Fu Shen
Also known as: Fu Shen, Poria sclerotium, China root, Tuckahoe, Wolfiporia extensa, Poria cocos
Overview
Fu Shen is the dried sclerotium (hardened mycelium) of the fungus *Poria cocos* (also known as *Wolfiporia extensa*), which grows on pine roots. It is a prominent ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), primarily valued for its diuretic, sedative, and spleen-strengthening properties. Traditionally, it has been used to address conditions such as edema, insomnia, palpitations, and various digestive issues. Its therapeutic effects are attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and triterpenoids. While *Poria cocos* extracts have been the subject of numerous studies, high-quality clinical trials specifically on Fu Shen as a standalone supplement are limited, with much of the evidence stemming from studies on complex Chinese herbal medicine formulations.
Benefits
Fu Shen, primarily as part of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) formulations, demonstrates several evidence-based benefits. It exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, with meta-analyses of CHMs containing Fu Shen showing reductions in inflammatory markers like IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP, particularly in cardiovascular conditions. For instance, one meta-analysis indicated significant reductions in these markers, though the heterogeneity of formulations was a limitation. In cardiovascular support, Shenfu Injection (a formulation including Fu Shen) has shown modest increases in systolic blood pressure and improved clinical effectiveness in patients with intradialytic hypotension, with an average increase of 22.64 mmHg in systolic BP compared to control in three RCTs. For post-surgical recovery, orally administered CHMs containing Fu Shen have been shown to improve endoscopic scores in patients recovering from sinus surgery. Potential immunomodulatory and anti-cancer adjunctive benefits have also been suggested in breast cancer and ovarian cyst management, but these findings are predominantly from mixed herbal formulations rather than Fu Shen alone, and the strength of evidence for these secondary effects is lower.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Fu Shen are primarily mediated by its active constituents, notably polysaccharides and triterpenoids. These compounds are believed to modulate immune responses and inflammatory pathways by influencing cytokine production, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, and mitigating oxidative stress. The diuretic effect traditionally attributed to Fu Shen is thought to involve modulation of renal function. While polysaccharides generally exhibit good bioavailability, the absorption of active triterpenoids from oral preparations can be variable. The overall mechanism involves a complex interplay with various body systems, contributing to its observed anti-inflammatory, sedative, and diuretic properties.
Side effects
Fu Shen and its extracts are generally considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects, consistent with its long history of traditional use. Reported side effects are rare and typically mild, primarily involving gastrointestinal discomfort. There are no robust reports of significant drug interactions or contraindications; however, caution is advised when combining Fu Shen with diuretics or immunosuppressants due to the potential for additive effects. Specific safety data regarding its use during pregnancy, lactation, and in pediatric populations is insufficient, and therefore, its use in these groups should be approached with caution or avoided. Overdosing data is also lacking, and no established maximum safe dose has been determined. Overall, its safety profile is favorable, but comprehensive clinical data on specific populations and long-term use is still limited.
Dosage
Traditional dosing of *Poria cocos* sclerotium in decoction form typically ranges from 3 to 15 grams daily. However, standardized extract dosing is not well-established due to significant variability in preparation methods and concentrations of active compounds. For specific formulations like Shenfu Injection, dosages used in clinical trials were administered intravenously and are specific to clinical settings, not applicable to oral supplementation. There is no officially established maximum safe dose for Fu Shen, and data on overdosing is scarce. Users should adhere to recommended dosages provided by qualified healthcare practitioners, especially when using standardized extracts or combination formulas, as the optimal dosage can vary based on the specific condition being addressed and the individual's response.
FAQs
Is Fu Shen effective alone or only in combination?
Most clinical evidence for Fu Shen's efficacy comes from its use within complex Chinese herbal formulas or injections. Its effectiveness as a standalone supplement is less documented and requires further research.
Is Fu Shen safe for long-term use?
Traditional use suggests long-term safety, but comprehensive clinical data on the long-term effects of isolated Fu Shen supplementation is limited. Consult a healthcare professional for extended use.
How quickly can one expect to see effects from Fu Shen?
The onset of effects can vary. Benefits related to inflammation or blood pressure may take several weeks to months to become apparent, while symptomatic relief can vary depending on the condition and individual.
Can Fu Shen replace conventional medical treatments?
No, Fu Shen is not intended to replace conventional medical treatments. It is typically used as an adjunctive therapy within Traditional Chinese Medicine contexts to support overall health.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2022.922497/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) on inflammatory markers. It found that CHM adjuncts, including formulations containing Fu Shen, significantly reduced IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP, suggesting anti-inflammatory benefits in various conditions, particularly cardiovascular diseases. The study noted heterogeneity in formulations but provided moderate quality evidence for CHM's anti-inflammatory potential.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4284991/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated Shenfu Injection, a formulation including Fu Shen, for intradialytic hypotension. It concluded that Shenfu Injection significantly increased systolic blood pressure by approximately 22 mmHg and improved clinical effectiveness. However, the evidence quality was rated as low to very low due to methodological flaws and inconsistencies across the included RCTs.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0292138 – This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of oral Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM), including formulations with Fu Shen, for post-surgical recovery after sinus surgery. The findings indicated that CHM adjuncts improved Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores, suggesting benefits for recovery. The study acknowledged moderate heterogeneity and some missing baseline data in the included RCTs, but provided moderate quality evidence.
