Shiitake

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Shiitake mushrooms are known more for their culinary attributes than their health benefits in the West; however, this is rapidly changing as studies into the many health benefits of this functional mushroom have been published in recent years.

Common Name: Shiitake

Pinyin Name: xiang gu

Botanical Name: Lentinula edodes

Part Used: whole fungi, mycelium, and fruiting body

Properties: sweet, neutral

Channels Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Liver

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Chinese Medicine Patterns of Imbalance

Weakness, fatigue, indigestion, edema, anemia, itchy skin, chronic hepatitis, high blood pressure, high cholesterols, toxins, night sweats

Primary Actions: 

  • Tonifies Qi
  • Regulates Qi
  • Nourishes Blood
  • Expels Wind
  • Dries Damp
  • Tonifies Wei Qi

Constituents: 

Lentinan

The polysaccharide lentinan is the most studied substance in Shiitake mushrooms. This glucan molecule can initiate a cascading immune response, activating macrophages and other immune cells capable of providing adaptive immune responses.

Eritadenine

Another well-studied constituent of L. edodes is eritadenine shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Instead of the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, as statins do, it modulates the expression of genes for enzymes of lipid metabolism and promotes the uptake of LDL into liver cells.

Ergothioneine

Ergothioneine is an adaptive antioxidant that may help protect against tissue damage linked to several chronic diseases and promote healthy aging.

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Western Medicine View Benefits 

Promotes Heart Health

The beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber found in shiitake mushrooms, helps reduce cholesterol levels. Additionally, the potassium content in shiitake mushrooms is beneficial for lowering blood pressure.

Lower Cholesterol

Compounds found in shiitake mushrooms can help reduce cholesterol production in the liver and prevent plaque buildup in the walls of arteries and blood vessels. The antioxidant properties of these mushrooms are also associated with lower overall cholesterol levels and increased metabolism. Additionally, the sulfur-containing compounds in shiitake mushrooms can help prevent blood clotting or aggregation.

Hair and Skin Care

Copper is one of the most essential components of collagen, which is necessary for the formation of tissues, muscles, bones, blood vessels, and skin in the body. Shiitake mushrooms rank as the fourth most concentrated source of copper in our diet. Additionally, shiitake mushrooms contain antioxidant compounds that protect against free radicals and oxidative stress throughout the body. These antioxidants help shield the skin from signs of aging, such as wrinkles, while also reducing the appearance of scars and blemishes, promoting a healthy glow. Moreover, shiitake mushrooms are rich in selenium, which has been recognized as a natural treatment for acne, as deficiencies in this mineral are often linked to acne symptoms. Regular consumption of shiitake extract combats dry skin as well.

Pain Reduction

Consuming shiitake mushrooms has been shown to reduce inflammation in arthritis, gout, migraines, inflammatory bowel conditions, and other inflammatory issues.

Improved Circulation

Copper in shiitake mushrooms helps increase the iron needed for red blood cell production, which enhances energy levels and improves resource delivery to the body.

Immune System 

Shiitake are rich in polysaccharides, particularly lentinan, that boost white blood cell production for fighting off microbes. Polysaccharides also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Gum Disease

Studies have shown that shiitake mushroom extract can reduce these harmful bacteria while preserving healthy bacteria.

Growing & Harvesting: A hardwood-loving fungi, the mushroom can be grown on logs placed in a shady spot. 

Culinary Uses: Shiitake are used extensively in Asian cuisine.

Contra-indications: None

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References:

Roszczyk A., Turlo J., Zagożdżon, Kaleta B. Immunomodulatory properties of polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022;23:8980. doi: 10.3390/ijms23168980. [DOI] 

Ochiai T., Isono K., Suzuki T., Koide Y., Gunji Y., Nagata M., Ogawa N. Effect of immunotherapy with lentinan on patient’s survival and immunological parameters in patients with advanced gastric cancer: Results of a multi-centre randomized controlled study. Int. J. Immunother. 1992;VIII:161–169. 

Vannucci L., Šima P., Vetvicka V., Křižan J. Lentinan properties in anticancer therapy: A review on the last 12-year literature. Am. J. Immunol. 2017;13:50–61. doi: 10.3844/ajisp.2017.50.61. 

Yin X., Ying J., Li L., Zhang H., Wang H. A meta-analysis of lentinan injection combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer. Ind. J. Cancer. 2015;52:e29–e31. doi: 10.4103/0019-509X.168953.Baruah P., Patra A., Barge S., Khan M.R., Mukherjee A.K. Therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds from edible mushrooms to attenuate SARS-CoV-2 infection and some complications of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) J. Fungi. 2023;9:897. doi: 10.3390/jof9090897.

Murphy E.J., Masterson C., Rezoagli E., O’Toole D., Major I., Stack G.D., Lynch M., Laffey J.G., Rowan N.J. ß-Glucans from the same edible shiitake mushroom Lentinus produce differential in-vitro immunomodulatory and pulmonary cytoprotective effects–implications for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) immunotherapies. Sci. Total Environ. 2020;732:139330. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139330.

Chibata L., Okumura K., Takeyama S., Kotera K. Lentinacin: A new hypocholesterolemic substance in Lentinus edodes. Experientia. 1969;25:1237–1238. doi: 10.1007/BF01897467.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.