Polyporus
Aliases：Shǐ Líng (Pig Zero); Shǐ Tuó (Pig Sack); Xī Líng (Boar Poria); Dì Wū Táo (Black Peach); Yě Zhū Shí (Wild Pig Food); Zhū Shǐ Líng (Pig Dung Poria); Zhū Fú Líng (Pig Poria); Jiā Zhū Shǐ (Boar Dung); Fěn Zhū Líng (Powdered Poria); Zhū Líng Zhī (Pig Lingzhi).
Zhū Líng (Polyporus) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is the dried sclerotium of the fungus Polyporus umbellatus (Pers.) Fries, a member of the Polyporaceae family. The sclerotium appears as strip-shaped, subglobose, or flat block-like pieces with a black-brown or dark brown surface featuring nodular protrusions. It is firm but light in weight, with a white or pale yellow cut surface, a faint odor, and a bland taste. Zhū Líng was first recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) as a mid-grade herb, and is known for its diuretic and dampness-draining properties.
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes diuresis and drains dampness.
Indications
Used for edema, difficult urination, beriberi (edema of the feet), diarrhea, strangury with turbid discharge, and leukorrhea. It is also used for strangury disorders and damp-heat strangury with turbid discharge, among other conditions.
Modern Pharmacology
Diuretic Effect: The decoction of Zhū Líng (Polyporus) has a stronger diuretic effect than caffeine, Akebia stem (Mù Tōng), or Poria (Fú Líng). Active components such as ergosterone exert diuretic effects by inhibiting the reabsorption of water and electrolytes in the renal tubules. Wulingsan (a formula containing Zhū Líng) increases urine output while also increasing the excretion of sodium and potassium. Immunomodulatory and Antitumor Effects: Zhū Líng polysaccharides act as a non-specific immune stimulant, activating macrophages and enhancing immune system function. They show potential as an adjunctive treatment for tumors by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and inducing tumor cell apoptosis. Hepatoprotective Effect: Zhū Líng polysaccharides can reduce carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in mice and lower serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. They have protective effects against chronic hepatitis B, drug-induced liver injury, fatty liver disease, and other liver conditions. Other Effects: Zhū Líng also exhibits anti-radiation, antibacterial, anti-aging, and anti-mutagenic effects.
Ingredients
Polysaccharides: Polyporus glucans, etc. Steroids: Ergosterol, ergosterone, etc. Proteins and Amino Acids. Vitamins and Trace Inorganic Elements. Also contains free and bound biotin, crude protein, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 9–15g (some sources record 6–12g or 10–15g); may also be prepared in pills or powder.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients without internal dampness: As this herb has a strong diuretic effect, it should not be used in those without internal dampness or with excessive urination. Use with caution or contraindicated in patients with yin deficiency constitution. Use with caution or contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency. Avoid use during pregnancy and lactation. Avoid consuming lard and reduce intake of greasy and fatty foods.
Selected Formulas
For fluid retention, phlegm-rheum, and internal retention of water-dampness (Shanghan Lun, Wuling San) Take Zhuling (Polyporus), Fuling (Poria), Zexie (Alisma), Baizhu (Atractylodes), and Guizhi (Cinnamon twig). Grind into powder. Take one square-cun spoonful each time, mixed with plain boiled water, three times daily. In modern practice, it is often decocted in water. For yin-deficiency edema and urinary tract infection due to interaction of water and heat (Shanghan Lun, Zhuling Tang) Take Zhuling with Ejiao (Donkey-hide gelatin), Huashi (Talc), and other ingredients. Decoct in water and drink. For spleen deficiency with dampness exuberance (empirical formula, Siling San) Take 45g each of Baizhu, Zhuling, and Fuling, and 75g of Zexie. Grind into powder. Take 12g each time, decoct in water and drink. For malaria with high fever (Xuan Nüe Lun Shu, Gegen Zhuling Tang) Take Gegen (Kudzu root) and Zhuling, along with other ingredients. Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
Polyporus Tea: Take 5g of Polyporus (Zhū Líng) and 10g of Corn Silk (Yù Mǐ Xū). Decoct them together in water and drink the liquid as a tea. Suitable for those with edema due to prolonged sitting. Polyporus, Winter Melon, and Pork Rib Soup: Take 15g of Polyporus (Zhū Líng), 200g of winter melon, and 300g of pork ribs. Stew them together into a soup and consume. It may be used as an adjunctive dietary therapy to help lower uric acid levels.
Medicinal Parts
Dried sclerotium.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place. Protect from moisture and mold.
