Shiitake Research
40 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 8.5/10
Fungal beta-glucans as adjuvants for treating cancer patients - A systematic review of clinical trials
Steimbach L et al. • Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) (2021)
It was observed that the administration of β-glucan is safe and well-tolerated.
- It was observed that the administration of β-glucan is safe and well-tolerated.
- Most of the trials pointed that concomitant administration of β-glucan with chemo or radiotherapy reduced the immune depression caused by such treatments and/or accelerated the recovery of white blood cells counts.
- However, some articles also commented that no statistical difference was encountered between β-glucan treated vs. control groups, which gives a controversial conclusion about the β-glucan effects.
Critical Review on the Anti-Tumor Activity of Bioactive Compounds from Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms over the Last Five Years
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.
- 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
Holistic Evaluation of Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes): Unraveling Its Medicinal and Therapeutic Potentials
Baral B • Chemistry & biodiversity (2025)
SMs demonstrate translational potential for pharmaceutical and functional food applications; further studies are needed to elucidate their mechanisms and develop standardized, evidence-based formulations.© 2025 Wiley‐VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Advances in processing technologies have mitigated the toxicity risks associated with prolonged use, thereby enhancing the safety profiles for therapeutic applications.
- Emerging evidence also supports its role in dermatological health.
- Furthermore, rigorous analytical characterization of its bioactive profile is critical for standardization and quality control.
Mushrooms in modern cosmetics: unlocking anti-aging, antioxidant, and therapeutic potential
Rukhsar S et al. • Archives of dermatological research (2025)
The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
- As demand for natural, sustainable, and effective skincare alternatives rises, the incorporation of mushrooms into cosmetic formulations offers a promising solution.
- This review highlights the growing application of mushrooms in the development of innovative cosmeceuticals and emphasizes the need for further research to explore their full potential.
- Advancements in extraction techniques and the identification of new bioactive compounds are expected to enhance the efficacy of mushroom-based skincare products, making them an integral part of the global cosmetics market in the future.© 2025.
Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production-A Review
Łysakowska P et al. • Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2023)
This review focuses on the properties of selected medicinal mushrooms and their effects on the human organism and presents current knowledge on the possibilities of their use in the production of functional foods.
- Detailed mechanisms of the effects of medicinal mushrooms on the human organism still require long-term clinical studies to confirm their nutraceutical effects, their safety of use, and their dosage.
- Medicinal mushrooms have great potential to be used in the design of innovative functional foods.
- There is a need for further research on the possibility of incorporating mushrooms into food products to assess the interactions of their bioactive substances with ingredients in the food matrix.
Fungi as a source of bioactive molecules for the development of longevity medicines
Shevchuk Y et al. • Ageing research reviews (2023)
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- Maitake or hen-of-the-woods), the genus Pleurotus (e.g. oyster mushrooms), and Agaricus subrufescens (i.e. the almond mushroom).
- We propose that further research on fungal extracts will provide a greater picture of the role fungi-derived bioactive molecules can have in developing longevity and neuroprotective medicines for humans.Copyright © 2023 The Authors.
- Published by Elsevier B.V.
Anti-Cancer Potential of Edible/Medicinal Mushrooms in Breast Cancer
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.
- 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.
Vitamin B12 sources in non-animal foods: a systematic review
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.
- 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.
Lentinan progress in inflammatory diseases and tumor diseases
Zhou G et al. • European journal of medical research (2024)
This systematic-review examined the effects of Shiitake.
- Moreover, clinical experiments have confirmed that LNT combined with chemotherapy drugs has a significant effect in improving the prognosis of patients, enhancing their immune function and reducing the side effects of chemotherapy in lung cancer, colorectal cancer and gastric cancer.
- However, the relevant mechanism of action of the LNT signaling pathway in inflammatory diseases and cancer.
- Therefore, this article reviews the mechanism and clinical research of LNT in inflammatory diseases and tumor diseases in recent years.© 2023.
Immunomodulatory Properties of Polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes
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.
- 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.
Impact of post-harvest processing or thermal dehydration on physiochemical, nutritional and sensory quality of shiitake mushrooms
Subramaniam S et al. • Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety (2021)
The review also outlines the challenges and proposes the subsequent future directives, which either retains/enhances the desirable quality in shiitake mushrooms.© 2021 Institute of Food Technologists®.
- It also reviews the impact of thermal dehydration on the quality of dried shiitake mushrooms, especially the acquired unique textural, nutritional, and aromatic properties along with their merits and limitations.
- Since shiitake are preferred to be low-cost consumer products, the applicability of freeze-drying and sophisticated novel methodologies, which prove to be expensive and/or complex, are discussed.
- The review also outlines the challenges and proposes the subsequent future directives, which either retains/enhances the desirable quality in shiitake mushrooms.© 2021 Institute of Food Technologists®.
Effects of fungal beta-glucans on health - a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Vlassopoulou M et al. • Food & function (2021)
Supplementation with beta-(1 → 3,1 → 6)-d-glucans is well-tolerated, and health-promoting properties are manifested primarily through the potentiation of the immune system.
- Supplementation with beta-(1 → 3,1 → 6)-d-glucans is well-tolerated, and health-promoting properties are manifested primarily through the potentiation of the immune system.
