Identification
A shiny varnished red-brown shelf — the "lacquered" look is diagnostic.
Research
The most studied medicinal mushroom: beta-glucans and triterpenes, with human trials on immune parameters and as cancer-treatment adjuvants. A Cochrane-style review position: insufficient evidence as first-line, possible adjuvant benefit.
In practice
- Too woody to eat — extracts and decoctions are the forms.
- Standardization varies wildly between products.