Cho, Hee-Chul; Kim, Kwang-Ho; Kwon, Ki-Rok

Background : This study was to investigate existing studies on the mushroom Phellinus linteus for possible applications in treating hard to cure diseases and uses in herbal acupuncture as the above is known to have an anti-cancer effects and stimulating the immune system. Results : Based on the literary consideration, the following results were obtained : 1. Proteins and polysaccharides of the Class Basidiomycetes activate the host immune system for anti-cancer action without known side effects, thus it can be given for the prevention and treatment of cancer as a supplement. Phellinus linteus mushroom showed the most significant effects. 2. The Phellinus linteus mushroom is a fungi in the family Hymenochaetaceae and Phellinus, under the class Basidiomycetes. Phellinus linteus can be often found on the trunk of mulberry trees and other latifoliate trees. 3. The characteristics of Phellinus linteus are sweet, neutral in temperature, non-toxic, dissipate the stagnated blood, stop bleeding, invigorate the blood circulation and remove stasis, and nourish qi. It has been used for treating continuous menstrual discharge among the female patients and removing masses in the abdomen to name a few. 4. Phellinus linteus contains agaric acid, fatty acid, C23 and other numerous enzymes. 5. Phellinus linteus is known to have anti-cancer and anti-oxidant effects, stimulation of the immune system, as well as anti-inflammatory effects, inhibition of angiogenesis, and analgesic actions.

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