Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Basidiomycota, a large phylum of fungi that includes mushrooms such as Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail), Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), and others, has been investigated for its potential health benefits, including effects on colitis. Preclinical studies, mainly using animal models of ulcerative colitis or chemically-induced colitis, have demonstrated that extracts from some Basidiomycota mushrooms can reduce inflammation, restore intestinal barrier function, and modulate the gut microbiota. These effects are often attributed to polysaccharides, especially beta-glucans, and other bioactive compounds found in these fungi. For example, research on Coriolus versicolor polysaccharides has shown attenuation of colonic damage and inflammatory markers in rodent colitis models.

However, the majority of evidence for Basidiomycota in colitis is limited to animal studies and in vitro experiments. There is a lack of high-quality, controlled clinical trials in humans specifically addressing colitis or inflammatory bowel disease. While some Basidiomycota species have a long tradition of use in East Asian herbal medicine for general immune support, their direct use for colitis is not strongly established in traditional medicine. Thus, although there is emerging scientific interest and some promising preclinical data, the evidence base is still preliminary, and clinical validation is lacking. The evidence supporting Basidiomycota's use for colitis currently merits a score of 2 out of 5.

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