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Polyporus umbellatus (Zhu Ling / Chu Ling)

Polyporus umbellatus (Pers.) Fries — formerly Grifola umbellata. Polyporaceae
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
7 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Traditional Chinese Medicine medicinal mushroom — Chinese name 'Zhu Ling' (Pig's Truffle). The sclerotium grows on roots of beech and oak. First described in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as a diuretic for edema and dysuria. Active compounds include PUPS (Polyporus Umbellatus Polysaccharide — a β-glucan with (1-3) backbone and (1-6) side chains, ~1.6×10⁵ Da), ergone, and polyporusterones A and B. A systematic review in chronic hepatitis B reports HBeAg and HBV DNA clearance benefits, but overall evidence quality is rated low — rigorous double-blind placebo-controlled trials are still needed.

Studied Dose Decoction 10–15 g/day raw herb (20–30 g short-term for severe edema); powder 3–6 g.
Active Compound Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharide (PUPS) — β-glucan with (1-3) backbone + (1-6) side chains; ergone; polyporusterones A and B (triterpenes).

Benefits

Diuretic for kidney/urinary conditions

Clinical studies report Polyporus umbellatus is an effective diuretic for pyelonephritis, nephritis, and urolithiasis, without notable side effects. Foundational Chinese clinical evidence supporting the traditional diuretic indication, though older by modern methodological standards.

Supported by Trial 1

Chronic hepatitis B (9-RCT systematic review, 936 patients)

A systematic review of 9 RCTs (936 patients) reported PUPS positive HBeAg clearance vs placebo (RR 3.06, 95% CI 1.13-8.29) and HBV DNA clearance vs non-specific treatment (RR 4.14, 95% CI 1.00-17.19) in chronic hepatitis B. Overall evidence quality is rated low — rigorous double-blind placebo-controlled trials are still needed.

Supported by Trial 2

Xiong 1993 chronic HBV combination RCT

A randomized trial compared Dan Shen + PUPS vs each alone in chronic HBV. Combination context — most clinical evidence is in TCM combination formulas rather than isolated PUPS.

Supported by Trial 3

Anti-aldosteronic diuretic mechanism (ergone)

Ergone has anti-aldosteronic diuretic activity by blocking aldosterone (the sodium/potassium-regulating mineralocorticoid). A distinguishing mechanism vs osmotic or loop diuretics, and the biochemically interesting basis for the traditional diuretic action.

Supported by Trial 1

Antitumor polysaccharide (Wu 1997)

PUPS inhibits cachexia induced by toxohormone-L. An anti-cachexic polysaccharide mechanism with potential relevance to integrative oncology applications, though human cancer-prevention or adjunct evidence remains limited.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 3

Antioxidant triterpenes

Zhuling protected red blood cells from AAPH-induced hemolysis (50-1000 µg/mL dose-dependent). Polyporusterones A and B are free radical scavengers; polyporusterone B is significantly stronger than A. 150 mg ingestion increased plasma free-radical scavenging in rats.

Renal fibrosis protection

Preclinical evidence that Polyporus umbellatus protects against renal fibrosis by regulating intrarenal fatty acyl metabolites. Mechanistic finding pending clinical translation in chronic kidney disease populations.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 3

Mechanism of action

1

Anti-aldosteronic diuretic activity (ergone)

Ergone blocks aldosterone, the mineralocorticoid hormone regulating sodium and potassium. Distinguishing pharmacology from osmotic or loop diuretics; mechanistically resembles spironolactone-class diuretics at the receptor level.

2

PUPS β-glucan immunomodulation

PUPS — β-glucan with (1-3) backbone and (1-6) side chains, MW ~1.6×10⁵ Da — binds Dectin-1 receptors on innate immune cells. Foundational mushroom β-glucan immunomodulation pathway.

3

Polyporusterone A and B antioxidant triterpenes

Triterpene carboxylic acids with free radical scavenging activity. Polyporusterone B is significantly more potent than A, with demonstrated dose-dependent protection of red blood cells from AAPH-induced hemolysis.

4

Anti-cachexic polysaccharide

PUPS inhibits cachexia induced by toxohormone-L. Polysaccharide-based mechanism distinct from the small-molecule activities of ergone or polyporusterones.

5

Renal fibrosis protection (preclinical)

Protection against renal fibrosis via regulation of intrarenal fatty acyl metabolites. Lipid-metabolism mechanism in animal models; not yet translated to clinical CKD endpoints.

6

Radio- and chemoprotective effects

Polyporus extracts have shown radio- and chemoprotective effects in human cultured cells and mice. Mechanistic basis for the integrative-oncology adjunct positioning.

Clinical trials

1
Pyelonephritis + Nephritis + Urolithiasis Clinical Studies

Clinical studies confirmed Polyporus umbellatus is an effective diuretic for pyelonephritis, nephritis, and urolithiasis without notable side effects.

Clinical population described in trial publication.

Clinical studies confirmed Polyporus umbellatus is an effective diuretic for pyelonephritis, nephritis, and urolithiasis without notable side effects. Foundational Chinese clinical evidence; older methodology by modern standards but consistent with traditional use record.

2
Chronic Hepatitis B Evidence Review (9 Clinical Trial, 936 patients)

Evidence review of 9 clinical trials (n=936) — PUPS showed positive HBeAg clearance vs placebo (RR 3.06, 95% CI 1.13-8.29) and HBV DNA clearance vs non-specific treatment (RR 4.14, 95% CI 1.00-17.19).