- More studies are required to confirm their additional beneficial effects, to establish the optimal dose, and to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Immunology of tissue homeostasis, ovarian cancer growth and regression, and long lasting cancer immune prophylaxis - review of literature
Bukovsky A • Histology and histopathology (2021)
These observations indicate that regression of advanced inoperable cancers and long-lasting cancer immune prophylaxis can be reached by simple approaches.
- An otherwise untreated rectal cancer, progressing over 3 years, regressed after severe toxic dermatitis lasting over one week.
- This was caused by an accidental consumption of a large raw shiitake mushroom.
- These observations indicate that regression of advanced inoperable cancers and long-lasting cancer immune prophylaxis can be reached by simple approaches.
The Health-Promoting Properties and Clinical Applications of Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Modified with Shiitake Mushroom Enzyme-A Narrative Review
Ooi SL et al. • Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2021)
Nevertheless, further research in both basic studies and human clinical trials are required to investigate the clinical applications, mechanisms, and effects of RBAC.
- Additionally, RBAC has been shown to ameliorate irritable bowel syndrome and protect against liver injury caused by hepatitis or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
- It can potentially ease symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome and prevent the common cold.
- RBAC is safe to consume and has no known side effects at the typical dosage of 2-3 g/day.
Clinical features of shiitake dermatitis: a systematic review
Nguyen AH et al. • International journal of dermatology (2017)
However, the treatment of symptoms, reassurance, and the avoidance of re-exposure are sufficient treatment recommendations for this condition.© 2017 The International Society of Dermatology.
- The majority of cases occurred after the consumption of raw mushrooms, whereas 22% of cases were caused by the eating of lightly or undercooked mushrooms.
- The most common clinical presentations, localized symptoms, and systemic findings include linear flagellated dermatitis (98%), pruritus (78%), and fever, diarrhea, and mucosal ulcers, respectively.
- The diagnosis of this entity continues to be based on clinical findings as laboratory abnormalities, and the findings of skin biopsies and patch/prick tests are nonspecific and inconsistent.
Are mushrooms medicinal?
Money NP • Fungal biology (2016)
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- In a more positive vein, the presence of potent toxins and neurotropic compounds in basidiomycete fruit bodies suggests that secondary metabolites with useful pharmacological properties are widespread in these fungi.
- Major investment in controlled experiments and objective clinical trials is necessary to develop this natural pharmacopeia.Copyright © 2016 The Author.
- Published by Elsevier Ltd..
A Review of Mushrooms as a Potential Source of Dietary Vitamin D
Cardwell G et al. • Nutrients (2018)
This review examines the current information on the role of UV radiation in enhancing the concentration of vitamin D₂ in mushrooms, the effects of storage and cooking on vitamin D₂ content, and the bioavailability of vitamin D₂ from mushrooms.
- The most common form of vitamin D in mushrooms is D₂, with lesser amounts of vitamins D₃ and D₄, while vitamin D₃ is the most common form in animal foods.
- Worldwide mushroom consumption has increased markedly in the past four decades, and mushrooms have the potential to be the only non-animal, unfortified food source of vitamin D that can provide a substantial amount of vitamin D₂ in a single serve.
- This review examines the current information on the role of UV radiation in enhancing the concentration of vitamin D₂ in mushrooms, the effects of storage and cooking on vitamin D₂ content, and the bioavailability of vitamin D₂ from mushrooms.
Mushroom poisoning: A proposed new clinical classification
White J et al. • Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology (2019)
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- Group 6 - Miscellaneous adverse reactions to mushrooms.
- Syndromes which do not fit within the previous 5 groups: 6A, Shiitake mushroom dermatitis; 6B, erythromelagic mushrooms (Clitocybe acromelagia); 6C, Paxillus syndrome (Paxillus involutus); 6D, encephalopathy syndrome (Pleurocybella porrigens).Crown Copyright © 2018.
- Published by Elsevier Ltd.
The Effects of AHCC®, a Standardized Extract of Cultured Lentinura edodes Mycelia, on Natural Killer and T Cells in Health and Disease: Reviews on Human and Animal Studies
Shin MS et al. • Journal of immunology research (2019)
Here, we review in vivo and in vitro effects of AHCC® on NK and T cells of humans and animals in health and disease, providing a platform for the better understanding of immune-mediated mechanisms and clinical implications of AHCC®.Copyright © 2019 Min Sun Shin et al.
- Mushrooms have been used for various health conditions for many years by traditional medicines practiced in different regions of the world although the exact effects of mushroom extracts on the immune system are not fully understood.
- AHCC® is a standardized extract of cultured shiitake or Lentinula edodes mycelia (ECLM) which contains a mixture of nutrients including oligosaccharides, amino acids, and minerals obtained through liquid culture.
- Here, we review in vivo and in vitro effects of AHCC® on NK and T cells of humans and animals in health and disease, providing a platform for the better understanding of immune-mediated mechanisms and clinical implications of AHCC®.Copyright © 2019 Min Sun Shin et al.
Shiitake Mushroom Dermatitis: A Review
Stephany MP et al. • American journal of clinical dermatology (2016)
Shiitake mushroom dermatitis may result from mushroom ingestion or from handling, which can result in an allergic contact dermatitis.
- Symptoms include linear erythematous eruptions with papules, papulovesicles or plaques, and severe pruritus.
- It is likely caused by lentinan, a heat-inactivated beta-glucan polysaccharide.
- Cases were initially reported in Japan but have now been documented in other Asian countries, North America, South America, and Europe, as this mushroom is now cultivated and consumed worldwide.