Medicinal mushrooms 1: Polyporus

Polyporus umbellatus, or in Czech translation chorosus orris, is a relatively rare fungus from the chorosaceae familyIt grows mainly on the roots and lower parts of the trunks of deciduous trees, from which it obtains nutrients. Like other mushrooms, the chorosanut has been used for many centuries inChinese traditional medicine for the treatment of all kinds of health problems. Today we will therefore see what polyporus actually is and what its effects on human health are.

What is polyporus?

Polyporus umbellatus, or sickle nut, is a parasitic fungus that survives on the roots of theand in the lower parts of the trunks of old deciduous trees, specifically the heads of oaks and beeches. However, you can also find it here and there on other deciduous trees. The fungus grows in clusters and resembles a cauliflower in cross-section. Polyporus umbellatus is very tasty and has been a part of Asian, but also various European recipes since ancient times. In Chinese medicine, it is used to treat all kinds ofhealth problems, which we will discuss later in this article.

Once the choros reaches the appropriate maturity, spores form on the body of the choros, which are then carried by the wind and trapped in the lower parts of the trees, from where they penetrate down into the roots. The mushroom is light brown in colour and has a wavy, inward-sloping cap. It is a vulnerable species in the Czech Republic and has been removed from the list of marketable mushrooms. In some European countries it is protected by law and in others it is also declared an endangered species.

Due to its rarity, it is virtually impossible to buy polyporus on a regular basis. On Asian markets, the price per kilo of this mushroom in its raw state is around 3 000 to 5 000.We do not recommend buying it, however, as customs authorities are very sensitive to such transactions. Dietary supplements made from choroche are produced using mushrooms from professional cultivation facilities, which makes This ensures that they are not harvested from the wild and are not further leached.

Polyporus contains a large amount of bioactive substances and a large variety of minerals and vitamins are found in it. It is also characterized by its high content of copper and zinc, which are needed for the proper functioning of our organism. Among other things, we would also find in it a high representation of proteins, beta-glucans, enzymes or provitamin D.

What are the types of polypore?

There are quite a lot of mushrooms, but the walnut is one of the few that can really be eaten. Also for this simple reason, virtually all dietary supplements are made from it. Fortunately, it's easy to tell the edible chorizo mushrooms from the inedible ones , and once you look at a few pictures, you can't go wrong. In the Czech Republic, you can find, for example, the small-legged, scaly or winter chorosh.

What are the proven effects of polypore?

As you will have seen from the title of our article, the polyporus or choros has proven diuretic effects. However, in addition to this, the substances contained in it help to prevent or counteract a wide range of other health problems. We will take a closer look at all its effects below.

Diuretic effects

One of the most researched effects of the chorosh nut is its diuretic effects. Thanks to these, it can promote proper urination, eliminate the pain associated with it, and help remove excess moisture from the body. Therefore, it is used as a supportive agent in the treatment of various swellings or urinary tract problems.

It helps in the treatment of hepatitis B

Studies suggest that the polysaccharides contained in the choroshi nut are effective aids in the treatment of hepatitis B. These polysaccharides have a positive effect on liver function and liver cell renewal, making the treatment of hepatitis B more effective. However, there are only a limited number of studies so far and more research is certainly needed.

In Chinese traditional medicine, polyporus has been used for centuries as a remedy forvarious liver diseases such as cirrhosis or even to help prevent liver cancer. However, there are not yet many studies on this topic and further research will be needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Hair growth

In addition to the beneficial effects on our organs, research has foundthat Polyporus umbellatus has beneficial effects on the growth and health of our hair. During these investigations, a total of 4 active substances have been isolated that are involved in hair growth (namely 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, acetosyringone and polyporusterone A and B.

This study was carried out in mice and rodents and in order to clearlyfurther research is needed to confirm these effects in humans. However, later studies have confirmed these findings and the effects of the diseasee for problems such as hair loss appear more than promising.

