← All supplements
Limited evidenceImmunity

Mesima (Phellinus Linteus)

A medicinal bracket fungus used in Korea, Japan and China, studied almost entirely for its polysaccharides. There are no controlled human trials of mesima for immunity.

Where to buy

View on iHerb

Ships to 180+ countries · welcome discount for new customers

Referral link — this site may earn a commission on purchases.

What the science says

  • Activity documented only in cells and animals Limited evidence

    A review of the bioactivities and pharmacological applications of Phellinus linteus catalogued antitumour, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, essentially all from in-vitro and rodent experiments.

  • Polysaccharide research without clinical endpoints Limited evidence

    A systematic review of Phellinus linteus polysaccharides covered extraction, structure and reported functions, and found the functional evidence confined to laboratory models rather than human trials.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo studied dose. Supplement labels commonly suggest 500–1500 mg of extract per day.
SafetyMushroom extracts of this type are generally well tolerated, with gastrointestinal upset the usual complaint. Because they are marketed as immune activators, caution is sensible in autoimmune disease and with immunosuppressant drugs. Some mushroom polysaccharides show antiplatelet activity in vitro. No data in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter.
With food?With food, which reduces the usual stomach upset.
Worth knowingAsk the brand for the extraction ratio and beta-glucan percentage; without those figures the milligram number on the front tells you nothing.

Interactions

With medications

  • immunosuppressants and transplant medication

    Marketed as an immune activator, so it may oppose therapy intended to suppress immunity. avoid it while on immunosuppressive treatment

  • anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs

    Some mushroom polysaccharides show antiplatelet activity in laboratory work, so a small additive bleeding risk cannot be ruled out. mention it to your doctor and stop before surgery

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does mesima (Phellinus linteus) boost immunity?

There are no controlled human trials of mesima for immunity, so the evidence is limited. Its immunomodulatory and antitumour effects come essentially all from cell and rodent experiments.

How much mesima mushroom should I take?

No dose of mesima has been studied; supplement labels commonly suggest 500–1500 mg of extract per day. Ask the brand for the extraction ratio and beta-glucan percentage, since the milligram figure alone tells you little.

Is mesima safe with blood thinners or immunosuppressants?

Avoid mesima during immunosuppressive treatment, since it is marketed as an immune activator. Some mushroom polysaccharides show antiplatelet activity in the lab, so mention mesima to your doctor if you take anticoagulants and stop it before surgery.

Scientific references

Related in Immunity