Phellinus igniarius is one of the large medicinal fungus with best internationally recognized anti-cancer effect. Researches indicate that its effective ingredients include polysaccharides

steroids

triterpenes

flavonoids

pyrones

polyphenols

coumarins

alkaloids

and amino acids

et al

with the antineoplastic

hepatoprotective

hypoglycemic

anti-diabetic

anti-angiogenesis

anti-oxidant

antibacterial

anti-inflammatory

anti-mutagenic

anti-mutation

and anti-arthritis effects. It is mainly used to prevent or treat cancer

diabetes

gastroenteric dysfunction

diarrhea and hemorrhage

with a wide application in East Asia

especially in China

Japan and Korea. P. igniarius polysaccharides are one of its major bioactive constituents

present in the fruiting bodies

mycelia and fermentation broth

which could be divided into fruiting body polysaccharide

mycelial polysaccharide and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS

fermentation broth extract)

with the effects of anti-tumor

enhancing immunity and reducing blood sugar

etc. Flavonoid compounds in P. igniarius are one of the important material bases for its antioxidation effect

and the pharmacological researches show that P. igniarius flavonoid compounds have the antitumor

antioxidant

anti-liver fibrosis effects

and can enhance the immune function. P. igniarius has a very significant inhibitory effect on many kinds of malignant tumors

and its anti-tumor effect is mainly achieved by enhancing the body immunity

activating macrophages

activating lymphocytes

enhancing the anti-tumor effect of the body

affecting the signal transduction of tumor cells

inhibiting the induced differentiation of tumor cells

inhibiting the tumor cells angiogenesis

inducing tumor cells apoptosis and other ways. Its drugs are developed for the prevention and treatment of tumor

fatty liver

liver fibrosis

and stubborn hyperglycemia

becoming a major focus following Ganoderma lucidum. This paper would review some of the recent researches on effective components and the efficacy of P. igniarius

and also discuss its development prospect.