Support for kidney function

Polyporus is used as an adjunctive drug in the treatment of pyelonephritis, nephritis or urological stones, which are usually caused by different types of bacteria. Choros can suppress their growth and even destroy them to some extent.

In addition, it can promote the production of the steroid hormone aldosterone, which is produced by the adrenal glands and serves to regulate the balance of sodium and potassium in the blood. A long-term deficiency or excess of these can cause prolonged health problems and even lead to permanent kidney damage or failure.

Anti-tumour effects

Some studies have suggested that choroshe nut can effectively prevent the formation of cancer. For example , studies conducted on mice have shown that polyporus exerts a cytotoxic effect on leukaemic leukemia cells, not only preventing their formation but also helping to destroy them. At the same time, through polysaccharides, it helps to significantly improve the quality of life of patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Ergon, an ergosterol derivative isolated from the alcohol extract of chorosis,has also been shown to be effective in destroying cancer cells. As a result, the spread of cancer cells causing, for example, cervical or stomach cancer is slowed.

Natural antibiotic

In traditional Chinese medicine, chorosh is also used to treat various bacterial and viral diseases. Studies suggest that choroshe nut can kill bacteria and viruses and inhibit their growth. Another study shows its benefit in treating the sexually transmitted bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, which causes chlamydiosis.

Due to its ability to inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria, some studies also describe its anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to bacteria, it can also bind free radicals in the body, thus acting as an effective antioxidant.

Side effects and disadvantages of polypore

So far, no serious side effects have been observed with polypore that would hinder its use. However, caution should be exercised by people with ongoing kidney disease, in some cases of which its diuretic properties may be rather counterproductive. If you are unsure, always consult your doctor.

With excessive doses of chorosis, common side effects may occur as with virtually all mushrooms. Among these are, for example, stomach irritation, nausea, diarrhea or even vomiting. In rare cases, allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, rash or swelling may occur. If you experience any of these symptoms after ingesting the mushroom, see a doctor and remove the mushroom immediately.

Dosage of polypore

The dosage of polypore is very individual and depends on the type of problem you have, your age and your weight. Always take approximately 1-3 grams at least half an hour before or at least an hour after a meal. It is always recommended to take choros for 5 days, then discontinue for two days. Take the choros for a maximum of 3 months, then take a break from taking it for at least a week. We also recommend increasing your intake of vitamin C, which perfectly complements the effects of chorosh.

Which polyporus to use?

As we mentioned in the lines above, there are many choroses, but few of them are edible. The most beneficial for human health is proven to be polyporus umbellatus, from whichIt follows logically that virtually all dietary supplements use this variant.

During the selection process, focus primarily on the quality and purity of the product, its soilThe quality of the product, the quality of its water and the content of possible supporting substances that would make its effects even more effective. You can then reach for the powdered version, which can be mixed into your drinks, in this caseIn this case, we recommend BrainMax Pure Polyporus powder, or capsules if you would be bothered by the strong taste of the powder.

What to take away from the article?

Polyporus is a relatively rare fungus that grows at the base of the trunks or roots of deciduous trees. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as a powerful antibiotic, antioxidant and, above all, diuretic. The mushroom also has an excellent flavour and is a common ingredient in Asian cuisines for salads, sauces and meat dishes.

Choros boasts a relatively large number of studies demonstrating its diuretic effects, and allHowever, research also suggests its anti-cancer effects or its ability to promote hair growth, for example. However, not all of its effects have been studied in humans and further research is still needed to reach a definitive conclusion. Its great advantage is that it has no proven side effects and is completely non-toxic. Even so, when taking it, never exceed the recommended dosage set by the supplement manufacturer.

Looking at the proven effects of polypore we would find for example:

• the ability to remove excess water from the body,
• supporting cancer prevention,
• positive effects on the liver and kidneys,
• promoting hair growth and health,
• an effective complementary medicine in the treatment of hepatitis B.

Polyporus is an effective dietary supplement for anyone with urinary tract, kidney or water retention problems. It also helps in the treatment of bacterial and viral diseases and helps prevent increasingly common cancers. So it is definitely worth a try.