fushen

Fushen is a specialized medicinal part of the fungus *Poria cocos* (Schw.) Wolf, specifically referring to the sclerotium that has grown around and contains a portion of the host pine root (*Pinus* spp.). It is distinguished in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from other parts of the *Poria* fungus (such as Fuling or Poria Cutis) by its specific mind-tranquilizing and sedative properties. Bioactive components include triterpenoids (such as pachymic acid and dehydroeburicoic acid) and polysaccharides. Research indicates that Fushen exerts therapeutic effects by modulating the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and GABAergic systems for insomnia, and by inhibiting inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways such as TLR4/NF-κB, p38MAPK, and Nrf2/HO-1 in the context of chronic renal failure and peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis. It is also noted for its ability to regulate gut microbiota and protect the intestinal barrier.

Brand names

Fushen GranuleFushen DecoctionFushen Wan

Other names

Poria cum Radix PiniPoria cum Ligno HospitePoria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (Fushen)Poria cocos sclerotium with pine root