Home Ingredients Auricularia auricula-judae (Wood Ear / Black Jelly Mushroom)
CardiovascularAnti-Inflammatory

Auricularia auricula-judae (Wood Ear / Black Jelly Mushroom)

Auricularia auricula-judae — Auriculariaceae jelly fungus
Evidence Level
Preliminary
3 Clinical Trials
7 Documented Benefits
1/5 Evidence Score

An edible jelly fungus commonly called wood ear, black jelly mushroom, or jew's ear. Auriculariaceae family. Widely consumed in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Japanese cuisine. An acidic polysaccharide isolated via alkali extraction has specific anticoagulant activity of 2 IU/mg and a molecular mass of ~160 kDa. Composition: mannose + glucose + glucuronic acid + xylose (no sulfate esters, distinguishing it from heparin). Mechanism: thrombin inhibition catalyzed by antithrombin (not heparin cofactor II); glucuronic acid carboxyl groups are essential, as activity disappeared after carboxyl reduction. Aspirin-like anticoagulant effects in vitro and in rats. Most evidence is in vitro / animal, with dedicated human RCTs limited.

Studied Dose Edible wood ear: dietary amounts. Supplement: per product (variable). Anticoagulant polysaccharide ~160 kDa, 2 IU/mg specific activity.
Active Compound Acidic polysaccharide (~160 kDa: mannose + glucose + glucuronic acid + xylose); polyphenolic compounds; melanin pigment.

Benefits

Anticoagulant polysaccharide antithrombin-mediated

An acidic polysaccharide isolated via alkali extraction has the highest anticoagulant activity, with specific activity of 2 IU/mg and a molecular mass of ~160 kDa. Mechanism: thrombin inhibition catalyzed by antithrombin (not heparin cofactor II), with no Factor Xa antithrombin catalysis, so it is selectively thrombin-targeted. A distinguishing mechanism among mushroom polysaccharides.

Supported by Trial 1

Glucuronic acid carboxyl groups essential to activity

Activity disappeared after carboxyl reduction, establishing glucuronic acid carboxyl groups as essential to the anticoagulant mechanism. Polysaccharide composition: mannose + glucose + glucuronic acid + xylose with no sulfate esters, distinguishing it from heparin's sulfate-ester-driven mechanism.

Supported by Trial 1

Cholesterol-lowering polyphenolic + polysaccharide

Rats on a high-cholesterol diet remained healthier when given wood ear extract. Polyphenolic compounds were responsible (alone or together with polysaccharides), whereas earlier studies attributed the effect to polysaccharides only. Dual-mechanism cardiovascular profile beyond the anticoagulant activity.

Supported by Trial 2

Laboratory anticoagulant polysaccharide activity (in vitro + rats)

Wood ear polysaccharides showed aspirin-like anticoagulant effects in vitro and in rat models. Mechanism is distinct from aspirin's cyclooxygenase inhibition — these remain laboratory and animal findings and have not been shown to produce a comparable anticoagulant effect in people.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Early laboratory (cell-line) research only

Early laboratory studies have examined the polysaccharide in cultured cells. This is preliminary in-vitro research only, has not been tested in animals or people, and is not evidence that wood ear affects cancer or any disease.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 1

Research context only: not a consumer benefit

The selective thrombin-only mechanism (vs heparin's broader Factor Xa + thrombin) is the conceptual basis for a potentially safer alternative to heparin, whose bleeding complication risk motivated the research. This research direction has not progressed to clinical heparin replacement.

Supported by Trial 1

Edible mushroom culinary integration

Extensive Asian culinary use record (Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese cuisine) supports food-based safety. Traditional gastrointestinal-soothing uses; supplement-grade anticoagulant activity warrants different safety considerations than dietary consumption.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Antithrombin-catalyzed thrombin inhibition

The polysaccharide enhances antithrombin's thrombin-inhibiting activity — selectively targeting thrombin without enhancing antithrombin's Factor Xa inhibition. Distinct from heparin's broader effect on both thrombin and Factor Xa.

2

Glucuronic acid carboxyl groups essential

Carboxyl reduction abolished anticoagulant activity — establishing glucuronic acid carboxyl groups as the structural feature responsible for antithrombin enhancement. Different mechanism from heparin's sulfate-ester-driven activity.

3

Polyphenolic cholesterol lowering

Polyphenolic compounds drive cholesterol-lowering activity in animal models — possibly via bile acid binding, HMG-CoA reductase modulation, or LDL receptor effects. Mechanism details remain under investigation.

4

Preliminary cell-culture polysaccharide research

Preliminary observations in two cultured cell lines only. The polysaccharide has not been tested in animals or people for any cancer or disease outcome, and any immune-pathway mechanism is speculative.

5

Mannose + glucose + glucuronic acid + xylose composition

Polysaccharide composition: mannose, glucose, glucuronic acid, and xylose with NO sulfate esters. Distinguishing chemistry from heparin (sulfated glycosaminoglycan) and many other mushroom polysaccharides.

6

Anti-glycolipidemic activity

Polysaccharides also show anti-glycolipidemic activity, indicating complementary cardiovascular and metabolic effects beyond the anticoagulant action.

Clinical trials

1
Anticoagulant Polysaccharide Mechanism

Preclinical laboratory evidence (in vitro and rat studies) on Auricularia auricula-judae; no human clinical trials have evaluated these outcomes.

Preclinical model (in vitro and/or laboratory animals); not a human clinical population.

Yoon SJ et al. 2003 (Thromb Res). Acidic polysaccharide isolated via alkali extraction with highest anticoagulant activity. Specific anticoagulant activity 2 IU/mg, ~160 kDa molecular mass. Composition: mannose + glucose + glucuronic acid + xylose, NO sulfate esters. Mechanism: thrombin inhibition catalyzed by antithrombin (not heparin cofactor II); glucuronic acid carboxyl groups essential. Foundational mechanism characterization.

