Shiitake mushroom
Scientific names: Lentinula edodes
Other common names: shiitake mushroom, oakwood mushroom
TRADITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF SHIITAKE MUSHROOM
Immune Support, Energy support, Stress Support, Brain & Cognitive support, Heart & Vascular support, Men, Women
WHAT IS Shiitake mushroom USED FOR?
Lentinula edodes (Berk) Pegler, commonly known as Shiitake mushroom has been used as medicinal food in Asian countries, especially in China and Japan and is believed to possess strong immunomodulatory property. (1)
Similar to other edible and nutritious mushrooms, L. edodes is rich in protein, carbohydrates and fiber, and a good source of several vitamins including B1, B2, B12, C, D, and E. It also contains Fe, Mn, Ca, K, Zn, and Cd. The demand for shiitake has grown over the years due to the increasing interest of people for food with nutraceutical benefits. Several reports showed the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of L. edodes extracts. Lenthionine, a compound isolated from shiitake, exhibited inhibitory effects against E. coli, S. aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. (2)
View Important Precautions
Chemistry:
The principle chemical constituents consist of:
Polysaccharides – Heteroglycans, polyuronide, β-glucan, lentinan
Parts Used
fruiting body, mycelium
Additional Resources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19517993
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/lentinula-edodes
Important Precautions
Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
Disclaimer
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.
