Agarikon (Fomes officinalis) is one of the largest and longest living mushrooms in the world, some individual specimens known to be as old as 50 years. This needs to be seen in perspective of the fact that Agarikon starts out growing on already mature trees. It requires old growth forests to survive.
Historical records indicate that Agarikon may have been the most important medicinal mushroom of ancient Europe. The earliest preserved record dates to 65 B.C., when it was listed by Greek physician Dioscorides in Materia Medica as a remedy for tuberculosis. [25]
Unfortunately, Agarikon (Fomes officinalis) is no longer a European folk remedy. It may actually be extinct in Europe today, due to its requirement of old growth forests. In fact, it is mostly extinct in North America as well; except for Washington State’s last remaining old growth rain forests. Hopefully this last refuge will be preserved for future generations. If not, at least the precious genetic material of this potentially powerful medicinal mushroom can be saved through cultivation. Two U.S. companies that currently cultivate and sell Fomes officinalis are Mushroom Harvest out of Ohio and Paul Stamets’ Washington based business Fungi Perfecti.
The traditional therapeutic use of Fomes officinalis included pneumonia and, as previously mentioned, tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). It was also used for muscular and skeletal pain in the form of a poultice.
Congruent with this is a report from Poland, listing the historical uses of Agarikon extract to have included lung conditions (coughing, asthma) and rheumatoid arthritis, but also infected wounds and open bleeding. It is said to have been considered an elixir for long life. [147]
In North America, it is believed that Agarikon extract was used by Native Americans as protection from smallpox and other diseases brought over by the Europeans. But there is no definite written record of this information. The Haida Native American mythological tradition also retains a connection between Agarikon and the female creator spirit Raven, and with female sexuality.
Two of the rare mentions of Fomes officinalis in modern scientific literature have reported that it does produce significant immune enhancement in test subjects. [148, 149]
Lastly, a brief word of caution: Agarikon (Fomes officinalis) may also be known in English as “Quinine Conk” or “Quinine Fungus,” but it does not contain the anti-malaria compound quinine and is not known to be effective against the malaria parasite.
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.
Dr. Rafael, an passionate mushroomer since youth, has worked for his entire professional career in the area of natural health. He currently focuses on medicinal fungi, working in particular with the certified organic line of Paul Stamets Fungi Perfecti. For research references to this article, please visit the Fomes officinalis extract (Stamets) page and click on any number indicating a reference.
