Medicinal Mushrooms
Shiitake Extract
Also known as: Lentinula edodes · Lentinus edodes · Black forest mushroom
A culinary and medicinal mushroom with lentinan (beta-glucan) for immune support and eritadenine for cholesterol reduction. Both food and extract forms are effective.
Effective Dose
3–10g dried mushroom or 1–2g extract / day
per clinical evidence
Evidence Level
Moderate
Medicinal Mushrooms
Mechanism
Lentinan beta-glucan immune modulation, eritadenine cholesterol reduction
primary action
Best For
Immune health
Cardiovascular, Antiviral, Gut health
This profile is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.
What Is Shiitake Extract?
Shiitake is among the most consumed mushrooms globally and has significant medicinal value beyond its culinary use. Lentinan — its primary polysaccharide — is used as an IV cancer adjunct in Japan. Eritadenine uniquely lowers LDL cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme in phospholipid metabolism.
How It Works: The Science
Lentinan activates macrophages and NK cells via dectin-1 and complement receptor 3 (CR3). Eritadenine inhibits S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase, reducing homocysteine and altering cholesterol metabolism to lower total and LDL cholesterol. Shiitake polysaccharides also exhibit antiviral activity against influenza and herpes viruses.
Primary Mechanism
Lentinan beta-glucan immune modulation, eritadenine cholesterol reduction
Evidence-Based Benefits
Dosage Guide
Effective Dose
3–10g dried mushroom or 1–2g extract / day
3–10g dried mushroom or 1–2g standardised extract. Cooking activates and improves bioavailability. Supplements provide standardised, concentrated doses.
Safety Profile & Side Effects
Very safe as a food. Raw shiitake mushrooms can cause 'flagellate dermatitis' (skin whipping rash) due to lentinan — avoided by cooking. Safe in supplement form.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take It
Broad appeal — anyone wanting immune support from a well-tolerated food-grade source. Particularly useful for cardiovascular health when combined with other cholesterol-lowering strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Ingredients
Medical Disclaimer
Ingredient profiles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications. Full disclaimer →