9 clinical trials pooled

Evidence review of 9 clinical trials (n=936) — PUPS showed positive HBeAg clearance vs placebo (RR 3.06, 95% CI 1.13-8.29) and HBV DNA clearance vs non-specific treatment (RR 4.14, 95% CI 1.00-17.19). Critical limitation acknowledged in the review itself: overall evidence quality is low, with rigorous double-blind placebo-controlled trials still needed.

3
Dan Shen + PUPS Chronic Hepatitis B 90-Patient Clinical Trial

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 13:533-535 — 90-patient clinical trial comparing Dan Shen + PUPS vs each component alone in chronic HBV.

Clinical population described in trial publication.

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 13:533-535 — 90-patient clinical trial comparing Dan Shen + PUPS vs each component alone in chronic HBV. Most Polyporus clinical evidence is in TCM combination formulas (Wuling San, Si Ling San, Dan Shen + PUPS) rather than isolated PUPS.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated; >2000 year TCM use record (Wang 1964 'no side effects' for kidney/urinary uses).
Toxicity studies (28 days oral or intraperitoneal in mice/dogs): NO toxic reactions, no organ damage observed.
Dehydration risk: avoid in Yin deficiency with fluid depletion (dry mouth, scanty urine) — Pharmacopoeia caution.
Long-term use in non-dampness patterns: avoid per TCM guidance.
Pregnancy/lactation: TCM use record but limited Western specific data.
Mushroom allergies: caution.
Mild GI upset (rare).
Diuretic activity: monitor electrolytes if combined with other diuretics.

Important Drug interactions

Diuretic medications: theoretical additive diuretic effect (mechanism overlap via aldosterone).
Potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, eplerenone): theoretical interaction via aldosterone pathway.
Hepatitis antivirals: theoretically complementary per chronic HBV systematic review evidence.
Chemotherapy: complementary per cachexia inhibition + radio/chemoprotection — discuss with oncologist.
Most medications: no documented interactions.
Other TCM combinations: traditionally combined in formulas (Wuling San, Si Ling San, etc.).

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Frequently asked questions about Polyporus umbellatus (Zhu Ling / Chu Ling)

What is Polyporus umbellatus used for?

Polyporus umbellatus (zhu ling) is a medicinal mushroom used in Traditional Chinese Medicine mainly as a diuretic to support healthy fluid balance and urinary function. It is also studied for immune support.

What is Polyporus good for?

It is traditionally used to promote healthy urination and fluid balance and to support the urinary tract, and modern research has looked at its polysaccharides for immune effects. It is usually part of a TCM formula.

How much Polyporus should I take?

It is typically used within traditional formulas or as an extract under practitioner guidance; follow product labeling. It has a history of use as a decoction.

Is Polyporus safe?

It is generally considered safe within traditional use. As a diuretic, those on diuretic medication, with kidney conditions, or who are dehydrated should use it cautiously and consult a knowledgeable practitioner or doctor.

What is Polyporus umbellatus?

Traditional Chinese Medicine medicinal mushroom — Chinese name 'Zhu Ling' (Pig's Truffle). The sclerotium grows on roots of beech and oak. First described in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as a diuretic for edema and dysuria.

What is the recommended dosage of Polyporus umbellatus?

The clinically studied dose is Decoction 10–15 g/day raw herb (20–30 g short-term for severe edema); powder 3–6 g. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Polyporus umbellatus safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Polyporus umbellatus is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated; >2000 year TCM use record (Wang 1964 'no side effects' for kidney/urinary uses). Toxicity studies (28 days oral or intraperitoneal in mice/dogs): NO toxic reactions, no organ damage observed. It may also interact with some medications. Polyporus umbellatus is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Polyporus umbellatus interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Diuretic medications: theoretical additive diuretic effect (mechanism overlap via aldosterone). Potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, eplerenone): theoretical interaction via aldosterone pathway. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Polyporus umbellatus?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Polyporus umbellatus as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Zhao YY Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and quality control of Polyporus umbellatus (Pers.) Fries: a review Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2013;149(1):35-48. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.06.031.PubMedUsed to support: Comprehensive review documenting diuretic, kidney-protective, anti-cancer, and immune-enhancing pharmacology of Polyporus umbellatus, including polysaccharide (PUPS) and ergone-class sterol constituents; supports diuretic and antitumor benefit claims.
  2. He D, Ren Y, Hua X, et al. Phytochemistry and bioactivities of the main constituents of Polyporus umbellatus (Pers.) Fries Phytomedicine. 2022;103:154196. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154196.PubMedUsed to support: Reviews diuretic, anti-cancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing activities of P. umbellatus polysaccharides and sterols; provides mechanistic basis for the anti-aldosteronic diuretic and antitumor polysaccharide benefit claims.
  3. Xiong LL Therapeutic effect of combined therapy of Salvia miltiorrhizae and Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharide in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1993;13(9):533-5, 516-7.PubMedUsed to support: RCT (90 chronic HBV patients) showing Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharide, alone and combined with Salvia miltiorrhizae, improved ALT normalization and HBeAg seroconversion rates vs control; directly supports chronic hepatitis B benefit claim. Article in Chinese with English abstract.
  4. Guo Z, Zang Y, Zhang L The efficacy of Polyporus Umbellatus polysaccharide in treating hepatitis B in China Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science. 2019;163:329-360.PubMedUsed to support: Systematic review of clinical evidence for Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharide in treating chronic hepatitis B in China; supports the '9-RCT systematic review' chronic HBV benefit claim.