{"id":102042,"date":"2025-06-03T13:54:44","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T12:54:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=102042"},"modified":"2025-06-03T13:58:03","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T12:58:03","slug":"birch-polypore","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/birch-polypore\/","title":{"rendered":"Birch polypore"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":102086,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"d1e565e7-b002-48f4-a28c-c6b1b263da06","beyondwords_preview_token":"3e53aac5-a6f3-4339-a7bd-ab198f0f3700","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[685,701,700],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[18,527,1821,27,1819],"western_action":[991,992,993,994,1000,1001,1015,1828,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-102042","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-skin","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-salty","sense-sour","sense-sweet","sense-umami","western_action-anthelmintic","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-astringent","western_action-bitter","western_action-immunomodulant","western_action-styptic","western_action-vulnerary","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250502","herb_author":1910,"banner_text":"Birch polypore supports the immune system","latin_name":"Fomitopsis betulina<\/span><\/i>\u00a0syn <\/span>Piptoporus betulinus<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Fomitopsidaceae","herb_summary":"Birch polypore is antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Historically it was used for intestinal parasites, wound healing, and general immune support.\r\n","key_benefits":"Immune modulation\r\nAntiviral\r\nAntibacterial\r\nAntiparasitic\r\nWound healing","how_does_it_feel":"A decoction of birch polypore smells inviting as it simmers, giving off a strong mushroom aroma, which is earthy and savoury. This mushroom aroma extends to an umami flavour, but the taste is dominated by the bitterness, which is the initial sensation to reach the mouth. This leaves a slightly acrid\/sour taste, which is quickly replaced by an umami and earthy aftertaste which lingers on the tongue. <\/span>\r\n\r\nA dual extract tincture is also intensely bitter, with a milder umami flavour and a slight sweetness. <\/span>The bitterness feels invigorating and mildly energising to the body and mind. It feels nourishing and filling as it reaches the stomach and moves through the intestines. <\/span>","hdif_image_1":102080,"hdif_image_2":102086,"hdif_image_3":102081,"hdif_video":"","sense":[18,527,1821,27,1819],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_102084\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"516\"]\"Birch Birch polypore (Fomitopsis betulina<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nBirch polypore is strengthening for the immune system, calming, and can be used to address gastrointestinal issues (1). It can be added to <\/span>cold and flu<\/span><\/a> remedies to support the immune system (see Recipe<\/a>). Birch polypore is antimicrobial against a broad range of bacteria, fungal organisms and parasites, and can be used to support intestinal infections and worms. Contemporary research confirms the benefits of birch polypore and pharmacological studies provide evidence of antibacterial, <\/span>antiparasitic<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>antiviral<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>anti-inflammatory<\/span><\/a>, cytotoxic (anti-cancer), neuroprotective, and <\/span>immunomodulating<\/span><\/a> activity (2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nBirch polypore is not an edible mushroom as it remains tough and rubbery even after cooking. The very young fruiting body is considered by some to be edible, though others reflect that even after thorough cooking it remains bitter and unpalatable (1,3). The fruiting body needs to be processed as a decoction or alcohol extract for medicinal use.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nBirch polypore contains a high concentration (up to 52%) of beta glucans (1). These compounds are poorly extracted in alcohol, requiring a water extraction method (1). However, many of the active constituents (triterpenoids and non-water soluble monosaccharides) require alcohol extraction (4). Therefore, birch polypore is best as a dual extraction to capture the full range of constituents (1). When using birch polypore to make a decoction or tincture it is best to grind into a powder to increase the surface area for extraction of the active compounds. Fresh or dried polypores are tough to chop up or blend, so it is better to cover in boiling water and leave to soak until the water is cool enough for blending. It is important to remember that in order to access the beta-glucans in the mushroom cell wall they must be heated before consuming, simply grinding the raw mushroom into a powder will not be sufficient (1). To make a decoction, add water and simmer for an hour (see dosage<\/a> for more information).