Polyporus umbellatus
(Pers.) Fr.
Common Names
🇪🇸 SpanishPolíporo umbelado, Zhu Ling
🇬🇧 EnglishUmbrella Polypore, Lumpy Bracket
🌍 LocalZhu Ling (China), Chorei (Japan)
Description
Like Poria cocos, the medical value of this mushroom lies not primarily in its caps, but in the massive sclerotium it forms underground. It is one of the oldest and most respected diuretic and urinary system purifying remedies.
Ecology
It produces a black, wrinkled underground sclerotium attached to tree roots, from which hundreds of small, interlocking umbrella-shaped caps sprout in spring/summer.
lens_blur Cap (Pileus)
Size:1 - 4 cm per cap, forming a cluster up to 40 cm.
Shape:Convex to umbilicate (sunken in the center).
Color:Pale brown to grayish.
Surface:Finely scaly or smooth.
Margin:Wavy.
view_list Hymenium
Type:Pores
Attachment:Decurrent down the branched stem.
Color:White to cream.
Spacing:1-3 pores per millimeter.
straighten Stipe (Stem)
Dimensions:Branched basal structure (multiple stems).
Color:White to cream.
Surface:Smooth, fleshy.
Ring:Absent.
blur_circular Spores
Shape:Cylindrical.
Dimensions:7-10 x 3-4 µm
Print:White.
colorize Flesh
Color:White.
Magulladuras:Does not change.
Odor:Pleasant, fungal.
Taste:Mild.
Phytochemical Profile
Polyporus Polysaccharide (PPS)
Beta-glucan complexes that stimulate phagocytosis and interferon production.
Ergosterols (Ergosterone)
High concentrations of fungal steroids responsible for the diuretic action.
verified Clinical Evidence: High (Extensive clinical application in Asia, particularly in nephrology)
gpp_bad Warnings & Contraindications
- Dehydration: Contraindicated in individuals with fluid deficiency or who do not exhibit symptoms of retention.
medical_services Clinical Benefits
- Potent and Safe Diuretic: Promotes the elimination of sodium and chloride, increasing urine output, but unlike diuretic drugs, it exerts a potassium-sparing effect, protecting the cardiovascular system.
- Urological Oncology: Its polysaccharides (PPS) have demonstrated remarkable efficacy as an adjunct in the treatment of bladder and urinary tract cancer, preventing post-surgery recurrence.
- Natural Antibiotic (Chlamydia): Has shown specific inhibitory effects against *Chlamydia trachomatis* and other urogenital tract pathogens.
history_edu Traditional Uses
- Zhu Ling in TCM: Used for over 2500 years to treat 'fluid stagnation,' severe edema, nephritis, and painful urination.
warning Interactions & Precautions
- Diuretic Drugs: Caution, may severely amplify the effect of furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide.
science Extraction Methods
- Sclerotium Decoction: The underground 'root' is dried, powdered, and boiled. It is often formulated alongside Poria cocos for diuretic synergy.
scale Standard Dosage
Sclerotium extract: 1 to 3 grams daily. Traditional decoction: up to 10 grams.