SHIITAKE
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What Is SHIITAKE?
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is an edible and medicinal mushroom rich in bioactive compounds including beta-glucans, polysaccharides, eritadenine, and antioxidants. It works through multiple mechanisms including immune modulation, cholesterol metabolism regulation, and antioxidant activity. Primarily used as a functional food and dietary supplement for immune support, cholesterol management, and overall health promotion.
SHIITAKE Research & Studies
01 Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults ▸
Daily consumption of shiitake mushrooms in healthy young adults resulted in improved immune function and reduced inflammatory markers, demonstrating immunomodulatory benefits in humans.
View Study (PubMed)02 Therapeutic values and nutraceutical properties of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes): A review ▸
Comprehensive review documenting shiitake's antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties, highlighting its potential for disease prevention and treatment through multiple bioactive compounds.
View Study (PubMed)03 Anti-Cancer Potential of Edible/Medicinal Mushrooms in Breast Cancer ▸
Research demonstrates that shiitake mushrooms exhibit in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects against various tumors including breast cancer through multiple bioactive compounds and mechanisms.
View Study (PubMed)04 Effects of Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Agaricomycetes), Bars on Lipid and Antioxidant Profiles in Individuals with Borderline High Cholesterol ▸
Double-blind randomized trial showed shiitake supplementation improved cholesterol profiles and antioxidant status in individuals with borderline high cholesterol.
View Study (PubMed)05 Shiitake mushroom powder supplementation increase antioxidative activity in dogs ▸
Four weeks of shiitake supplementation at 800 mg/kg body weight significantly increased superoxide dismutase activity, decreased cholesterol, and enhanced sirtuin1 expression, demonstrating antioxidant benefits.
View Study (PubMed)06 Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Agaricomycetes), Supplementation Alters Gut Microbiome and Corrects Dyslipidemia in Rats ▸
Shiitake supplementation modulated gut microbiome composition and corrected dyslipidemia in hypercholesterolemic rats, suggesting benefits through gut microbiota-mediated mechanisms.
View Study (PubMed)07 Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) ▸
Analysis of shiitake's chemical composition confirmed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties attributed to its bioactive compounds including polysaccharides and phenolics.
View Study (PubMed)08 Review of Bioactive Molecules Production, Biomass, and Basidiomata of Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms, Lentinus edodes (Agaricomycetes) ▸
Comprehensive review of shiitake's bioactive compounds including lentinan, polysaccharides, and secondary metabolites, demonstrating antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activities.
View Study (PubMed)SHIITAKE User Reviews & Experiences
*Based on large scale analysis of publicly available user experiences
Users generally view shiitake mushrooms positively as part of comprehensive supplement stacks for immune support and longevity, though mostly mentioned alongside other medicinal mushrooms rather than as a standalone supplement. Quality and sourcing concerns are occasionally noted.
SHIITAKE Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects
- Immune Enhancement: Users incorporate shiitake into multi-mushroom blends for immune system support and disease prevention
- Cholesterol Management: Research demonstrates consistent improvements in lipid profiles and cholesterol reduction
- Antioxidant Activity: Both human and animal studies show increased antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced oxidative stress
- Anti-inflammatory Benefits: Demonstrated reduction in inflammatory markers and support for overall metabolic health
- Multi-Mushroom Formulas: Users typically combine shiitake with other medicinal mushrooms (Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps) rather than using it alone
- Quality Variability: Beta-glucan content varies significantly between products; some mycelium-on-grain products contain high starch (72.5% alpha-glucan) with minimal active compounds
- Dosage Consistency: Research studies used 30-60g fresh mushroom or 800mg/kg body weight powder daily with measurable benefits within 4 weeks to 4 months
- Preventive Focus: Most evidence supports long-term preventive benefits for cardiovascular health, immune function, and longevity rather than acute therapeutic effects
- Standard Supplementation: 30-60 grams of fresh mushroom or powder daily appears most common in research studies
- Extract Dosing: When using concentrated extracts in multi-mushroom blends, users typically take standardized capsules once or twice daily
- Duration: Benefits observed with consistent use over 4 weeks to several months; users often include in long-term health protocols
- Cycling: Some users cycle mushroom supplements 5 days on/2 days off, though research doesn't clearly support need for cycling
- Generally Well-Tolerated: Research and user reports indicate minimal side effects at recommended doses
- Arsenic Concerns: Some studies detected inorganic arsenic in commercial shiitake products, raising quality control concerns
- Digestive Effects: Rare reports of mild digestive changes when starting supplementation
- Drug Interactions: Potential interactions with cholesterol medications due to lipid-lowering effects warrant monitoring
- Brand Quality Varies: Users recommend Host Defense, Genius Mushrooms, and other established brands; emphasis on third-party testing for beta-glucan content
- Mycelium vs Fruiting Body: Significant quality differences exist; some products contain mainly starch from grain substrate rather than active mushroom compounds
- Widely Available: Accessible through health food stores, online retailers, and as whole mushrooms in grocery stores for dietary incorporation
Related Compounds
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