Poria Cocos Powder
Poria cocos has a long history of use as both food and traditional medicine; reviewed clinical and preclinical data show low acute toxicity and good tolerability at typical dietary use. It is not authorized as a Novel Food in the EU and not common in Western food regulation.
What it is
Powdered sclerotia of the medicinal fungus Poria cocos (Wolfiporia extensa, fu ling), used in traditional East Asian medicine and foods.
Thickener, traditional medicinal ingredient in soups and tonics.
Why it's flagged
- limited Western safety data
- drug-herb interaction potential (diuretic effect)
What regulators actually say
"Poria cocos has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years... reported pharmacological effects include diuretic, sedative, and immunomodulatory activities."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not GRAS-listed; sold under dietary supplement framework
European Union — EFSA
Not on EU Novel Food authorization list
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