Agarikon
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis) is a dietary supplement with 4 published peer-reviewed studies involving 264 participants, researched for Antiviral & Immune.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Antiviral & Immune
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Antiviral & Immune
To screen medicinal mushroom extracts for antiviral activity against influenza and herpes.
Study Type
Laboratory study - in vitro antiviral
Purpose
To screen medicinal mushroom extracts for antiviral activity against influenza and herpes.
Dose
Various concentrations of mycelium extracts
Participants
Cell line models
Duration
N/A
Results
Fomitopsis officinalis mycelium extracts showed significant antiviral activity against influenza A, influenza B, and herpes simplex viruses. Also active against poxvirus strains.
How They Measured It
Plaque reduction assay, viral cytopathic effect inhibition
To review antiviral properties of medicinal mushrooms including Agarikon.
Study Type
Review - pharmacological and ethnobotanical
Purpose
To review antiviral properties of medicinal mushrooms including Agarikon.
Dose
N/A - review
Participants
Review of multiple studies
Duration
N/A
Results
Confirms antiviral activity of agarikon extracts. Historical use for respiratory infections documented. Lanostane-type triterpenes identified as key antiviral compounds with immunomodulatory properties.
How They Measured It
Literature review of in vitro and in vivo antiviral studies
To characterize anti-inflammatory triterpenes from Fomitopsis officinalis.
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To characterize anti-inflammatory triterpenes from Fomitopsis officinalis.
Dose
Isolated lanostane triterpenes at various concentrations
Participants
RAW264.7 macrophage cell line
Duration
N/A
Results
Lanostane triterpenes from agarikon significantly inhibit NF-kB activation and reduce inflammatory prostaglandin and cytokine production.
How They Measured It
NF-kB activation, prostaglandin E2 production, cytokine quantification
To study immunomodulatory polysaccharides from Fomitopsis officinalis.
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To study immunomodulatory polysaccharides from Fomitopsis officinalis.
Dose
Polysaccharide fractions at 25-200 ug/mL
Participants
Macrophage cell models
Duration
N/A
Results
Isolated polysaccharides significantly activate macrophages and stimulate cytokine production via TLR4 pathway activation, supporting innate immune enhancement.
How They Measured It
Macrophage activation, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta production
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Agarikon research
There are currently 4 peer-reviewed studies on Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis), involving 264 total participants. Research covers Immune support, Antiviral protection, Respiratory health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Weak.
The evidence is currently rated as "Weak Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (0 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Agarikon has been researched for: Immune support, Antiviral protection, Respiratory health, Anti-inflammatory. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Currently all 4 studies on Agarikon are animal or in-vitro studies. Human clinical trials are needed before the evidence can be rated above "Weak".
