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Laricifomes Officinalis

Laricifomes Officinalis

Common Names: Agarikon, Gharikon

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Medicinal
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About

Laricifomes officinalis, commonly known as the agarikon mushroom, is a rare and medicinally valuable fungus found primarily on old conifer trees in temperate forests of North America and Europe. Renowned for its impressive medicinal properties, this polypore mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its potent antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Agarikon is particularly noted for its potential in combating respiratory illnesses, including tuberculosis and other lung conditions. The mushroom's fruiting body is large and woody, often resembling a beehive or a horse's hoof, with a bitter taste and a distinct musty odor. Due to its rarity and the challenges associated with its cultivation, Laricifomes officinalis is primarily harvested from the wild. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this valuable species from overharvesting. Incorporating Laricifomes officinalis into modern health regimens can provide significant benefits, particularly in immune support and respiratory health, making it a highly sought-after mushroom in natural medicine.

Flavors

Bitter

Agarikon is often described as having a bitter taste, which is one of the reasons it's not typically used in culinary dishes.

Textures

Woody

Agarikon has a woody texture.

Cork-Like

Agarikon has a cork-like texture.

Fragrances

Earthy

Agarikon has a natural earthy aroma.

Resinous

Agarikon has a resinous aroma.

Physical Characteristics

Caps:

Up to 60 cm diameter, brown to reddish brown, resinous

Gills:

Grayish white pores, 5-7 per mm

Helps With

Immunity

Stimulates cytokine production and enhances natural killer cell activity

Antiviral

Contains antiviral triterpenoids effective against DNA and RNA viruses

Antibacterial

L. officinalis extracts have shown antibacterial activity against common pathogens

Look Alike Species

Laricifomes Officinalis

Specie:

Fomitopsis officinalis

Edibility:

unknown

Differences:Grows on trees other than larch. Smaller fruiting body.

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References

  • Medicinal Polypores of the Forests of North America: Screening for Novel Antiviral Activity

    • Polypore mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years. The Greek physician Dioscorides first described the use of a wood conk, Agarikon, now known as Fomitopsis officinalis (Vill.: Fr.) Bond. et Singer (= Laricifomes officinalis), as a treatment against consumption in 65 AD. Other wood conks, such as Ling Chi or Reishi, have had a similarly long history of use in Asia.

    2005