Shiitake

Christopher Hobbs:

“Shiitake is a delicious medicinal mushroom which has thousands of years of medicinal and folk use as a strengthening and restoring food. It is indicated in diseases of suppressed immune function such as environmental allergies, candidiasis, AIDS, and cancer and has been reported to have antiviral and anticarcinogenic properties. Shiitake is also said to lower cholesterol, when used consistently for a period of time–not a difficult task.
A special extract of the mycelium (the actual vegetative body of the fungus) called Lentinus Edodes Mycelium (LEM) is a concentrated way of using shiitake for highest therapeutic activity. It is recommended for hepatitis, chronic fatigue, AIDS, and cancer, as a dietary supplement to a complete healing program. It is costly to purchase bottles of the extract in capsules in the health food store, but it can be purchased in bulk powder form through a mushroom products supplier.

Shiitake has a taste of SWEET and a temperature of NEUTRAL.”

Historical Uses:
Shiitake has been used in East Asian traditional medicine and cuisine for centuries, particularly in Japan, China, and Korea. Historically, it was valued for enhancing vitality, supporting immune health, and treating respiratory conditions. It was also used to address fatigue and promote longevity.

Modern Clinical Uses
Herbalists and naturopaths commonly use shiitake to support immune function, liver health, cardiovascular health, and as an adjunct in managing infections. It is particularly noted for its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Shiitake extracts like lentinan are also used in integrative cancer therapy.

Chemistry
Shiitake contains several bioactive compounds, including:

• Polysaccharides (e.g., lentinan): Immune-modulating properties.
• Ergosterol: Precursor to vitamin D.
• Lentinacin and eritadenine: Cholesterol-lowering agents.
• Sterols and phenols: Contribute to antioxidant effects.

Pharmacology

• Immunomodulation: Lentinan stimulates the activity of immune cells like macrophages and T-cells.
• Antimicrobial Effects: Compounds in shiitake inhibit growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
• Cardiovascular Benefits: Eritadenine has shown promise in reducing cholesterol levels and improving lipid profiles.
• Anticancer Properties: Lentinan is used as an adjuvant in chemotherapy, enhancing the body’s immune response to tumors.

Clinical Trials

• Immune Function: Studies have shown that lentinan enhances immune responses in cancer patients and may improve survival when used alongside conventional treatments.
• Cholesterol Reduction: Clinical trials suggest eritadenine lowers LDL cholesterol and supports overall cardiovascular health.
• Cancer Therapy: Lentinan has been tested in combination with chemotherapy, showing improved outcomes in gastric and colorectal cancer patients.
• Antiviral Activity: Preliminary research indicates shiitake extracts may inhibit viral replication, though more studies are needed.

Summary
Shiitake is a well-studied medicinal mushroom with a rich history in traditional medicine and a growing body of clinical evidence supporting its immune-modulating, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective effects. While generally safe, care should be taken with raw mushrooms and high doses. Clinical trials have validated its role in cancer therapy and cholesterol management, but further research could expand its therapeutic applications.