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhole mushroom crude extracts, rather than products containing individual isolated constituents, often show greater bioactivity due to the synergy between the individual compounds in the extract\u00a0(2). For a detailed outline of how to create your own extracts Medicinal Mushrooms by Christopher Hobbs is an excellent recommended resource (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nA plaster can be made from the surface of a birch polypore and used as a wound dressing by cutting the shape required and peeling back the surface before applying to the skin (3). This is effective for bleeding or seeping wounds by making use of the absorptive surface, as well as being antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. The powdered mushroom can be added to a cream or balm used to treat skin infections and also acts as a painkiller (2). The potential for promoting wound healing has been demonstrated by modern research (5).\u00a0<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_102081\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"507\"]\"Birch Birch polypore (Fomitopsis betulina<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe main constituents in birch polypore are beta glucans, triterpenes, phenolic acids and non-water soluble monosaccharides (4). The immune-enhancing and immune-modulating activity is largely due to the polysaccharides, namely the beta-glucans which make up around 52% of the mushroom (2,4). A large portion of the reported biological activities is also closely linked to the triterpenoids, which have been shown to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antithrombin activity (4). The triterpenes, betulin and betulinic acid, have a wide range of biological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antiviral actions (6).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe phenolic acids in both the fruiting body and the mycelium have been shown to have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity (7). Birch polypore extracts from both the mycelium and the fruiting body have exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against cancer cells, specifically prostate cancer cells and melanoma (7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nPiptamine, an alkaloid isolated from birch polypore, has antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi and yeasts including <\/span>Candida albicans<\/span><\/i> (2,4). The antioxidant activities of birch polypore are attributed to the flavonoids, however, their quantity in the fruiting bodies and the impact on free radical scavenging is considered to be low (4).<\/span>\r\n\r\nBirch polypore\u00a0contains resins and the active compound, agaric acid, which have powerful purgative and <\/span>laxative<\/span><\/a> effects, which can result in a strong, though short-lived, bout of diarrhoea<\/a>\u00a0at high doses (8).\u00a0Agaric acid is antiparasitic and <\/span>an<\/span>timicrobial<\/span><\/a> against a range of mycobacteria (8).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn indigenous cultures, medicinal and spiritual applications are not clearly distinguished between. Polypore mushrooms have been of high symbolic value since ancient times with positive and negative meanings, and a strong impact on human culture including art, literature and folklore (4).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_102086\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"509\"]\"Birch Birch polypore (Fomitopsis betulina<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThere is evidence that birch polypore was used medicinally in Europe 5300\u00a0years ago (3300\u00a0BC), after a walnut sized piece of the\u00a0mushroom was found with the remains of an Italian\/Austrian Iceman in the Alps (9). It is known from modern research that birch polypore contains constituents that act as an antibiotic against a range of organisms and have a purgative effect on the intestines (9). Since the iceman had whipworm eggs in his guts, it was concluded that he was using the mushroom for healing purposes, as a laxative and antibiotic (8,9). More recently, strips of the fruiting bodies have been used externally as a styptic and antiseptic (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe fruiting bodies of birch polypore have a long history of use in folk medicine as an antimicrobial and to accelerate wound healing, as well as being used as a laxative and supportive medicine for stomach disorders (7). Birch polypore has a history of use in Russia as a soothing tea to enhance the immune system and reduce fatigue, and in Siberia, the Baltic area, and Finland, it was also used for the treatment of various types of cancer (4). In Poland, birch polypore extracts were given orally to female dogs with vaginal tumours, observed to completely disappear after five weeks (4).<\/span>\r\n\r\nPolypore mushrooms are included in the pharmacopeia and medicine of indigenous people worldwide, as well as being used in various ways as food and tinder (4). Due to the tough and perennial fruiting bodies, polypore mushrooms were often considered to be a source of eternal strength and wisdom (4). A powder produced from birch polypore was used as a snuff in Austria, and in Northern America and Siberia, this snuff was used as a pain reliever (4).