Omphalia
Also known as: Omphalia, Omphalia mushroom, Omphalia lapidescens
Overview
Omphalia refers to a genus of fungi, with *Omphalia lapidescens* being the most studied species used in traditional medicine. It is primarily sourced from wild or cultivated mushrooms and is often consumed as a powdered extract or decoction. Traditionally, Omphalia has been utilized for its purported anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and potential neuroprotective effects, sometimes appearing in supplements aimed at joint health or neurological support. Its bioactive components include polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and other fungal metabolites. While it has a history of traditional use, current clinical research on Omphalia as a supplement ingredient is limited, with most available data stemming from preclinical studies or broader research on medicinal mushrooms rather than specific, large-scale human trials.
Benefits
Currently, there are no high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses specifically evaluating the benefits of Omphalia supplementation. Therefore, no quantified or clinically significant benefits can be reliably stated. Traditional claims suggest anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential, but these have not been confirmed by rigorous clinical trials. There is no evidence from large or well-controlled studies to support specific benefits for conditions such as osteoarthritis or Parkinson’s disease, nor are there established effect sizes or clinical significance due to the lack of direct clinical data. The time course for any potential effects is also not established.
How it works
Based on general knowledge of medicinal mushrooms, the potential mechanisms of action for Omphalia likely involve the modulation of the immune response, primarily through its polysaccharide content. It may also exhibit antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects. While specific molecular targets for Omphalia are not well characterized, it is hypothesized to interact with cytokine regulation and oxidative stress pathways. However, detailed biological pathways, molecular targets, and pharmacokinetic data regarding absorption and bioavailability of Omphalia extracts are currently not available.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of Omphalia mushroom extracts is not extensively documented, though traditional use suggests low toxicity. No significant safety concerns have been widely reported in the limited literature available. Common, uncommon, or rare side effects are not well established due to the lack of comprehensive clinical data. There are no documented drug interactions or established contraindications for Omphalia. Furthermore, safety data for special populations (e.g., pregnant women, children, individuals with specific health conditions) are not available, necessitating caution and further research.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose, optimal dosage ranges, and maximum safe dose for Omphalia have not been established due to a lack of clinical research. In traditional use, it is typically administered as a powdered extract or decoction, but there are no clinical guidelines regarding specific dosages, timing of administration, or form. Factors influencing absorption and potential cofactors are also unknown. Without established clinical data, it is not possible to provide evidence-based dosing recommendations for Omphalia as a supplement.
FAQs
Is Omphalia effective for osteoarthritis or Parkinson’s disease?
No direct clinical evidence supports the efficacy of Omphalia for osteoarthritis or Parkinson’s disease. Broader meta-analyses on dietary supplements for these conditions do not specifically mention Omphalia.
Is Omphalia safe to consume?
Traditional use suggests Omphalia has low toxicity, but comprehensive clinical safety data are lacking. There are no documented side effects or drug interactions, but more research is needed to confirm its safety profile.
How long does it take to see effects from Omphalia?
The time course for any potential effects of Omphalia is unknown. Due to the lack of clinical trials, there is no established timeline for when effects might be observed.
Is Omphalia better than other medicinal mushrooms?
There are no comparative clinical data available to determine if Omphalia is more effective or superior to other medicinal mushrooms. Each mushroom has unique properties and research profiles.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1556133/full – This source describes a network meta-analysis on dietary supplements for knee osteoarthritis. It identified several effective supplements like NEM, Aflapin, and E-OA-07, but Omphalia was not included in the analysis, indicating a lack of clinical research for this specific application.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38378765/ – This PubMed entry refers to a systematic review and meta-analysis on dietary supplements for Parkinson’s disease. The study found no significant effect of supplements on motor symptoms, and Omphalia was not specifically investigated, highlighting the absence of research in this area.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22212388/ – This PubMed entry details a 2012 meta-analysis focusing on high protein supplements for malnutrition. While it showed clinical benefits for protein supplementation, this research is unrelated to Omphalia and does not provide insights into its efficacy or safety.