Tremella

Also called

Snow Fungus, Snow Mushroom, Silver Fungus, White Fungus

Traditional use

These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.

• Tremella is an edible fungus with clusters of flat, wavy, frilly lobes. It has been eaten and used as medicine in Asian countries for centuries. It was first recorded in the Shennong Herbal Classic, an early Chinese medical text. In Chinese medicine it's valued for nourishing the stomach and lungs and for weakness.[1]Study

Laboratory & animal research

Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.

• Most research is on tremella's sugar-based compounds (polysaccharides). In lab and animal studies, they acted as antioxidants, affected the immune system, lowered blood sugar and blood fats, and supported healthy gut bacteria. The review's authors note that nearly all of this research is in the lab or in animals.[1]Study

• In lab and animal studies, tremella extracts have been looked at for skin aging, protection from sun damage, wound healing and keeping the skin barrier healthy. A 2023 dermatology review says clinical studies in people are needed before we know whether it helps the skin.[4]Study

Research in people

• In a Korean trial, 75 adults who felt their memory was slipping took 600 mg or 1,200 mg of tremella or a placebo every day for 8 weeks. People taking tremella reported fewer memory complaints and did better on short-term memory and planning tests. Side effects were about as common as with placebo. It was a small, short trial.[2]Review or trial

  Technical detail: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled; subjective cognitive impairment; adverse events 40.4% (1,200 mg), 35.1% (600 mg), 41.4% (placebo); exploratory MRI gray-matter changes.