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"ImmuneImmune system<\/h3>\r\nIt is the beta-glucans in medicinal mushrooms which are largely responsible for overall immune modulation, by activating innate immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, granulocytes and natural killer cells (1,6). For the prevention and treatment of acute illness and infections, it is the individual's immune system response to the pathogen which is key (1). Therefore, mushrooms with the highest beta-glucan content will support overall immune system health and be most beneficial. One of the main strengths of birch polypore is its ability to prevent and treat infections, due to both the immune modulation and the specific antiviral and antimicrobial effect (1). <\/span>\r\n\r\nProphylactic treatment, taken ahead of a potential infection can support the immune system and protect against bacterial and viral infections, such as seasonal influenza (1). Birch polypore is ideal to take throughout the autumn and winter months to support the immune system through the cold and flu season. Beta-glucans are water soluble and most efficiently extracted into a decoction. However the triterpenes and other non-water soluble constituents require an alcohol extraction, so a dual extract is recommended to get the full range of medicinal benefits that birch polypore can offer.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe constituents in birch polypore have a beneficial effect on the chronic conditions of the immune system and overall health, via immune system modulation, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Beta-glucans support both the innate and adaptive immune systems by activating macrophages which then bind to tumour cells or invading pathogens, and stimulating the bone marrow to produce stem cells which can develop into various immune cells (1). The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of the terpenes and phenolic compounds reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the human body (7). <\/span>\r\n\r\nInflammation and oxidative stress are at the core of many chronic diseases, and birch polypore reduces inflammation and neutralises free radicals to decrease oxidative stress. The anti-inflammatory action is achieved by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-\u03b1, IL-6, and IL-1, and pro-inflammatory enzymes such as COX-2, leading to decreased inflammation (10). Free radical damage and oxidative stress is associated with many chronic illnesses, including cancers, <\/span>cardiovascular diseases<\/span><\/a>, impaired immune function, <\/span>diabetes<\/span><\/a>, degenerative processes related to aging, and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (1).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

\"DigestiveCancer<\/h3>\r\nThe potential anti-cancer and cytotoxic properties of birch polypore have gained most of the research attention in recent studies (10). Beta-glucans stimulate the bone marrow to synthesise more immune cells, which equips the body to deal with any potential cancerous invasions (11). The proliferation of cancer cells often results in an overactive immune response, however the immunomodulating properties of the beta-glucans help to regulate the immune response, to trigger a more appropriate immune response and specifically target any cancerous growths (11). There is laboratory research using human cell lines to support the use of birch polypore extracts as an adjunct to conventional cancer treatments, although clinical trials are required to confirm this. There is however a relative scarcity of information and research on birch polypore, particularly in comparison to other medicinal mushrooms such as <\/span>chaga<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Inonotus obliquus<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>reishi<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Ganoderma lucidum<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>turkey tail<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Trametes versicolor<\/span><\/i>), which highlights the need for more research to support any potential use in integrative oncology. Birch polypore and other medicinal mushrooms could be a valuable component of an integrative approach to <\/span>cancer therapy<\/span><\/a>, although treatment must be tailored to individual cases, and it is advisable to consult a specialist for personalised guidance.\u00a0To read more, read our article, <\/span>M<\/span>ushrooms for <\/span><\/i>C<\/span>ancer <\/span><\/i>C<\/span>are<\/span><\/i><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/h3>\r\nBirch polypore is antimicrobial against a broad range of bacteria, fungal organisms and parasites, and can be used to support intestinal infections and worms. It has historically been used to expel parasitic worms from the digestive tract (8,9).\u00a0 Birch polypore can be used as an antiparasitic treatment for intestinal worms, in a formula including other herbs such as <\/span>wormwood<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Artemisia absinthium<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>gentian<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Gentiana lutea<\/span><\/i>), pennyroyal (<\/span>Mentha pulegium<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>sage<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Salvia officinalis<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>thyme<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Thymus officinalis<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>mugwort<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Artemisia vulgaris<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>yarrow<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Achillea millefolium<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>aniseed<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Pimpinella anisum<\/span><\/i>), and <\/span>calendula<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Calendula officinalis<\/span><\/i>)..