About Agarikon
Laricifomes officinalis, known as Agarikon or Quinine Conk, is among the rarest and most ancient medicinal fungi. Conks can grow for 50–75 years on old-growth larch and fir trees. It was documented by the Greek physician Dioscorides in 65 AD as 'agarikon', prescribed for consumption (tuberculosis) and respiratory conditions. Modern research by Paul Stamets and colleagues at the Bioshield Defense Program has identified potent antiviral activity against influenza, herpes, and poxviruses. Its unique lanostane-type triterpenes and beta-glucans make it one of the most pharmacologically interesting fungi in the functional mushroom world.
