General information:Common names: black hoof mushroomClass: Agaricomycetes Familly: Hymenochaetaceae Genus: Phellinus Order: Hymenochaetales Phylum: Basidiomycota Usable: Not edible, Medical |
Phellinus linteus physical characteristics
Phellinus linteus, also known as meshima or sanghuang, is a medicinal mushroom that belongs to the family Hymenochaetaceae. It has several physical characteristics that can help identify it.
Fruit Body: The fruit body of Phellinus linteus is typically bracket-shaped, resembling a shelf or a flat polypore. It can grow up to 10-30 centimeters in diameter and has a woody texture.
Color: The upper surface of the fruit body can vary in color, ranging from reddish-brown to dark brown. It often has concentric zones or rings of different shades.
Texture: The upper surface is rough and can be slightly velvety or hairy when young. As the mushroom matures, it becomes more leathery and hard.
Pore Surface: The underside of the fruit body consists of a pore surface, which is made up of tiny pores. The color of the pore surface is initially whitish but turns yellowish-brown with age.
Pore Arrangement: The pores of Phellinus linteus are small and round, with a diameter of about 3-4 pores per millimeter. They are usually quite regular in their arrangement and are often described as “perfectly aligned.”
Spore Print: The spore print of Phellinus linteus is brown.
Smell and Taste: Phellinus linteus has a slightly sweet and pleasant odor. Its taste is bitter.
Phellinus linteus edibility
Phellinus linteus is primarily valued for its medicinal properties rather than its edibility. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian countries like China, Japan, and Korea.
As a medicinal mushroom, Phellinus linteus is often consumed in the form of extracts, teas, or supplements rather than being used as a culinary ingredient. It is believed to possess various health benefits, including immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Phellinus linteus indentification
Phellinus linteus can be identified based on several physical characteristics.
Fruit Body: Phellinus linteus has a bracket-shaped fruit body that resembles a shelf or flat polypore. It can range in size from 10 to 30 centimeters in diameter.
Color: The upper surface of the fruit body can vary in color, typically ranging from reddish-brown to dark brown. It often exhibits concentric zones or rings of different shades.
Texture: The surface of Phellinus linteus starts off as slightly velvety or hairy when young but becomes leathery and hard as it matures.
Pore Surface: The underside of the fruit body consists of a pore surface. Initially, it appears whitish but turns yellowish-brown with age.
Pore Arrangement: The pores of Phellinus linteus are small, round, and approximately 3-4 pores per millimeter. They are typically well-arranged and aligned.
Spore Print: The spore print of Phellinus linteus is brown.
Phellinus linteus habitat and frequency
Phellinus linteus is a wood-decaying fungus that has a relatively broad distribution. It is known to occur in various regions across Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It can also be found in some other parts of the world, such as North America.
In terms of habitat, Phellinus linteus is typically associated with hardwood trees, particularly those in the family Fagaceae (e.g., oaks) and Betulaceae (e.g., birches). It is a saprophytic fungus, meaning it obtains nutrients by decomposing dead wood.
The frequency of Phellinus linteus in nature can vary depending on factors such as geographical location, availability of suitable host trees, and environmental conditions. It is not considered a very common or abundant species, but it can be encountered in appropriate habitats where its preferred host trees are present.
Phellinus linteus is also commercially cultivated for medicinal purposes. In controlled environments, it can be cultivated on various substrates, such as sawdust or wood logs, to ensure a consistent supply for medicinal use.
Phellinus linteus health benefits and using for medicine purposes
Phellinus linteus is highly regarded for its potential health benefits and has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian countries like China, Japan, and Korea. While research on Phellinus linteus is still ongoing, here are some of the reported health benefits and its uses for medicinal purposes:
Immune-Modulating Effects: Phellinus linteus is believed to have immune-modulating properties, meaning it can help regulate and strengthen the immune system. It may support immune function and enhance the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Phellinus linteus contains compounds that have shown anti-inflammatory effects in studies. It may help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions.
Antioxidant Activity: The mushroom contains various antioxidant compounds that can help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This antioxidant activity may contribute to its potential health benefits.
Anti-Cancer Potential: Phellinus linteus has attracted attention for its potential anti-cancer properties. Some studies have suggested that it may exhibit anti-tumor effects and inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells. However, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and potential applications in cancer treatment.
Diabetes Management: There is some evidence to suggest that Phellinus linteus may have a positive impact on blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity. It may help in managing diabetes, although further studies are required to establish its effectiveness and safety.
Antimicrobial Effects: Phellinus linteus has been studied for its antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. It may have potential as a natural antimicrobial agent.
Phellinus linteus scientific research
Phellinus linteus has been the subject of scientific research to explore its potential health benefits and medicinal properties. Here are some key findings from scientific studies conducted on Phellinus linteus:
Immune System Modulation: Research suggests that Phellinus linteus can stimulate various components of the immune system, such as natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and macrophages. It may enhance immune responses and potentially have applications in immune-related disorders.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity: Several studies have reported the anti-inflammatory effects of Phellinus linteus. It has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, reducing inflammation in experimental models.
Antioxidant Effects: Phellinus linteus contains compounds with potent antioxidant activity, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage. It has been shown to scavenge free radicals and enhance the antioxidant defense system in various tissues.
Anti-Cancer Properties: Phellinus linteus has demonstrated potential anti-cancer effects in preclinical studies. It has been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), and inhibit angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) in tumor tissues. However, further research is needed to determine its efficacy in human cancer treatment.
Diabetes Management: Some studies have indicated that Phellinus linteus may have hypoglycemic effects and can help regulate blood sugar levels. It may improve insulin sensitivity, enhance glucose utilization, and protect pancreatic beta cells.
Antimicrobial Activity: Phellinus linteus has shown antimicrobial effects against various bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It may possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and could be a potential natural alternative to combat microbial infections.
Phellinus linteus other names
Phellinus linteus is known by several other names in different regions and languages. Some of the alternative names for Phellinus linteus include:
Meshima: This is a Japanese name for Phellinus linteus, and it is commonly used in Japan.
Sanghuang: This is a Chinese name for Phellinus linteus, and it is often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Black hoof mushroom: This name is sometimes used to describe the appearance of Phellinus linteus, as its fruiting body resembles a black hoof or hoof-shaped bracket.
In other languages:
Spanish: Falso crótalo, hongo de madera
French: Polypore du mûrier, polypore du prunier
German: Echter Zunderschwamm, Lederporling
Italian: Polyporus Linteus, fungo dei murici
Portuguese: Polyporus Linteus, fungo de murta
Dutch: Gewoon tonderzwam