Antrodia cinnamomea

A rare mushroom endemic to Taiwan that grows only on the endangered Cinnamomum kanehirae tree. It is one of the most expensive medicinal mushrooms in the world, and also one of the most researched for liver protection.

Not medical advice. For education only, and not a substitute for treatment of any liver condition. Talk to a clinician, especially if you have liver disease or drink alcohol regularly.

What the evidence shows

Of all the pharmacological activities studied, hepatoprotective (liver-protective) effects are the most consistently supported — animal and cell studies show Antrodia cinnamomea extracts can reduce liver injury from alcohol, certain medications, and toxins, alongside immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory and antitumor research. This evidence base is broad but remains preclinical — robust human clinical trials are still lacking.

Evidence level: preclinical; the hepatoprotective signal is the strongest and most consistent of its studied effects.

How it's used

Traditionally the wild fruiting body, now almost entirely cultivated mycelium or fermented product (see Quality notes) — capsules, powder and liquid extracts.

Safety

Documented adverse-effect data in humans are limited. As an immune-active, liver-metabolised compound, use caution alongside immunosuppressant medication and existing liver medications, and disclose use to your clinician if you have liver disease. Safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient — avoid.

Quality notes

Wild Antrodia cinnamomea harvest is illegal — its host tree is a protected, endangered species in Taiwan, and field gathering of the fruiting body is prohibited. Legitimate products today are cultivated mycelium or fermented biomass, not wild fruiting body; be skeptical of any product marketed as "wild-harvested," and buy only from suppliers transparent about cultivation method.

Sources

Explore the other medicinal mushrooms or our full plant catalogue.