This information describes the common uses of Coriolus versicolor, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.
What is it?
Coriolus is a mushroom used to help with health issues in traditional Chinese medicine. It also comes as dietary supplements in pills or powders.
What are the potential uses and benefits?
Coriolus is used to:
Improve general health
Boost the immune system
Coriolus also has other uses that haven’t been studied by doctors to see if they work.
It’s generally safe to use coriolus in food and tea, but talk with your healthcare providers before taking coriolus supplements. Herbal supplements are stronger than the herbs you would use in cooking.
They can also interact with some medications and affect how they work. For more information, read the “What else do I need to know?” section below.
What are the side effects?
Side effects of using coriolus may include:
Dark colored stool (poop)
Darkening of fingernails
What else do I need to know?
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking coriolus in any form if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not known if this mushroom is safe.
Coriolus extracts are used in Japan and China as additional cancer treatments after the primary treatment to lower the risk that the cancer will come back. But the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved coriolus extracts as additional cancer treatments.