A rare mushroom from the Malaysian rainforest.
Why it’s used: Traditionally used to support the lungs and breathing.
Tiger milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus, also written Lignosus rhinocerotis) is a rare fungus from the rainforests of Malaysia and South-East Asia. The valuable part is the sclerotium, a tuber-like mass that grows underground. Local folklore says the mushroom springs up where a tigress spilt milk while feeding her cubs, and the creamy white sclerotium does look a little like congealed milk.
For generations, indigenous Orang Asli communities including the Semai, Temuan and Jakun have used it as a general tonic and for coughs and breathing, and tiger milk mushroom is traditionally used to support the lungs and breathing. Wild specimens are hard to find, which kept it rare and expensive until growers in Malaysia succeeded in cultivating it. On supplement labels you will usually see tiger milk mushroom, Lignosus rhinocerus sclerotium powder or extract.
Laboratory and animal studies have investigated its antioxidant and airway effects, and safety studies on the cultivated sclerotium in animals found no adverse effects at high doses. A small clinical study in women after breast cancer treatment found it was well tolerated. Human research is still limited, so most of what is known comes from tradition and early-stage studies.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
The review pooled animal, laboratory and human studies of tiger milk mushroom in asthma. Animal work showed reduced airway inflammation and IgE, and one human study reported improved lung function and quality of life.
Hot water extract of the mushroom at 125 to 500 mg/kg was tested in mice and rats with induced asthma. It reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, IgE, inflammatory cytokines, eosinophils and mucus hypersecretion in the lungs.
In rats sensitised and challenged with ovalbumin, a hot water extract of the mushroom reduced serum IgE, the cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in lung fluid, and eosinophil infiltration of the lungs.
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Malaysian folklore says the mushroom grows where a tigress dripped milk while feeding her cubs. The name also suits the creamy white sclerotium, the underground part that is used, which looks rather like set milk.
It is traditionally used to support the lungs and breathing. Indigenous communities in Malaysia have also used it as a general tonic and for coughs. Laboratory studies have explored these uses, but research in people is still limited.
Animal safety studies on the cultivated sclerotium found no adverse effects at high doses, and a small human study found it well tolerated. As with any supplement, avoid it in pregnancy and check with a pharmacist if you take regular medicines.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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