The Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is an edible mushroom native to East Asia, which is now cultivated and consumed around the globe. It is considered a medicinal mushroomin some forms of traditional medicine. (wiki) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiitake
Shiitake Mushrooms:
Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are highly valued not only for their culinary appeal but also for their potential health benefits. Here’s a paragraph outlining their advantages:
Shiitake mushrooms are renowned for their rich nutrient profile and numerous health benefits. They are particularly prized for their immune-boosting properties due to compounds like beta-glucans, which stimulate the immune system by enhancing the activity of immune cells. Shiitake mushrooms also contain polysaccharides that exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, these mushrooms have been studied for their potential cholesterol-lowering effects and ability to support cardiovascular health. With their savory flavor and versatile culinary uses, Shiitake mushrooms are a delicious way to incorporate immune support and overall wellness into your diet.
Shiitake mushrooms are celebrated for their immune-boosting benefits, thanks to compounds like beta-glucans. They also offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting overall health and well-being.
- They are rich in vitamin D, choline, copper, zinc and potassium and have all eight essential amino acids found in meat. (15)(7)(25) Part of what gives Shiitake it’s medicinal benefits is the polysaccharide lentinan, eritadenine, centinamycins A and B, lignins, triterpenes and beta glucans, alpha-1,4-glucan oligosaccharides, (13)(5)
- Immune Booster – They possess anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties helping to boost the immune system. (13)(24) Centinamycins have been shown to boast antibacterial benefits and eritadenine possesses antiviral properties. Lentinan in shiitakes help protect against viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. In addition, the lignins from the mushroom’s mycelium aslo show antiviral and immuno-modulating effects. (13)
- Anti Cancer properties – Research suggests that shiitake mushrooms have anti-tumor properties that help prevent breast cancer. [7] The active compounds in shiitake mushrooms been shown to inhibit tumor growth in multiple types of cancer but they may also induce apoptosis in cancerous cells without damaging the healthy cells due to the presence of a polysaccharide called lentinan. [8]
- Improve Heart Health – One study (2011), found that some of the compounds inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver helping to prevent plaque from building up in the arteries and blood vessels. Shiitake mushrooms have an antioxidant that been linked to lower overall cholesterol levels.They contain sulfuric compounds that help prevent blood clotting, and boosts cardiovascular health helping to prevent cardiac events. [11] [12]
- A good source of key vitamins and minerals including: Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Copper, Magnesium, Iron, Selenium, Niacin, Thiamin, Phosphorus, Riboflavin, Manganese and Folate
- Reduce Stress – Rich in antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin A, phenolic compounds, diterpenoids & gallic acid they help to reduce oxidative stress throughout the body. They help seek out and neutralize free radicals to help avoid chronic disease.
A list of published studies for Shiitake Mushrooms:
The Unexplored Anticaries Potential of Shiitake Mushroom
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28082791/
Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25866155/
Shiitake mushrooms: health benefits
https://www.accessscience.com/content/shiitake-mushrooms-health-benefits/BR0910141
β-Glucan from Lentinula edodes prevents cognitive impairments in high-fat diet-induced obese mice: involvement of colon-brain axis
https://translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12967-021-02724-6
Lentinula edodes mycelia extract plus adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer patients: Results of a randomized study on host quality of life and immune function improvement
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5547768/
Beta-Glucans from Fungi: Biological and Health-Promoting Potential in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8623785/
Preliminary study on Se-enriched Lentinula edodes mycelium as a proposal of new feed additive in selenium deficiency
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32437465/
Glycans and Glycosaminoglycans as Clinical Biomarkers and Therapeutics – Part B
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/lentinula-edodes
Recombinant latcripin 11 of Lentinula edodes C91-3 suppresses the proliferation of various cancer cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29111208/
Efficacy and safety of orally administered Lentinula edodes mycelia extract for patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy: a pilot study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21598414/
Transcriptome analysis of the edible mushroom Lentinula edodes in response to blue light
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7100940/
Effects of Lentinula Edodes Bars on Dyslipidemia and Oxidative Stress in Cholesterol Individuals: Randomized Study
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04186780
Lentinula edodes Mycelium as Effective Agent for Piroxicam Mycoremediation
Identification and evaluation of reference genes for qRT-PCR studies in Lentinula edodes
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0190226
Lentinula edodes Mycelium as Effective Agent for Piroxicam Mycoremediation
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.00313/full