2025 Poria cocos research breakthrough! Anti-aging, metabolic regulation, liver protection!

Fuling (scientific name: Wolfiporia extensa), commonly known as Yunling, Fuling, or Songling, is a fungal sclerotium parasitic on pine tree roots belonging to the Polyporaceae family. Its outer layer appears dark brown while the interior ranges from white to pale red. With a long history of medicinal use in China, it was classified as a premium herb in the ancient text Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica), praised for "sustaining the soul and nourishing the spirit through prolonged consumption, alleviating hunger and prolonging life." Characterized by its mild nature that supports without being harsh, promotes without being excessive, it effectively enhances the body's defenses while expelling pathogens. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is frequently used to promote diuresis, drain dampness, strengthen the spleen, and calm the mind.

Anti-aging Effects: In 2025, researchers at Anhui Normal University discovered that dietary supplementation with Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP) significantly extended the lifespan of fruit flies (with the highest dose group showing an average lifespan increase of 13.83%) while enhancing their physical mobility. The potential mechanisms may involve boosting the body's antioxidant capacity (through increased activity of antioxidant enzymes like SOD and CAT) and inhibiting the expression of branched-chain amino acid transferase (bcat) genes.

Improving insulin resistance: Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP) may enhance insulin sensitivity by modulating gut microbiota and promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate. This mechanism activates the FGF21/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in adipose tissue, functioning as a prebiotic agent to alleviate obesity-related fat metabolism disorders and metabolic disturbances. These properties support its potential for functional food development.

Liver Protection: In 2025, the extracellular vesicles (ELNs) in Poria cocos may help improve fatty liver associated with metabolic disorders by promoting mitochondrial autophagy and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Additionally, Poria cocos polysaccharides can regulate lipid metabolism through modulation of the AMPK signaling pathway, thereby exerting beneficial effects on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD).