Can This One Chinese Herb Prevent Your Brain from Shrinking?

Fu Ling growing in the roots of Pine tree

Did you know your brain could be shrinking right now? If you're missing this one crucial gut bacteria, your brain cells might be getting smaller while your belly gets bigger. Scientists observed this phenomenon in real-time. Mice without Akkermansia gained weight rapidly, gave up on tasks quickly, and showed visible brain damage. Their memory cells actually shrank. When researchers examined humans, they found a similar pattern.

What Is Akkermansia? 

Akkermansia muciniphila, often abbreviated as A. muciniphila is a gram-negative (thin-walled) gut microbe that was only discovered within the human gut microbiome in 2004. This microbe is part of the normal gut microbiota composition in about 90% of healthy individuals. An interesting thing about this microorganism is that it resides entirely within the mucus layer, or mucosa, of the gut wall (muciniphila literally means mucus-loving) rather than in the feces. In the mucosa, Akkermansia can directly interact (cross-talk) with human intestinal cells, aka epithelial cells.

Notably, Akkermansia thrives throughout both the small and large intestines, which is different from other significant gut bacteria. For example, Lactobacillus species tend to have greater relative abundance in the small intestine than the large intestine, and Bifidobacteria concentrations are denser in the large intestine.

Akkermansia’s ability to populate the mucosal lining of both the small and large intestines suggests it is extremely important in a healthy gut microbiome, and it's primary role in the human gut microbiota may be to maintain a strong gut lining.

A couple other things of note about Akkermansia are:

1. It supports the growth of other beneficial bacteria. It does this by converting mucin (the gooey substance that lines our gut) into metabolites (byproducts) called short-chain fatty acids (e.g. butyrate).

   
   

2. In animal models, Akkermansia appears to stimulate the secretion of a hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). In humans, GLP-1 plays the important role of helping us feel full and may aid in weight management, so the animal data suggest the possibility that Akkermansia could help people lose weight.

In a recent research study observing the effects of Akkermansia levels, people with obesity had almost no Akkermansia left. Those with depression also tested low. This bacteria isn't just important; it's the difference between a sharp mind in a healthy body and brain fog in an overweight one. The May 2025 study showed that Akkermansia sends signals through your vagus nerve straight to your brain. It produces a chemical called propionate that powers your brain cells and stops inflammation that damages your thinking.

When you lose this bacteria, inflammation skyrockets. Your brain cells shrink, fat accumulates, and memory fades. Scientists discovered that people with the lowest Akkermansia levels were 16 times more likely to remain depressed.

Fu Ling may increase Akkermansia:

Studies on the Chinese mushroom Fu Ling (Poria cocos) show it brings Akkermansia back. Fu Ling polysaccharide feeds your gut's mucus layer where Akkermansia lives. Lab tests on mice showed Fu Ling treatment dramatically increased Akkermansia levels along with six other helpful bacteria. The mushroom's special sugars create the perfect environment for Akkermansia to multiply. Modern research confirms Fu Ling strengthens your gut wall and cuts the stress signals going from gut to brain.

Fu Ling (Poria cocos) is a type of mycelium that grows on the roots of pine trees. It has been used for centuries in Chinese Herbal Medicine primarily for digestive issues by draining damp (diuretic properties), and strengthening the spleen qi (digestive function). It is also commonly used to calm the mind, and improve mental clarity, and reduce inflammation. That description seems to align with recent research showing its effects on Akkermansia levels.

If someone you know struggles with stubborn weight or persistent brain fog, this research-backed approach could be a step in the right direction. While Fu Ling is often added to soups and food in China, and should be safe for most people. It should be noted that for specific health complaints it is combined with other herbal ingredients. A single Chinese Medicine ingredient is never prescribed alone, but is combined with other ingredients to enhance an effect, and mitigate or prevent unwanted side-effects. Since Fu Ling is a diuretic, eating too much of it, on its own, or for the wrong constitution may encourage too much urination, and possibly a dry mouth, thirst, or dry skin. If you want to address a specific health complaint, it is best to consult with a professional Chinese Herbal Medicine practitioner.

If you are interested in finding out how Chinese herbal medicine can help you for a specific health complaint, you can book an appointment with Dr. R.J. Singer (T.C.M) or phone (02) 6687 1276.

Research Citations:

Liu Y et al., Akkermansia muciniphila reverses neuronal atrophy in Negr1 knockout mice with depression-like phenotypes, 2025

Khalili L et al., The Impact of Akkermansia muciniphila on Mouse Models of Depression Anxiety and Stress, 2025

Xu H et al., Poria cocos Polysaccharide ameliorated antibiotic-associated diarrhea in mice via regulating gut microbiota, 2023

Iwaza R, Wasfy RM, Dubourg G, Raoult D, Lagier J-C. Akkermansia muciniphila: The state of the art, 18 years after its first discovery. Front Gastroenterol. 2022 Oct 25;1. DOI: 10.3389/fgstr.2022.1024393.

Si J, Kang H, You HJ, Ko G. Revisiting the role of Akkermansia muciniphila as a therapeutic bacterium. Gut Microbes. 2022;14(1):2078619. DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2078619. PMID: 35613313. PMCID: PMC9135416.

Yoon HS, Cho CH, Yun MS, Jang SJ, You HJ, Kim J-H, et al. Akkermansia muciniphila secretes a glucagon-like peptide-1-inducing protein that improves glucose homeostasis and ameliorates metabolic disease in mice. Nat Microbiol. 2021 May;6(5):563–73. DOI: 10.1038/s41564-021-00880-5. PMID: 33820962.

Everard A et al., Cross-talk between Akkermansia muciniphila and intestinal epithelium controls diet-induced obesity, 2013

Depommier C et al., Supplementation with Akkermansia muciniphila in overweight and obese human volunteers, 2019

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Alchemy Wellness Centre is located in Byron Bay, NSW Australia

RJ Singer is a registered Chinese Herbal Medicine Doctor and Acupuncturist with AHPRA and AACMA. RJ’s area of special interest is in the treatment of stubborn and difficult chronic disease, and all types of painful conditions.

Katrina Hillis specialises in Neuro-Energetic Kinesiology. She assists her clients in personal transformation by balancing the stress held in the physical, emotional, biochemical and energetic structures and functions of the body.