Shiitake- Lentinula Edodes

Shiitake is one of the most widely used medicinal and culinary mushrooms in the world. It is a staple of East Asian cuisine and is commonly sold dried in Israeli supermarkets. The mushroom originates from the forests of Southeast Asia, where it grows naturally on tree trunks, primarily oak. Beyond its rich umami flavor, shiitake has a long-standing reputation as a longevity-promoting mushroom, supporting vitality and immune health. One of its most studied compounds is the polysaccharide lentinan, which has been extensively researched for its immunomodulatory and anticancer properties.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, shiitake is considered to tonify the Qi of the spleen and stomach and to support Yin energy. It was traditionally used to strengthen the body during illness, exhaustion, or aging, to reduce phlegm, and to preserve vitality.

In Japan, shiitake has long been associated with longevity and was consumed ceremonially by the nobility as early as the Kamakura period (12th century). Folk uses also included cholesterol reduction, skin support, and improved circulation.

Main Active Compounds:

• Polysaccharides, especially Lentinan; Support immune function. Lentinan is approved in Japan as a pharmaceutical adjunct therapy in cancer care. It has also demonstrated neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress, antiviral activity, cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering properties, immune modulation, and support of the gut microbiome.

• Lentinacin: An antimicrobial compound shown to be active against several pathogens.

• Eritadenine: A unique amino acid found in shiitake, with well-documented cholesterol-lowering effects.

• Triterpenes and phenolic compounds: Contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

• AHCC: For further reading, click here.

  
  

Evidence-Based Therapeutic Activities:

• Immune support: Clinical studies have shown that lentinan enhances the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and macrophages. Shiitake extracts have demonstrated inhibitory effects against various viruses and bacteria, including herpes viruses, influenza, Streptococcus, and E. coli.

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity: Research indicates that shiitake can modulate inflammatory processes and protect the liver and blood vessels from oxidative damage.

• Anticancer activity: Both human and animal studies have demonstrated anticancer effects associated with shiitake and its extracts, particularly lentinan.

• Metabolic syndrome: Shiitake has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

  
  

Summary

Shiitake is a widely consumed medicinal mushroom that has been extensively studied. It is considered a potent immune-supportive mushroom and is especially valuable for balancing cholesterol and lipid levels. Shiitake exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties and is regarded as one of the safest and most well-researched medicinal mushrooms.

Safety and Precautions

High-dose use is not recommended during immunosuppressive therapy or when taking anticoagulant medications. Excessive consumption, particularly of fresh shiitake, may rarely cause a transient skin rash (“shiitake dermatitis”).

There is insufficient research regarding safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding at therapeutic doses, although normal dietary consumption is considered safe. For further questions, please contact us and provide details of your inquiry.

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