Shiitake

Functions of Shiitake

• Immunomodulator
• Revitalizing
• Aphrodisiac
• Antiviral
• Hepatoprotective
• Hormonal regulator
• Cholesterol reducer
• Alkalizing
• Antitumoral
• Improves circulation
• Hypotensive
• Antithrombotic
• Gout

Active principles of Shiitake

• Lentinan: beta-glucan that stimulates and activates the wide variety of white blood cells that fight and protect us from infections.
• This active principle is particularly potent and confronts the effects of HIV and hepatic imbalances, proving effective in detoxification treatments.
• Adenosine: bioactive component that helps reduce levels of cholesterol suppressing the accumulation of fats in the liver and helping to eliminate it through the blood.
• Ergosterol: precursor of vitamin D.
• Proteins: 32% of its dry weight. Great source of non-animal protein.

Origin and morphological characteristics of Shiitake

The scientific name it receives is Lentinula edodes, it is mainly known as shiitake and sometimes also as oak mushroom for its preference to grow on oak wood.

History of the use of Shiitake

Although its cultivation is documented from the 10th century (during the Song dynasty, China), themedicinal use from the original shiitake to the year 200 AD, when it was considered an elixir of emperors and a courtly and aphrodisiac dish.

Contraindications

We recommend not taking the extract when anticoagulants, antidepressants, or antipsychotics are being taken. Treatment should be interrupted prior to surgeries. Consult a doctor in case of doubt or if undergoing any type of medical treatment.

Not suitable for people with liver dysfunction. Not suitable for ex-alcoholics. Not suitable for children or pregnant women.

Scientific studies

1. Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults.
2. The Effects of AHCC®, a Standardized Extract of Cultured Lentinula edodes Mycelia, on Natural Killer and T Cells in Health and Disease.
3. Synergistic immuno-modulatory activity in human macrophages of a medicinal mushroom formulation consisting of Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake.
4. A Polysaccharide isolated from the liquid culture of Lentinus edodes (Shiitake) protects mice against salmonellosis through upregulation of the Th1 immune reaction.
5. Wiggins J, Karim SU, Liu B, et al. Identification of a Novel Antiviral Lectin against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant from Shiitake-Mushroom-Derived Vesicle-like Nanoparticles.
6. AHCC inhibited hepatic stellate cells activation by regulation of cytoglobin induction via TLR2-SAPK/JNK pathway and collagen production via TLR4-NF-κβ pathway.
7. Fukushima M, Ohashi T, Fujiwara Y, Sonoyama K, Nakano M. Cholesterol-lowering effects of Maitake, Shiitake, and Enokitake fiber in rats.
8. Martin KR, Brophy SK. Commonly consumed and specialty dietary mushrooms reduce cellular proliferation in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.
9. Xiong X, Liu P, Liu L, et al. Anti-hyperuricemia effects of a polysaccharide-protein complex from Lentinula edodes mediated by gut-kidney axis.
10. Morales D, Piris AJ, Ruiz-Rodriguez A, Prodanov M, Soler-Rivas C. Extraction of bioactive compounds against cardiovascular diseases from Lentinula edodes using a sequential extraction method.