\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nSafety note: Wormwood, sage, yarrow and mugwort all contain varying amounts of thujone and should not be used in children under 18 years of age unless under the guidance of a clinical herbalist<\/a>). \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/em>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_102083\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"521\"]\"Birch Birch polypore (Fomitopsis betulina<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nTo date, there are no clinical trials and therefore a lack of clinical evidence to support the efficacy and safety of birch polypore. The indications for use are based on traditional use, <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> research to determine the constituents, and the biological activity of these constituents. Further research is required to verify these biological activities <\/span>in vivo<\/span><\/i> and in clinical studies (2).<\/span>\r\n

Chemical composition and biological activity of extracts from fruiting bodies and mycelial cultures of Fomitopsis betulina<\/h3>\r\nThis study compared the constituents in fruiting bodies and mycelial cultures of birch polypore. The total phenolic acid content was higher in the fruiting body than the mycelium. There was no difference in the triterpene compounds, however the indoles and sterols were higher in the fruiting body. The extracts were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against selected human cancer cells and anti-inflammatory activity. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe mycelium extract exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against prostate cancer cells, while the fruiting body extract indicated a moderate effect on melanoma and prostate cancer. The authors concluded that biological activity of birch polypore extracts<\/span> show cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities at different potencies, with the mycelial culture extract showing potential in supporting prostate cancer therapy, although further studies and clinical trials are required to confirm this (7).<\/span>\r\n

Cytotoxic activity of\u00a0Fomitopsis betulina<\/i>\u00a0against normal and cancer cells \u2014 a comprehensive literature review\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA recent article reviewed the available evidence up to July 2024, regarding the cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of birch polypore. Out of the 450 articles screened, only five met the inclusion criteria required to assess the therapeutic potential properties of birch polypore. The analysed studies demonstrated that birch polypore extracts, particularly alcohol extracts, exhibited selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells (most strongly prostate cancer and melanoma cell lines) with minimal impact on healthy cells. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe authors identified that the triterpenes and glucans were consistently identified as the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects, specifically on prostate cancer, melanoma, and colorectal cancer cell lines. They concluded that these cytotoxic properties against cancer cells, with limited impact on healthy cells, is promising, although further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and the optimal extraction method and dose (10).<\/span>\r\n

Chemical characterization and wound healing property of a \u03b2-D-glucan from edible mushroom\u00a0Piptoporus betulinus<\/i><\/h3>\r\nThe wound-healing properties of birch polypore have been demonstrated <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0 A hot water extraction method was used to isolate the \u03b2-glucan constituent from the fruiting body of birch polypore. The \u03b2-glucan promoted cell migration and wound closure on an <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> scratch assay, demonstrating a potential wound healing capacity. <\/span>\r\n\r\nHowever, the extract showed no toxicity on human colon carcinoma cell lines, suggesting a whole extract or other constituents in birch polypore may be responsible for cytotoxic activity demonstrated in other studies. The authors concluded that the \u03b2-glucan is a promising agent for\u00a0promoting wound healing and for inclusion in wound dressing\u00a0material (5).<\/span>","did_you_know":"Birch polypore can be used for sharpening tools, hence one of its common names 'Razorstrop fungus' (12).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":102082},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Birch polypore is a leathery bracket fungus that only grows on birch trees, the Latin name, <\/span>Fomitopsis betulina<\/span><\/i>, deriving from the Latin name for birch, <\/span>Betula<\/span><\/i> (1,12). The fruiting bodies are annual, with a new crop each year along the trunk or birch trees (1). It has a rounded or hoof-shaped, smooth, white or pale brown coloured cap, which grows to between 5\u201330 cm in diameter and 2\u20136 cm thick (3,12,13). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe upper surface is smooth with a thin, separable skin from the white, rubbery flesh beneath (13). The underside surface is initially white, turning light brown as the fruiting body ages, made up of circular pores (3\u20134 per mm) into tubules (1.5\u20135 mm) (3,13). <\/span>","common_names":"