Fuling (Poria cocos) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a sweet, bland taste and neutral nature, which is attributed to the heart, lung, spleen, and kidney meridians. It exerts the effects of inducing diuresis to eliminate dampness, invigorating the spleen and tranquilizing the mind, and is mainly indicated for the treatment of symptoms and diseases including edema with oliguria, phlegm retention accompanied by vertigo and palpitations, poor appetite caused by spleen deficiency, loose stools and diarrhea, mental restlessness, and palpitations with insomnia. Studies have shown that the active components of P. cocos mainly include polysaccharides, triterpenes, sterols, and so on. It exhibits various pharmacological activities, such as diuretic, immunomodulatory, antitumor, lipid-regulating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other effects. By systematically searching relevant literature at home and abroad, this study comprehensively reviews the chemical components and pharmacological effects of P. cocos, and further explores its potential mechanisms of action, aiming to provide new ideas and scientific basis for the modern research and clinical development of P. cocos.

Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf  /  Poria polysaccharides  /  pachymic acid  /  diuretic  /  immunomodulatory  /  antitumor