Shiitake
Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)
A culinary and medicinal mushroom that supports immune function, cardiovascular health, and healthy cholesterol levels.
Shiitake is one of the most popular culinary mushrooms worldwide and has been used medicinally in East Asia for thousands of years. It contains lentinan, a powerful beta-glucan studied for immune enhancement, as well as eritadenine, which may help lower cholesterol. Research supports benefits for immune function and cardiovascular health.
Mechanisms of Action
Lentinan Beta-Glucans
Activates immune cells
Eritadenine
Supports healthy cholesterol
Vitamin D Precursor
Contains ergosterol, which converts to vitamin D2
Recommended Dose
5-15g dried mushroom or 1-3g extract daily
Loading: Not required
Optimal Timing
- With meals
- Divided doses if using higher amounts
Take with food
Best Form
Shiitake extract (standardized to polysaccharides)
Alternatives: Dried shiitake (food), Shiitake powder, Capsules
Culinary use provides moderate benefits. Concentrated extracts offer higher polysaccharide content.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Can be consumed as food (dried or fresh) or as extract supplements.
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Immune Boost
Improved immune cell activity
Cholesterol Support
May help lower LDL cholesterol
Reduced Inflammation
Lower inflammatory markers
Consult doctor due to immune-stimulating effects
Who Should NOT Take This
- Mushroom allergy
Drug Interactions
May counteract immunosuppressive effects
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Cook thoroughly; occurs mainly with raw/undercooked shiitake
Tip: Reduce dose; take with food
Warnings
- Always cook shiitake mushrooms before eating
- Raw shiitake can cause shiitake dermatitis (skin rash)
Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers
Górska-Jakubowska S et al. • Nutrients (2025)
“In this review, we aim to analyze the anti-cancer effects of edible/medicinal mushrooms, including Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, Laetiporus sulphureus, Boletus edulis, and Phellinus igniarius, as well as their potential anti-cancer mechanisms, providing strong theoretical support for the further development of edible/medicinal mushroom anti-cancer products.”
Key Findings:
- In recent years, the incidence rate of cancer has been on the rise all over the world, and the age of cancer patients has shown a younger trend, which seriously endangers patients' health.
- Although the anti-cancer potential of edible and medicinal mushrooms has been widely studied in the past, this review focuses on the most recent literature from the last five years, providing an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of the current findings.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Marques de Brito B et al. • Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2023)
“Future research should consider different methods of storage, preparation, fermented foods and standardization of the production of certain foods.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2053057.”
Key Findings:
- In the last decade, more sensitive method for real B12 determination was used, the liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry chromatograms.
- It is possible that daily recommendations for B12 can be met by a varied diet containing non-animal B12 food sources.
- Future research should consider different methods of storage, preparation, fermented foods and standardization of the production of certain foods.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2053057.
Gariboldi MB et al. • International journal of molecular sciences (2023)
“We also report insights into the relationship between dietary consumption of edible mushrooms and breast cancer risk, and the results of clinical studies and meta-analyses focusing on the effects of fungal extracts on breast cancer patients.”
Key Findings:
- In this article, we reviewed mushrooms showing antineoplastic activity again breast cancer cells, especially focusing on the possible bioactive compounds involved and their mechanisms of action.
- In particular, the following mushrooms have been considered: Agaricus bisporus, Antrodia cinnamomea, Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris, Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus.
- We also report insights into the relationship between dietary consumption of edible mushrooms and breast cancer risk, and the results of clinical studies and meta-analyses focusing on the effects of fungal extracts on breast cancer patients.
Roszczyk A et al. • International journal of molecular sciences (2022)
“In this review, we discuss the immunomodulatory properties of various polysaccharides from L. edodes in animal models and in humans.”
Key Findings:
- Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler, also known as shiitake mushroom, is a popular edible macrofungus and a source of numerous bioactive substances with multiple beneficial health effects.
- L. edodes-derived polysaccharides are the most valuable compounds, with anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties.
- It has been demonstrated that their biological activity depends on the extraction method, which affects monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, branching degrees, and helical conformation.
- In this review, we discuss the immunomodulatory properties of various polysaccharides from L. edodes in animal models and in humans.
Laue C et al. • Nutrients (2021)
“The findings of this pilot study warrant further research to study AX as an oral adjuvant to support vaccine efficacy.”
Key Findings:
- Specifically, a trend towards a higher mean log2 fold increase was observed in the AX group (uncorrected p = 0.074) combined with a trend for an increased seroprotection rate, AX group (48.7%) compared to CTRL (25.6%) (uncorrected p = 0.057), for the influenza A H1N1 strain.
- Subjects consuming AX also had a reduced incidence of common colds compared to CTRL (1 vs. 8; p = 0.029 in Fisher exact test).
- No adverse effects of NPS consumption were reported.
- The findings of this pilot study warrant further research to study AX as an oral adjuvant to support vaccine efficacy.
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.