Antrodia cinnamomea (Niu-Chang-Chih) is a unique medicinal mushroom found in Taiwan.Being an endemic species, A.cinnamomea was originally consumed by the aborigines as a traditional prescription to treat food intoxication and to enhance liver functions.In the past few decades, A.cinnamomea has been recommended as a folk medicine for the treatment of liver diseases, inflammatory disorders, hypertension and tumorigenic diseases.Among these therapeutic effects, the hepatoprotective effect of A.cinnamomea has been well-recognized by the consumers, particularly those who suffer in liver dysfunction.