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.
Evidence last reviewed: August 2026
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.
Scientific references
Where to buy
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