Black fungus, also known as cloud ear fungus or wood ear fungus due to its lobelike structure, has a long history of cultivation in Asian cultures, potentially dating back to between 300 and 600 AD in China.
The mushroom is valued for its gelatinous texture and earthy flavor, as well as its antioxidant richness and pharmacological properties, which include antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cholesterol-lowering effects.
What Is Black Fungus?
Black fungus belongs to the Auricularia family, and its scientific name is Auricularia polytricha.
Consumption of black fungus is especially common in Asia, but it's enjoyed in many areas of the world, ranking fourth in the worldwide production of mushrooms.
As the colloquial name suggests, black fungus is often dark brown or black in color. It has a chewy or jellylike consistency but is commonly sold dried; when reconstituted with water, it returns to its original gelatinlike texture.
Nutrient Profile
Black fungus is low in calories and fat, and like many other mushrooms, it is relatively high in protein and fiber. A cup of dried black fungus has these nutrients:
80 calories
0.2 grams (g) of fat
0 milligrams of cholesterol
20.4 g of carbohydrates
19.6 g of fiber
2.6 g of protein
Black fungus mushrooms also contain an impressive array of vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins and iron. A cup of dried black fungus has the following vitamins:
18 percent of the daily value (DV) for riboflavin
11 percent of the DV for vitamin B3
3 percent of the DV for vitamin B5
3 percent of the DV for folate
2 percent of the DV for vitamin B6
9 percent of the DV for iron
6 percent of the DV for magnesium
4 percent of the DV for potassium
4 percent of the DV for phosphorus
3 percent of the DV for calcium
3 percent of the DV for zinc
Health Benefits of Black Fungus
Mushrooms are a healthy addition to any diet, and a daily serving of mushrooms is an easy way to increase your diet's nutritional quality without adding many extra calories, sodium, or fat.
Black fungus is no exception, and it has long been studied independently due to its worldwide popularity. Here's what research has found about the health benefits of black fungus.
1. They're Packed With Fiber
A cup of dried black fungus serves up a whopping 20 g of fiber, around 70 percent of the DV. And unlike most foods high in fiber, they're pretty low in carbohydrates.
High-fiber diets help promote healthy digestion, lower cholesterol levels, keep blood sugar in check, and make it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
2. They Can Promote a Healthier Gut
Black fungus is rich in polysaccharides, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics help feed the good bacteria in your gut, which can promote a healthier microbiome overall and potentially alleviate digestive issues.
In a study published in 2025 in Frontiers in Nutrition, dietary supplementation with Auricularia auricula-judae, a close relative of black fungus, diversified the gut microbiome in mice and reduced inflammation, among other markers of improved health.
3. They're Rich in Antioxidants
All mushrooms, including black fungus, are rich in compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties.
Black fungus's robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities are widely reported.
4. They Could Protect Cognitive Health
A higher intake of mushrooms may have a protective effect on the brain, thanks to their rich antioxidant content.
Auricularia's impact on the gut microbiome might be linked to cognitive benefits via something called the gut-brain axis, which describes the many ways that the gut and brain are linked. In the same Frontiers in Nutrition study, dietary supplementation with Auricularia auricula-judae reversed markers of cognitive dysfunction caused by a high-fat, high-fructose diet in mice.
5. They May Help Prevent Cancer
The antioxidants in mushrooms might play a protective role against cancer, particularly colon cancer.
A meta-analysis published in April 2021 in Advances in Nutrition looked at 17 studies with more than 19,500 participants; authors observed that people who ate 18 g of mushrooms daily had a 45 percent lower chance of developing cancer compared with those who never ate mushrooms.
Additionally, black fungus has been studied specifically for its potential to regulate genes that contribute to the development of colon cancer.
The Takeaway
Black fungus is a low-calorie, high-fiber food that provides a wealth of minerals and B vitamins, helping promote healthy digestion and support a balanced gut microbiome.
Beyond its nutritional value, this mushroom is rich in polyphenols and other antioxidants that offer anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect against chronic diseases and cognitive decline.
Research suggests that compounds in black fungus may support cognitive health by regulating gut bacteria and could play a role in protecting against certain cancers, such as colon cancer.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
Regis MAJ et al. Cultivation of Auricularia species: a review of the history, health benefits, principles, practices, environmental conditions, research methods, and recent trends. Sydowia. July 2023.
Agarwal S et al. Nutritional impact of adding a serving of mushrooms to USDA Food Patterns - a dietary modeling analysis. Food & Nutrition Research. February 2021.
Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet. Mayo Clinic. December 2024.
What are probiotics and prebiotics? Mayo Clinic. April 2025.
Fei Y et al. Ameliorating potential of Auricularia auricula-judae polysaccharides in mitigating hypercaloric diet-induced behavioral disorders through gut microbiota regulation. Frontiers in Nutrition. May 2025.
Sillapachaiyaporn C et al. Ergosterol isolated from cloud ear mushroom (Auricularia polytricha) attenuates bisphenol A-induced BV2 microglial cell inflammation. Food Research International. May 2022.
Kastanja GC et al. Auricularia polytricha: A promising medicinal mushroom for combination therapy of colorectal cancer and understanding its potential mechanism of action. World Advanced Journal of Research and Reviews. 2023.
Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN, is the director of health promotion for Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois. She is also licensed as an exercise physiologist and certified in lifestyle medicine by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Her experience includes corporate wellness, teaching for the American College of Sports Medicine, sports nutrition, weight management, integrative medicine, oncology support, and dialysis.
She earned her master's in exercise and nutrition science at Lipscomb University.
Andrew has served as a president and board member of the Nashville Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She was recently elected a co-chair of the fitness and medicine group in the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
Marygrace Taylor is a health writer and editor based in Philadelphia. Her work has appeared in publications including Parade, Glamour, Women's Health, Prevention, Redbook, Men's Health, and O, The Oprah Magazine. She's also the coauthor of Eat Clean, Stay Lean: The Diet and Prevention Mediterranean Table.
