Auricularia Tenuis Mushroom
Also known as: Auricularia tenuis, Wood ear mushroom, Jelly ear, Black fungus, Cloud ear mushroom
Overview
Auricularia tenuis, commonly known as wood ear mushroom, is a wood-decaying fungus found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is closely related to Auricularia auricula-judae and Auricularia polytricha, which are more widely studied. This mushroom is used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and potential anti-tumor effects and is a common ingredient in Asian cuisine. Auricularia tenuis is rich in polysaccharides, polyphenols, and minerals, particularly iron and zinc. While research on Auricularia auricula-judae and Auricularia polytricha is more extensive, studies suggest that Auricularia tenuis shares similar beneficial properties. The mushroom is available in various forms, including whole dried mushrooms, powdered extracts, and polysaccharide extracts. Its consumption is generally considered safe when used as a food ingredient, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects and safety as a dietary supplement.
Benefits
Auricularia tenuis exhibits significant antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by in vitro studies. Research on Auricularia auricula-judae shows an IC50 of 52.7 μg/mL for antioxidant activity and a total antioxidant capacity of 0.86 mmol Trolox equivalents/100 g dry weight. It also displays a ferric reducing power of 0.403 nm at 4 mg/mL, indicating hydrogen donation capacity. Furthermore, in vitro and animal studies suggest immunomodulatory and potential anti-tumor effects, primarily attributed to its polysaccharide extracts. While these benefits are promising, human clinical trials are limited, and the clinical significance of these effects remains uncertain. The antioxidant effects are moderate and comparable to other edible mushrooms, but their long-term impact on human health requires further investigation.
How it works
Auricularia tenuis exerts its antioxidant effects through polyphenols and polysaccharides, which scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Its immunomodulatory properties are primarily attributed to β-glucans, which interact with immune cells and modulate immune responses. The polysaccharides may act on gut-associated lymphoid tissue, influencing systemic immunity. In vitro assays, such as DPPH and FRAP, confirm its free radical scavenging and reducing power. While polysaccharides are poorly absorbed, polyphenols may be absorbed to a limited extent, contributing to its overall biological activity. The exact mechanisms and bioavailability of its active compounds require further investigation to fully elucidate its effects on human health.
Side effects
Auricularia tenuis is generally recognized as safe when consumed as food. However, comprehensive safety data for Auricularia tenuis supplements are lacking. Common side effects have not been reported in available literature. Rare reports suggest mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. Allergic reactions are possible but not well documented. No significant drug interactions have been reported, although there is a theoretical risk with anticoagulants due to its high iron content. No contraindications have been established. Pregnant or lactating women should exercise caution due to limited data. Further research is needed to fully assess the safety profile of Auricularia tenuis supplements and identify potential adverse effects.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Auricularia tenuis has not been established. For Auricularia species, antioxidant effects have been observed at extract concentrations of 4 mg/mL in vitro. Typical culinary use involves 5–10 g dry weight per serving. Supplement doses are not standardized, and the maximum safe dose is not established, although no toxicity has been reported at culinary doses. There are no specific timing recommendations for consumption. Auricularia tenuis can be consumed as a whole mushroom, powdered extract, or polysaccharide extract. Polysaccharides are poorly absorbed, while polyphenols may have better absorption. Further research is needed to determine optimal dosage ranges and absorption factors for Auricularia tenuis supplements.
FAQs
Is Auricularia tenuis safe for consumption?
Auricularia tenuis is generally safe for most adults when consumed as food. However, caution is advised when using it as a supplement due to limited clinical data.
What are the expected benefits of consuming Auricularia tenuis?
Moderate antioxidant and potential immunomodulatory effects are expected. It is not a substitute for medical treatment but can support general health.
How should Auricularia tenuis be consumed?
It can be consumed with meals, and no specific timing is required. It is available in various forms, including whole mushroom, powdered extract, or polysaccharide extract.
Are there any safety concerns with Auricularia tenuis?
No major safety concerns exist at typical dietary intakes. However, supplement use should be approached cautiously due to limited clinical data.
Is Auricularia tenuis a cure-all?
No, it is not a cure-all. The benefits are modest and primarily related to general health support, not a replacement for medical treatment.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2022.882939/full – This systematic review on antioxidant activity found that Auricularia auricula-judae exhibits significant antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 52.7 μg/mL and a ferric reducing power of 0.403 nm at 4 mg/mL. The review highlights the potential of Auricularia species as a source of natural antioxidants, though it notes the limited availability of human data and the reliance on in vitro and animal studies.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/24/12671 – This systematic review and meta-analysis on nutrient composition revealed that Auricularia species are rich in essential minerals such as iron, zinc, and potassium, and possess notable antioxidant properties. The study underscores the nutritional value of Auricularia mushrooms, but acknowledges the absence of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the focus on nutrient data rather than clinical outcomes.
- https://www.mycosphere.org/pdf/MYCOSPHERE_10_1_10.pdf – This review of polysaccharide and nutrient content highlights that Auricularia species contain high levels of polysaccharides, proteins, and minerals, including iron and zinc. The review provides a comprehensive overview of the biochemical and pharmacological data available for Auricularia mushrooms, but it does not include human intervention studies, limiting its direct clinical applicability.
- https://wjarr.com/sites/default/files/WJARR-2023-0152.pdf – This study investigates the nutritional composition and potential health benefits of Auricularia auricula-judae. It highlights the presence of bioactive compounds and their potential role in promoting health. Further research is needed to validate these findings in human studies.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.1006446/full – This study explores the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Auricularia auricula-judae extracts. The findings suggest that these extracts possess promising antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and exhibit significant antioxidant effects. Further research is needed to explore the potential applications of these extracts in food preservation and medicine.
