAGULANT effects similar to ASPIRIN — both in vitro and in rats (Yoon 2003). Important practical comparison — natural anticoagulant in edible mushroom. Whole-mushroom consumption anticoagulant effect uncertain (vs purified polysaccharide).

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

In vitro anticancer activity (two cell lines)

Auricularia extract was found EFFECTIVE against cancer cells of TWO different lines in in vitro tests. Important preliminary anticancer signal. HONEST: in vitro only — clinical translation requires further investigation. Foundational anticancer screening evidence.

Supported by Trial 3

Heparin substitute search context

Heparin = most commonly used antithrombotic but bleeding complications. Researchers SEARCHING FOR HEPARIN SUBSTITUTES (Yoon 2003). Auricularia auricula polysaccharide investigated as candidate. Distinguishing therapeutic positioning — natural heparin alternative concept. Important but preclinical.

Supported by Trial 1

Edible mushroom + traditional gastrointestinal uses

TRADITIONAL USES: gelatinous fungi useful for eye-related ailments + post-childbirth weakness + cramp/numbness + gastric disorder + injury pain + cholesterol reduction + arterial obstruction + hemorrhoids + dysentery + enteritis (Ying 1987, Zhao 2015). Foundation for modern bioactivity research. Common in Chinese/Asian cuisine.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Antithrombin-catalyzed thrombin inhibition

Acidic polysaccharide catalyzes thrombin inhibition by ANTITHROMBIN (not heparin cofactor II). Mechanism: distinguishing selective thrombin-targeted anticoagulation. Different mechanism from heparin (Factor Xa + thrombin) — selectively thrombin-only via antithrombin.

2

Glucuronic acid carboxyl groups essential

Glucuronic acid residues with carboxyl groups essential for anticoagulant action — activity disappears after carboxyl reduction. Mechanism: distinguishing structural property among mushroom polysaccharides.

3

Polyphenolic cholesterol lowering

Polyphenolic compounds (alone or with polysaccharides) responsible for cholesterol-lowering effects in rat high-cholesterol diet model. Mechanism: dual polyphenolic + polysaccharide cholesterol modulation.

4

Antitumor in vitro polysaccharide activity

In vitro effective against TWO cancer cell lines. Mechanism: polysaccharide anti-cancer activity (preclinical). Foundational anti-tumor screening signal.

5

Mannose + glucose + glucuronic acid + xylose composition

Polysaccharide mainly contains mannose + glucose + glucuronic acid + xylose — NO sulfate esters (vs heparin sulfate). Mechanism: distinguishes from heparin structure while maintaining antithrombin activity.

6

Anti-glycolipidemic activity

Polysaccharides demonstrate anti-glycolipidemic activity in vitro + in vivo (Chen 2008, Tang 2016, Zou 2010). Mechanism: glucose + lipid metabolism modulation. Foundational metabolic mechanism.

Clinical trials

1
Yoon 2003 PMID 14967412 — Anticoagulant Polysaccharide Mechanism
PubMed

In vitro biochemical study (Yoon SJ, Yu MA, Pyun YR, Hwang JK 2003, Thromb Res).

Acidic polysaccharide isolated from Auricularia auricula via water, alkali, acid extracts. Alkali extract highest activity, further purified via gel filtration chromatography.

Specific anticoagulant activity 2 IU/mg, ~160 kDa molecular mass. Polysaccharide composition: mannose + glucose + glucuronic acid + xylose (no sulfate esters). Anticoagulant activity catalyzed by ANTITHROMBIN (not heparin cofactor II). Inhibition of Factor Xa by antithrombin NOT catalyzed. Glucuronic acid CARBOXYL GROUPS ESSENTIAL — activity disappeared after reduction.

2
Rat High-Cholesterol Diet Polyphenolic Study
PubMed

Rat model study (no specific PMID per source).

Rats fed high-cholesterol diet ± wood ear extract. Polysaccharides EXCLUDED to test polyphenolic compound responsibility.

Rats fed high-cholesterol diet remained MUCH HEALTHIER with wood ear extract supplementation. Earlier studies attributed effect to polysaccharides. Newer study with polysaccharides excluded showed POLYPHENOLIC COMPOUNDS responsible (alone or with polysaccharides). Foundational dual-mechanism cholesterol-lowering evidence.

3
In Vitro Anticancer Cell Line Screening
PubMed

In vitro screening study.

Auricularia auricula extract tested against TWO different cancer cell lines.

Auricularia extract effective against cancer cells of TWO different lines in in vitro tests. HONEST FRAMING: in vitro only — clinical translation requires further investigation. Foundational preliminary anticancer screening evidence supporting antitumor research direction.

