Birch polypore

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Birch polypore (Piptoporus betulinus, also Fomitopsis betulina) is a bracket mushroom that grows almost exclusively on birch trees. It has been used in European folk medicine as a digestive and antimicrobial remedy and was found among possessions of the 5,300-year-old Iceman 'Otzi.'

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Immune and digestive support (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Traditional use is extensive but rigorous clinical evidence is essentially absent.

How it works

The fruiting body contains triterpenes (betulinic acid, polyporenic acids, ungulinic acid), polysaccharides (beta-glucans), and other compounds. Preclinical studies report antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antitumor activity. Traditional uses include parasitic infections, gastrointestinal complaints, and as a general 'tonic' or styptic for wound healing. The mushroom's discovery with Otzi's frozen body raised speculation that it was used as a treatment for whipworm infection (which Otzi had). Modern clinical evidence is essentially absent. Most product claims rely on traditional use and preclinical activity studies. Quality varies considerably between suppliers.

Dosage

No established dose. Supplement label doses typically 500 to 2,000 mg per day of mycelium or fruiting body powder. Traditional use was often topical or in tea infusions.

When and how to take it

Typically taken with food, once or twice daily. No evidence-based timing recommendation. Effects, if any, are reported gradually with consistent use.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Birch polypore mycelium powder

Cultivated mycelium biomass.

Most common supplement form.

Birch polypore fruiting body extract

Wild-harvested or cultivated fruiting body.

Higher triterpene content typically.

Safety

Generally considered low risk at typical supplement doses. Side effects are uncommon. Long-term safety data are limited. Mushroom allergies and quality variations are concerns.

Who should be cautious

Mushroom allergy: avoid. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid due to lack of safety data. People on immunosuppressants or with autoimmune disease: consult a clinician.

Interactions

No significant drug interactions reported. Theoretical immunomodulatory effects suggest caution with immunosuppressant medications.

Food sources

Birch polypore (wild edible, prepared)

Amount
Variable
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Why was birch polypore in Otzi's possessions?⌄

Researchers speculate it may have been carried as a treatment for whipworm infection, which Otzi had. The exact use cannot be confirmed.

Is birch polypore as well-studied as reishi or chaga?⌄

No. Birch polypore has much less clinical research than mushrooms like reishi (Ganoderma) or chaga (Inonotus obliquus).

References

Birch polypore on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Birch polypore on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Birch polypore (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.