2
Rat High-Cholesterol Diet Polyphenolic Study

Rats on a high-cholesterol diet remained healthier with wood ear extract.

Preclinical model (in vitro and/or laboratory animals); not a human clinical population.

Rats on a high-cholesterol diet remained healthier with wood ear extract. Polyphenolic compounds responsible (alone or with polysaccharides) — earlier studies had attributed the effect to polysaccharides only. Animal cardiovascular protection evidence; human translation not established.

3
In Vitro Cancer-Cell-Line Screening (preliminary lab research)

Documented in vitro anticancer activity in two cancer cell lines.

Preclinical model (in vitro and/or laboratory animals); not a human clinical population.

Documented in vitro anticancer activity in two cancer cell lines. Preliminary cell-line evidence; not advanced to animal cancer models or human trials.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated; widely consumed edible mushroom in Asian cuisine.
Anticoagulant effect: theoretical bleeding risk especially with concurrent anticoagulants/antiplatelets.
Pre-surgical: avoid for 2 weeks before surgery due to anticoagulant activity.
Pregnancy/lactation: limited specific data; dietary consumption generally safe.
Long-term safety: extensive culinary use record.
Mushroom allergies: caution.
Mild GI upset (rare).
Cooking required: raw consumption may cause GI upset.

Important Drug interactions

Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin, DOACs): theoretical additive effect — caution; may potentiate bleeding risk.
Antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel): theoretical additive effect; aspirin-like wood ear polysaccharide activity.
NSAIDs: theoretical additive antiplatelet effect.
Most other medications: no documented interactions.
Cytochrome P450 modulators: no documented interactions.
Herbs with bleeding risk (ginkgo, garlic, ginger): theoretical additive effect.

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Frequently asked questions about Auricularia auricula-judae (Wood Ear / Black Jelly Mushroom)

What is Auricularia auricula (wood ear mushroom)?

Auricularia auricula, the wood ear or black fungus, is a culinary mushroom common in Asian cooking. It is studied for cardiovascular support, including healthy blood viscosity and cholesterol, and provides fiber and antioxidants.

What is wood ear mushroom good for?

It is traditionally and increasingly studied for supporting healthy circulation and cholesterol, and as a source of fiber and beta-glucans. It is mostly eaten as a food in soups and stir-fries.

How much wood ear mushroom should I take?

It is generally consumed as a food rather than a measured supplement; follow labeling for any extract. Always cook it; it is rehydrated from dried before use.

Is wood ear mushroom safe?

As a cooked food it is safe and well tolerated. Because it may have a mild blood-thinning effect, those on anticoagulants or before surgery should be mindful of large amounts and check with a doctor.

What is Auricularia auricula-judae?

An edible jelly fungus commonly called wood ear, black jelly mushroom, or jew's ear. Auriculariaceae family. Widely consumed in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Japanese cuisine. An acidic polysaccharide isolated via alkali extraction has specific anticoagulant activity of 2 IU/mg and a molecular mass of ~160 kDa.

What is Auricularia auricula-judae used for?

Auricularia auricula-judae is researched primarily for Cardiovascular and Anti-Inflammatory. An acidic polysaccharide isolated via alkali extraction has the highest anticoagulant activity, with specific activity of 2 IU/mg and a molecular mass of ~160 kDa.

What is the recommended dosage of Auricularia auricula-judae?

The clinically studied dose is Edible wood ear: dietary amounts. Supplement: per product (variable). Anticoagulant polysaccharide ~160 kDa, 2 IU/mg specific activity. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Auricularia auricula-judae safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Auricularia auricula-judae is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated; widely consumed edible mushroom in Asian cuisine. Anticoagulant effect: theoretical bleeding risk especially with concurrent anticoagulants/antiplatelets. It may also interact with some medications. Auricularia auricula-judae is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Auricularia auricula-judae interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin, DOACs): theoretical additive effect — caution; may potentiate bleeding risk. Antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel): theoretical additive effect; aspirin-like wood ear polysaccharide activity. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Auricularia auricula-judae?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Auricularia auricula-judae as Preliminary (1 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 3 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(3 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Yoon SJ, Yu MA, Pyun YR, Hwang JK, Chu DC, Juneja LR, Mourão PA The nontoxic mushroom Auricularia auricula contains a polysaccharide with anticoagulant activity mediated by antithrombin Thromb Res. 2003;112(3):151-8. doi:10.1016/j.thromres.2003.10.022.PubMedUsed to support: In vitro and animal study isolating and characterizing an acidic polysaccharide from A. auricula with antithrombin-mediated anticoagulant activity; provides direct mechanistic basis for anticoagulant polysaccharide benefit. Confirms nontoxic status at dietary doses in rats.
  2. Bian C, Wang Z, Shi J Extraction Optimization, Structural Characterization, and Anticoagulant Activity of Acidic Polysaccharides from Auricularia auricula-judae Molecules. 2020;25(3):710. doi:10.3390/molecules25030710.PubMedUsed to support: In vitro study characterizing acidic polysaccharides from A. auricula-judae, confirming anticoagulant activity via thrombin time and aPTT assays, and identifying glucuronic acid carboxyl groups as essential to the anticoagulant mechanism.
  3. Zeng F, Zhao C, Pang J, Lin Z, Huang Y, Liu B Chemical properties of a polysaccharide purified from solid-state fermentation of Auricularia auricular and its biological activity as a hypolipidemic agent J Food Sci. 2013;78(9):H1470-5. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.12226.PubMedUsed to support: Animal study (high-fat diet mouse model) showing A. auricular polysaccharide significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol; provides preclinical basis for cholesterol-lowering polysaccharide benefit.