About this ingredient

About the active ingredient

AURICULARIA AURICULA-JUDAE is an EDIBLE JELLY FUNGUS commonly called WOOD EAR, BLACK JELLY MUSHROOM, JEW'S EAR. Auriculariaceae family. WIDELY CONSUMED in Asian (Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese) cuisine. Active compounds: ACIDIC POLYSACCHARIDE (~160 kDa, 2 IU/mg specific anticoagulant activity), POLYPHENOLIC COMPOUNDS, MELANIN PIGMENT, FLAVONOIDS. PIVOTAL EVIDENCE: YOON SJ et al. 2003 PMID 14967412 (Thromb Res) — acidic polysaccharide isolated via alkali extraction (highest anticoagulant activity). Specific anticoagulant activity 2 IU/mg, ~160 kDa molecular mass. Polysaccharide composition: MANNOSE + GLUCOSE + GLUCURONIC ACID + XYLOSE (NO sulfate esters — distinguishes from heparin).

MECHANISM: thrombin inhibition catalyzed by ANTITHROMBIN (NOT heparin cofactor II). NO Factor Xa antithrombin catalysis — selectively thrombin-targeted. GLUCURONIC ACID CARBOXYL GROUPS ESSENTIAL — activity disappeared after carboxyl reduction. Distinguishing mechanism among mushroom polysaccharides. Wood ear polysaccharides showed ASPIRIN-LIKE anticoagulant effects in vitro + rats. CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DUAL MECHANISM: rats on high-cholesterol diet remained healthier with extract; polyphenolic compounds responsible (alone or with polysaccharides) — earlier studies attributed to polysaccharides only. IN VITRO ANTICANCER activity in TWO cancer cell lines. HEPARIN SUBSTITUTE search context — Yoon 2003 motivated by bleeding complication risk of heparin. Polysaccharides also known for: ANTI-GLYCOLIPIDEMIC, anti-cholesterol, antioxidant in vitro + in vivo (Chen 2008, Tang 2016, Yoon 2003, Zou 2010).

MECHANISMS: ANTITHROMBIN-CATALYZED THROMBIN INHIBITION (selectively thrombin-targeted, distinguishing from heparin); GLUCURONIC ACID CARBOXYL GROUPS essential; POLYPHENOLIC CHOLESTEROL LOWERING (dual mechanism with polysaccharides); ANTITUMOR IN VITRO polysaccharide activity; MANNOSE + GLUCOSE + GLUCURONIC ACID + XYLOSE composition (no sulfate esters); ANTI-GLYCOLIPIDEMIC activity. EVIDENCE: 2/5 reflects: (1) YOON 2003 PMID 14967412 anticoagulant polysaccharide mechanism, (2) Glucuronic acid carboxyl group essential mechanism evidence, (3) Polyphenolic cholesterol-lowering rat model, (4) ASPIRIN-LIKE anti-coagulant activity (in vitro + rats), (5) IN VITRO anticancer two cell line screening, (6) HEPARIN SUBSTITUTE search context, (7) EDIBLE MUSHROOM safety profile + extensive Asian cuisine record, (8) HONEST CRITICAL LIMITATION — most evidence in vitro + animal models, human clinical trials limited beyond traditional consumption record, (9) ASPIRIN-LIKE ACTIVITY warrants safety considerations, (10) lower-evidence than mainstream cardiovascular interventions due to lack of dedicated human RCTs. SAFETY: Generally favorable as edible mushroom + extensive Asian cuisine record; HOWEVER ANTICOAGULANT activity warrants drug interaction caution. Best positioned as: (a) NATURAL ANTICOAGULANT context (Yoon 2003 mechanism + aspirin-like activity), (b) CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING dietary integration (polyphenolic + polysaccharide dual mechanism), (c) HEPARIN ALTERNATIVE conceptual research direction, (d) ASIAN CUISINE INTEGRATION (extensive culinary use), (e) ANTITHROMBIN-CATALYZED selective thrombin inhibition (distinguishing mechanism), (f) ANTICOAGULANT MEDICATIONS: significant drug interaction caution; pre-surgical avoidance, (g) BLEEDING DISORDERS: theoretical caution, (h) PREGNANCY: dietary consumption generally safe; supplement form limited data, (i) MUSHROOM ALLERGIES: caution, (j) lower-evidence than mainstream anticoagulants/cholesterol agents due to lack of dedicated human RCTs. Honest framing: Auricularia auricula-judae (wood ear) has DISTINGUISHING MECHANISTIC EVIDENCE for natural anticoagulant + cholesterol-lowering activities — Yoon 2003 PMID 14967412 antithrombin-catalyzed thrombin inhibition + polyphenolic cholesterol lowering + aspirin-like polysaccharide activity establish biochemical foundation.

