Publication date: Jun 08, 2026
Use of fungal mycelia, which has antiviral properties, constitutes a novel strategy for addressing existing and newly emerging viral diseases. We evaluated safety and feasibility of fungal mycelia (Fomitopsis officinalis and Trametes versicolor, FoTv) for treatment of COVID-19 and assessed its antiviral effects and potential to reduce symptoms. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dual site (UCSD/UCLA medical centers) clinical trial we examined non-hospitalized patients who contracted mild-to-moderate COVID-19 [≤] 96 hours, and experienced symptom onset [≤] nine days, before enrollment. FoTv was safe, well-tolerated, and feasible for COVID-19 treatment. Minor differences in biochemical markers were observed between groups (26 FoTv, 24 Placebo). FoTv significantly reduced the number and severity of symptoms, particularly sore throat/cough, and in vitro SARS-CoV-2 (pseudovirus) cellular infection. In conclusion, FoTv was safe and reduced COVID-19 symptoms and cellular viral infection. Future studies should investigate therapeutic benefits of fungal mycelia for SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. Clinicaltrials.gov registration:NCT04667247.
| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Fungi | California |
| Hepatic | Certified |
| Lessons | Covid |
| Orthopoxviruses2124 | Fotv |
| Ucla | Funder |
| Granted | |
| International | |
| License | |
| Licenseit | |
| Medrxiv | |
| Peer | |
| Preprint | |
| Symptoms | |
| Treatment | |
| Viral |
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | COVID-19 |
| disease | MESH | Infection |
| disease | MESH | viral diseases |
| disease | MESH | sore throat |
| disease | MESH | cough |
| disease | MESH | David |
| disease | MESH | influenza |
| disease | MESH | emergencies |
| disease | MESH | dengue fever |
| disease | MESH | emerging infectious diseases |
| disease | MESH | avian influenza |
| disease | MESH | conjunctivitis |
| disease | MESH | respiratory failure |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Trametes versicolor fruiting body |
| disease | MESH | included |
| disease | MESH | liver failure |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Ethanol |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Medical Cannabis |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Hydroxychloroquine |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Ivermectin |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Dimethyl sulfoxide |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Sodium Chloride |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Urea |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Nitrogen |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Alkaline Phosphatase |
| disease | MESH | ALP |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Prothrombin |
| disease | MESH | fever |
| disease | MESH | fatigue |
| disease | MESH | aches |
| disease | MESH | breath shortness |
| disease | MESH | runny nose |
| disease | MESH | taste loss |
| disease | MESH | headache |