Fructificatio Termitomycetis Albuminosi
Aliases：Jī Zōng Xùn (Termite Mushroom); Jī Jūn (Chicken Fungus); Jī Zōng (Chicken Mushroom); Jī Zōng (Chicken Mushroom); Yǐ Duó (Ant Snatch); Yǐ Cōng (Ant Mushroom); Jī Zōng Cài (Chicken Mushroom Vegetable); Jī Jiǎo Mó Gū (Chicken Foot Mushroom); Sān Tán Mó (Three-Jar Mushroom); Jī Ròu Sī Gū (Chicken Shredded Meat Mushroom); Dòu Jī Gū (Fighting Chicken Mushroom); Bái Yǐ Gū (Termite Mushroom); Jī Ròu Sī Gū (Chicken Shredded Meat Mushroom); Jī Jiǎo Gū (Chicken Foot Mushroom); Sǎn Bǎ Gū (Umbrella Handle Mushroom).
Jī Zōng is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the fruiting body of the fungus Termitomyces albuminosus (Berk.) Heim [ Collybia albuminosa (Berk.) Petch ], a member of the Tricholomataceae family. Jī Zōng grows on termite nests and maintains a symbiotic relationship with termites. It is a prized edible and medicinal fungus. Jī Zōng is renowned as the “crown of fungi” for its delicious taste and high nutritional value, and it is also regarded as an excellent medicinal and edible substance.
Efficacy & Actions
Strengthens the spleen and supplements qi, harmonizes the stomach and aids digestion, and treats hemorrhoids to stop bleeding.
Indications
Indicated for spleen-stomach deficiency, fatigue and weakness, abdominal distension and fullness, indigestion, and bleeding from hemorrhoids.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects: Extracts of Jī Zōng powder have shown significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in various animal models. Immunomodulatory effects: Jī Zōng polysaccharides regulate immunity through antioxidant activity, showing auxiliary therapeutic effects on type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy. Lipid-lowering effects: Jī Zōng polysaccharides can reduce blood lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice. Anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects: A novel glucomannan from Jī Zōng has demonstrated anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory activities. Hepatoprotective effects: Polysaccharides from Oudemansiella raphanipies (a related species) have shown good protective effects against acute liver injury in mice. Antioxidant effects: Contains phenolic compounds and other active components, exhibiting effective antioxidant properties. Antitumor effects: Exhibits antitumor activity.
Ingredients
Polysaccharides: One of the main active components of Jī Zōng, with various pharmacological activities. Saponins: One of the main active components of Jī Zōng. Sterols: Contains ergosterol. Other Components: Cerebrosides, coumarins, proteins, amino acids, abundant mineral elements (such as K, Fe, Cu, Mg, Zn, Ca, P, etc.), vitamins (such as carotene), and dietary fiber, among others.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 6–15g; or 6–9g. Culinary Use: May be deep-fried, stewed, braised, or stir-fried. For fresh product, the amount is 250–1000g; for dried product, use half the amount.
Contraindications
Contains foreign proteins. Use with caution in individuals allergic to eggs, dairy products, or seafood. Use with caution in patients with colds.
Selected Formulas
For spleen-stomach deficiency with dyspepsia and fatigue (Edible Fungi Nutritional Recipes and Therapeutic Diets) Ingredients: 300g fresh Termitomyces (Jizong), appropriate amount of sesame paste. Preparation: Wash the fresh mushrooms, cut into strips, roast in the oven until cooked, and eat with sesame paste. For hemorrhoidal bleeding (Therapeutic and Medicinal Fungi Compendium) Take 15g each of Termitomyces, Kushen (Sophora root), and Shi'er (Umbilicaria esculenta). Decoct in water and take in divided doses, one dose daily.
Daily Consumption
Steamed Jizong with Ham Ingredients: 300g fresh Jizong (Termitomyces), a little ham and red pepper. Preparation: Wash and cut mushrooms into small pieces, place on a plate. Top with shredded ham and red pepper. Steam for 15 minutes. Action: Suitable for those with spleen-stomach qi deficiency and poor appetite. Fried Jizong with Potato Ingredients: 300g fresh Jizong, 100g potato, 3 egg whites, starch, vegetable oil, salt, and Sichuan pepper powder to taste. Preparation: Cut Jizong and potato into thick slices, coat with egg white and starch batter. Heat oil, fry potato first, then fry Jizong until golden. Remove, sprinkle with salt and pepper powder. Action: Strengthens the spleen, supplements qi, harmonizes the stomach, and aids digestion. Oil-preserved Jizong Ingredients: 1000g fresh Jizong, 10g Sichuan peppercorns, 30g star anise, dried chili peppers, and vegetable oil to taste. Preparation: Trim roots, wash, slice, and drain. Cut chili into sections. Heat oil, add peppercorns, star anise, and chili, fry briefly to release fragrance. Add mushroom slices and fry slowly over low heat until golden. Action: Strengthens the spleen, stimulates appetite, warms the middle, and relieves pain. Stir-fried Jizong with Cabbage Heart Ingredients: 250g fresh Jizong, 100g cabbage heart, seasonings, vegetable oil, and broth to taste. Preparation: Slice mushrooms, cut cabbage into sections. Heat oil, add mushrooms first, then cabbage. Stir-fry briefly, add broth and seasonings, cook until done. Action: Strengthens the spleen, supplements qi, promotes digestion, and stimulates appetite. Stewed Chicken with Jizong Preparation: Cut chicken into pieces and blanch. Soak dried Jizong until soft, wash. Boil water, add chicken and ginger. When chicken is half-cooked, add Jizong. Simmer until chicken is tender. Action: Nourishes and strengthens the body.
Medicinal Parts
Fruiting body.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
