Black Hoof Mushroom (Tropicoporus linteus, syn. Phellinus linteus) is a tropical perennial, woody, horseshoe-shaped medicinal mushroom in the Hymenochaetaceae family, with a dark brown to black pileal surface and rusty brown pores. It grows as a wood-decay fungus primarily on mulberry (Morus alba), oak (Quercus), poplar (Populus), and other hardwood trees.
➡️This bitter-tasting mushroom has some evidence of its immune supporting activities, and may also help balance inflammation and promote healthy metabolism.
In traditional Chinese medicine, documented for over 2000 years in texts like Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, it is used to promote hemostasis, treat hemorrhage, menstrual disorders, blood-arthralgia, abdominal pain, and chronic diarrhea. It is known as “Sanghuang” in China, “Meshimakobu” in Japan, and “Sangwhang” in Korea, often combined with other mushrooms like reishi for immune support and vitality.
Through scientific investigation, it has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidative, antifungal, blood sugar balancing, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective activities.
It contains beta glucans, polysaccharides, caffeic acid, inotilone, hispidin and a compound called hispolon, which has been found to promote cellular health. The polysaccharides have some neuroprotective evidence, as well.
A RCT with 98 participants demonstrated that oral intake of Phellinus linteus extract (fermented from strain KCCM KSW01) for 8 weeks significantly increased natural killer (NK) cell activity compared to placebo (P < 0.05), with trends toward improved immunity and no adverse effects on liver or renal function.
Black Hoof Mushroom
