Auricularia Tremelloides Mushroom
Also known as: Auricularia tremelloides, Wood ear mushroom, Jelly ear, Cloud ear, Black fungus, Auricularia polytricha
Overview
Auricularia tremelloides, commonly known as wood ear or jelly ear mushroom, is an edible fungus found in temperate and tropical forests. It is widely cultivated in Asia for both culinary and medicinal purposes. This mushroom is characterized by its distinctive ear-like shape and gelatinous texture. It contains various bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (particularly β-glucans), proteins, and polyphenols, which contribute to its potential health benefits. Research suggests that Auricularia tremelloides possesses antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. While most studies focus on the broader Auricularia genus, A. tremelloides is distinct from other species like A. auricula-judae and A. cornea. It is used in traditional medicine and is being investigated for its potential anticancer properties. Available evidence is primarily preclinical, with limited human clinical trials.
Benefits
Auricularia species, including A. tremelloides, exhibit significant antioxidant activity. Studies on related species like A. auricula-judae show an IC50 of 52.7 μg/mL in DPPH assays and a total antioxidant capacity of 0.86 mmol Trolox equivalents/100 g dry weight. Polysaccharides from Auricularia have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects in animal and cell studies, suggesting potential benefits for immune function. Preclinical studies also indicate potential anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties, although clinical evidence in humans is lacking. The effect sizes in humans are not yet established, but preclinical data suggest moderate to strong antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. Further research is needed to confirm these benefits in human populations.
How it works
Auricularia tremelloides exerts its effects through several mechanisms. Its antioxidant properties are attributed to polyphenols and polysaccharides that scavenge free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. The immunomodulatory effects are primarily mediated by β-glucans and other polysaccharides, which stimulate immune cell activity. These compounds interact with key biological pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK, influencing immune responses and inflammation. Additionally, they may affect antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). While polysaccharides are poorly absorbed orally, they may still interact with gut-associated lymphoid tissue, contributing to systemic immune modulation. Polyphenols may be absorbed to a limited extent, further contributing to antioxidant effects.
Side effects
Auricularia tremelloides is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when consumed as food. However, there is limited data on the safety of long-term or high-dose supplementation. 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. There are no significant drug interactions reported, although a theoretical risk exists with anticoagulants due to the antiplatelet activity of polysaccharides. Caution is advised for individuals with mushroom allergies. There is a lack of data on the safety of Auricularia tremelloides in pregnancy, lactation, or children, so use in these populations should be approached with caution.
Dosage
There is no established minimum effective dose or optimal dosage range for Auricularia tremelloides in humans. Typical culinary use involves 5–20 g of dry weight per serving. The maximum safe dose has not been established, but no toxicity has been reported at culinary doses. There is no evidence to suggest specific timing considerations for consumption. Most research uses whole mushroom or aqueous extracts. Polysaccharides are poorly absorbed, while polyphenols may be absorbed to a limited extent. No specific cofactors are required for its activity. Due to limited human data, it is important to adhere to culinary usage levels and exercise caution with higher doses.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of Auricularia tremelloides?
Preclinical studies suggest antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, but clinical benefits in humans are not well-established. It is primarily used as a food ingredient.
Is Auricularia tremelloides safe to consume?
It is generally safe at culinary doses. However, there is insufficient data for high-dose or long-term supplementation, so caution is advised.
How should I take Auricularia tremelloides?
There is no evidence for optimal timing. It can be consumed with meals as part of a balanced diet. Clinical benefits are unproven.
Can Auricularia tremelloides prevent or treat cancer?
It is often marketed for cancer prevention, but clinical evidence is lacking. Consult with a healthcare professional for evidence-based cancer treatments.
Research Sources
- https://www.mycosphere.org/pdf/MYCOSPHERE_10_1_10.pdf – This systematic review of the Auricularia genus highlights that these species contain bioactive polysaccharides with antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and potential anticancer properties. However, the review notes a significant lack of robust human clinical trials, indicating that most evidence is currently preclinical. The review provides a high-quality overview of the genus but is limited by the absence of specific data on Auricularia tremelloides.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2022.882939/full – This systematic review examines the effects of heat treatments on the antioxidant activity of Auricularia and Pleurotus species. The review found that Auricularia species exhibit significant antioxidant capacity, with A. auricula-judae showing notable IC50 and total antioxidant capacity values. While the review is high-quality, it is limited by its focus on in vitro and animal data, with a lack of human clinical trials specific to A. tremelloides.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/24/12671 – This research article provides a nutrient and antioxidant analysis of Auricularia cornea, a closely related species to A. tremelloides. The study found that A. cornea is rich in polysaccharides and exhibits antioxidant activity. However, the study does not include any human clinical data and is not specific to A. tremelloides, limiting its direct applicability to understanding the effects of A. tremelloides in humans.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/12/3/623 – This study focuses on the antioxidant properties of Auricularia species. It highlights that these mushrooms contain compounds with significant antioxidant capabilities, which may contribute to their potential health benefits. However, the research is primarily based on in vitro and animal studies, and further human clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.1006446/full – This research explores the antimicrobial and prebiotic potential of Auricularia auricular. It suggests that components within the mushroom may promote beneficial gut bacteria and inhibit harmful microbes. While the study provides valuable insights into the broader health impacts of Auricularia, it does not directly address the specific effects or benefits of Auricularia tremelloides.