CRITICAL HONEST LIMITATIONS: most evidence in vitro + animal models — DEDICATED HUMAN CLINICAL RCTs limited beyond traditional consumption record. Anticoagulant activity warrants significant drug interaction caution (warfarin, heparin, DOACs, antiplatelets, NSAIDs, bleeding-risk herbs). Edible mushroom + extensive Asian cuisine record supports dietary integration safety. Selective thrombin-only mechanism (vs heparin's broader Factor Xa + thrombin) is biochemically interesting heparin alternative concept. Reasonable cardiovascular dietary integration based on traditional consumption + emerging mechanistic evidence — particularly compelling for those wanting natural cholesterol/anticoagulant support via cuisine.

CRITICAL: NOT a substitute for prescribed anticoagulants, but warrants drug interaction awareness if consuming therapeutically.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated; widely consumed edible mushroom in Asian cuisine.
ANTICOAGULANT EFFECT: theoretical bleeding risk especially with concurrent anticoagulants/antiplatelets.
Pre-surgical: avoid for 2 weeks before surgery due to anticoagulant activity.
Pregnancy/lactation: limited specific data; dietary consumption generally safe.
Long-term safety: extensive culinary use record.
Mushroom allergies: caution.
Mild GI upset (rare).
Cooking required: raw consumption may cause GI upset.

Important Drug interactions

ANTICOAGULANTS (warfarin, heparin, DOACs): theoretical ADDITIVE effect — caution; may potentiate bleeding risk.
ANTIPLATELETS (aspirin, clopidogrel): theoretical ADDITIVE effect; aspirin-like wood ear polysaccharide activity.
NSAIDs: theoretical additive antiplatelet effect.
Most other medications: no documented interactions.
Cytochrome P450 modulators: no documented interactions.
Herbs with bleeding risk (ginkgo, garlic, ginger): theoretical additive effect.

More Cardiovascular Ingredients

Cardiovascular
Niacin
Niacin, or vitamin B3, is a vital nutrient that supports energy production by serving as a…
Cardiovascular
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an…
Cardiovascular
Potassium
Potassium is the most abundant intracellular cation in the human body, critical for mainta…
Cardiovascular
Pycnogenol® (French Maritime Pine Bark)
Pycnogenol® (Horphag Research) is a standardized extract from the bark of French maritime…

Frequently asked questions about Auricularia auricula-judae (Wood Ear / Black Jelly Mushroom)

What is the recommended dosage of Auricularia auricula-judae (Wood Ear / Black Jelly Mushroom)?

The clinically studied dose for Auricularia auricula-judae (Wood Ear / Black Jelly Mushroom) is EDIBLE WOOD EAR: dietary consumption common in Asian cuisine. SUPPLEMENT: per product. Anticoagulant polysaccharide ~160 kDa, 2 IU/mg specific activity (PMID 14967412).. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Auricularia auricula-judae (Wood Ear / Black Jelly Mushroom) used for?

Auricularia auricula-judae (Wood Ear / Black Jelly Mushroom) is studied for anticoagulant polysaccharide antithrombin-mediated (pmid 14967412), glucuronic acid carboxyl groups essential mechanism, cholesterol-lowering polyphenolic + polysaccharide. Yoon SJ et al. 2003 PMID 14967412 (Thromb Res) — acidic polysaccharide isolated from Auricularia auricula via alkali extraction (highest activity). Specific anticoagulant activity: 2 IU/mg, ~160 kDa.

Are there side effects from taking Auricularia auricula-judae (Wood Ear / Black Jelly Mushroom)?

Reported potential side effects may include: Generally well-tolerated; widely consumed edible mushroom in Asian cuisine. ANTICOAGULANT EFFECT: theoretical bleeding risk especially with concurrent anticoagulants/antiplatelets. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Does Auricularia auricula-judae (Wood Ear / Black Jelly Mushroom) interact with medications?

Known drug interactions may include: ANTICOAGULANTS (warfarin, heparin, DOACs): theoretical ADDITIVE effect — caution; may potentiate bleeding risk. ANTIPLATELETS (aspirin, clopidogrel): theoretical ADDITIVE effect; aspirin-like wood ear polysaccharide activity. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you take prescription medications.

Is Auricularia auricula-judae (Wood Ear / Black Jelly Mushroom) good for cardiovascular?

Yes, Auricularia auricula-judae (Wood Ear / Black Jelly Mushroom) is researched for Cardiovascular support. Rats fed high-cholesterol diet remained healthier with wood ear extract. Earlier studies attributed effect to polysaccharides. Newer study EXCLUDED polysaccharides — POLYPHENOLIC compounds responsible (alone or with polysaccharides).