Larch sponge

A type of fungus that parasitizes on Larix decidua, the European larch, and on Larix sibirica, the Siberian larch. The dried cap of the mushroom is the parent plant of Fungus Laricis, which is used in naturopathy.

Fungus laricis is popularly used as a laxative, for rheumatism and lung complaints. An antitumor effect of extracts has been demonstrated experimentally (Hu M et al. 2013).

Fomes officinalis extract, an extract from the larch sponge, is used in cosmetic formulations.

Aragicic acid (up to 18%), resins, various polysaccharides, triterpenes, ricinoleic acid, oxalic acids, phosphoric acid, gum, waxes, bitter substances (Wu X et al. 2009).

1. Hu M et al (2013) Extraction of polysaccharides from Fomes officinalis Ames and their antitumor activity. Exp Ther Med 6:451-454.
2. Wu X et al.(2009) Four new triterpenes from fungus of Fomes officinalis. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 57:195-197.