A Brief History of Antrodia camphorata

Antrodia camphorata (AC), also known as the stout camphor fungus, is a functional mushroom that only grows in Taiwan! It's also rare as it only grows in the inner walls of hollow Cinnamomum kanehirae tree at the elevation of 450 – 2,000 meters. (Ao et al., 2009)

It has been used for centuries by aboriginal tribes in Taiwan to treat liver problems and alcohol intoxication. In recent years, countless new researches have been completed to show that more than 80 compounds can be isolated from AC. AC is rich in polysaccharides, triterpenoids, diterpenes, fatty acids, amino acids, benzenoids, and maleic/succinic acid derivatives. (Ao et al., 2009; Zhao and Leung, 2010)

Bioactivities of AC

Many of the compounds in AC are biologically active with proven functional activities. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated these compounds have a variety of beneficial functions. (Ao et al., 2009; Lee et al., 2018)

AC is one of the rare type of mushrooms where most of the important bioactive compounds are present together.

(Zhao and Leung, 2010)

Strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can help to boost immunity, reduce fatigue, and increase alertness and energy.

(Lee et al., 2018)

Human, animal, and cell-line studies have proven that AC has excellent activities to protect and detoxify the liver, thus promoting long-term liver health.

(Yen et al., 2022; Chen et al., 2019; Dai et al., 2003; Hsiao et al., 2003)

AC has already been consumed in Asia for hundreds of years. But in the last 20 years, the demand has soared and it is no longer possible to harvest wild AC. Currently, the best quality AC is grown in controlled environment free of pollutants and pesticides.

ProAntro® is the only AC approved for use in EU!

AC is now available in EU

AC will be sold under the brand name ProAntro® as a Novel Food approved by European Commission (EC) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

ProAntro® is permitted to be used as food supplement. Only ProAntro® is approved by EC and fulfills its stringent approval guidelines. (Turck et al., 2022)