Black Hoof Mushroom May Provide Immune Health Benefits

Black hoof mushroom is an orange, hoof shaped mushroom that grows on mulberry trees primarily in China, Japan, and Korea. A new study has found that black hoof mushroom extract may provide immune health benefits.

The researchers enrolled 98 healthy adults for their study. They received 1,000 mg of black hoof mushroom extract or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. Activity of immune cells called natural killer cells was evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study period. Levels of other immune system biomarkers were also measured, including TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-1beta.

Activity of natural killer cells was significantly increased in the mushroom group compared to the placebo group. Increased natural killer cell activity is associated with a strengthened immune system. Levels of the immune system biomarkers TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-1beta were also increased in the mushroom group.

The study was conducted by researchers from Daejeon University. It was published online ahead of print on August 26, 2002 in the journal Medicine.

Ashwagandha root was found to help boost the immune system in a previous study.