Traditional Chinese Medicinal Auricularia

Topic:David Moore's Medical Mycology Blog

The concepts and beliefs of Chinese Medicine are collated, discussed and compared to the Western approach to treatment. Fungi and their innate properties are briefly examined and their structure summarised. The reports available on Auricularia are studied and the scientific evidence separated, dissected and investigated. Then the claims made of Auricularia are considered in conjunction with the evidence from scientific reports. This enables an exploration as to their reliability.

The distinct absence of any scientific experimentation is considered in relation to both its reported healing properties and the recent competition or even possible replacement by more Western remedies. There appears to be a great disparity between the bold claims made in the literature and any evidence of its use. However the distinct decline in its prominence in the market place could easily be attributed to its perception as a fashionable treatment waning, and thus lead directly to its subsequent replacement by more popular remedies. Whatever potential Auricularia may hold, its continued study seems unlikely when contemplating the combination of its diminished use and the progression towards Westernisation throughout China.

Diagnosis – research resources