# Fu ling (Wolfiporia extensa)

**Wolfiporia extensa* (*Poria cocos*); poria, hoelen*

**Known today as.** A large underground mass like a small coconut, the sclerotium of a fungus that grows on pines.

Kind: Fungus

## What was it used for?

Used extensively in Chinese medicine, to promote urination, strengthen the spleen, and calm the mind.

## What does modern science say?

Little clinical evidence.

## Pharmacognosy and toxicology

- **pachymic acid**: a triterpenoid
- **polysaccharides**: which potentiate the immune response in the laboratory
- **3-epidehydrotumulosic acid**: 

**Mechanism.** The sclerotium of a fungus of pines: its triterpenes are anti-inflammatory in experimental models and inhibit phospholipase A2, and its polysaccharides potentiate the immune response in the laboratory; it is used as a diuretic, sedative and tonic, but there are too few clinical studies to establish its efficacy and safety.

**Dose.** Its safety has not been established by clinical studies.

**Standing.** A traditional medicine of China and Japan; no use established by clinical trials.

## What lore surrounds it?

Listed among the superior drugs of the *Divine Farmer’s Classic*.

## Sources

- *Shennong bencao jing* (Han dynasty).
- Wikipedia contributors. “Wolfiporia cocos.” *Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia*. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfiporia_cocos (read 2 October 2026).
- Ríos, J.-L. (2011). “Chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of *Poria cocos*.” *Planta Medica* 77.

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*Fu ling.* In *Materia Medica*, edited by B. C. P. Statema. Version 1, revised 2026-10-03. The Thinking Press. https://thethinkingpress.org/materia-medica/fu-ling

Historical description, not medical advice.