Emma Wilson
Prized for their rich, earthy flavor, shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) are a type of edible fungus native to Japan, Korea, and China. They are the second most commonly eaten mushrooms in the world and have been cultivated in Asia for hundreds of years. In addition to their culinary uses, shiitake mushrooms are known for their potential health benefits, including immune-boosting properties, improved heart health, and reduced inflammation. The mushrooms contain high levels of natural copper and selenium, which support healthy blood vessels, bones, and immune function. Shiitake mushrooms are also believed to have anti-cancer properties due to their ability to induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. While the mushrooms themselves are generally safe to consume when cooked, the extract may cause side effects such as digestive problems, skin rashes, and increased sensitivity to sunlight if taken in large amounts or for extended periods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lentinula edodes |
| Common Name | Shiitake Mushroom |
| Origin | Native to Japan, Korea and China |
| Taste | Rich, earthy, meaty |
| Colour | Light to chocolate brown |
| Size | Large caps measuring 2 to 5 inches wide |
| Health Benefits | May improve heart health, gut health, immune function, and control blood sugar levels |
| May help fight cancer and inflammation | |
| High in copper and selenium | |
| Side Effects | May cause skin rashes, digestive problems, and increased sensitivity to sunlight |
| Safe Dosage | 4.5 to 6 grams daily for up to 6 months or 3 grams daily for up to 9 years |
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Health benefits
Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are a type of edible fungus native to Japan, Korea, and China. They have been consumed in East Asia for centuries and are now the second or third most commonly eaten mushrooms worldwide. They are known for their rich, savoury, and meaty flavour, as well as their diverse health benefits.
Shiitake mushrooms are low in calories and contain many vitamins, minerals, and bioactive plant compounds. Consuming them daily may improve human immunity, and they have been linked to improved heart health and lower cholesterol. The mushrooms also have antimicrobial properties and can help control blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation within the body.
Some studies suggest that the bioactive compounds in shiitake may protect against cancer and inflammation. However, many of these studies have been conducted on animals or in test tubes, and more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
In rare cases, people may experience side effects such as skin rashes from consuming raw shiitake or using shiitake extract over a long period. Cooking shiitake mushrooms may help to avoid this reaction, but it may also reduce the health benefits from lentinan, a compound that provides many of the mushroom's health advantages.
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Side effects
Shiitake mushrooms are generally considered safe for consumption, but certain side effects may occur in rare cases. One such effect is a skin rash, which can be caused by eating or handling raw shiitake mushrooms. This reaction may also be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms.
In addition, the use of powdered mushroom extract over a long period may cause other side effects, including stomach upset, blood abnormalities, and skin swelling. Shiitake extract may also cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, which can lead to allergic skin reactions and breathing problems in some individuals. It is advised that those with "auto-immune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (SLE), or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refrain from consuming shiitake mushrooms, as they may exacerbate symptoms by increasing immune system activity.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid consuming shiitake mushrooms in medicinal amounts due to insufficient research on its safety during these periods. Additionally, those with the blood disorder eosinophilia should refrain from consuming shiitake mushrooms as it may worsen their condition.
Shiitake mushrooms may also interfere with certain medications, particularly those that suppress the immune system. By increasing immune system activity, shiitake mushrooms may decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant medications. Furthermore, the liver's metabolism of certain medications may be altered by the mushrooms, potentially affecting their side effects. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming shiitake mushrooms, especially when taking any medications.
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Cancer prevention
Shiitake mushrooms are valued in East Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. They are also used as an anticancer agent. The mushrooms contain polysaccharides, such as lentinan, which is thought to be responsible for the anticancer effects. Lentinan is used alongside chemotherapy in some countries to improve immune function and quality of life in people with gastric cancer.
Research has shown that shiitake mushrooms can inhibit tumour growth in various cancer models. The key component, β-glucan, activates important immune cells like macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and T cells, which are crucial in identifying and attacking cancer cells. By enhancing the body’s natural defences, shiitake mushrooms help prevent the growth and spread of cancer.
Studies have also shown that shiitake extract can decrease the incidence of chemotherapy-associated adverse effects in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer. However, it is ineffective in treating prostate cancer.
While shiitake mushrooms have shown promising results in cancer prevention and treatment, larger-scale studies are needed to fully understand their efficacy. It is important to note that while they may provide health benefits, shiitake mushrooms cannot cure or prevent cancer.
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Immune system boost
Shiitake mushrooms, or Lentinus edodes, are native to the mountain regions of Japan, Korea, and China. They have been used in East Asian cuisine and traditional medicine for centuries and are now one of the most popular mushrooms worldwide. They are prized for their rich, savoury taste and diverse health benefits.
Shiitake mushrooms are a source of selenium, copper, and potassium, supporting normal immune function and overall health. They contain eritadenine, a compound known to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. They are also rich in polysaccharides like lentinan, which have immune-boosting, cholesterol-lowering, and anticancer effects. Lentinan has been shown to boost the immune system's response to tumours and improve the efficacy of cancer treatments. In addition, β-Glucans, found in shiitake mushrooms, act as antioxidants and boost immune function by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.
Consuming shiitake mushrooms daily has been shown to improve immune function in healthy young adults. A randomized dietary intervention study found that regular consumption of Lentinula edodes resulted in improved cell proliferation and activation, increased sIgA production, and improved cytokine and serum CRP levels, indicating enhanced immune function.
Shiitake mushroom extract supplements are also available for those who prefer a more concentrated dose of the mushroom's health benefits. These supplements provide a small dose of the minerals and compounds found in shiitake mushrooms, supporting immune health even when fresh mushrooms are not part of the daily diet.
It is important to note that while shiitake mushrooms have immune-boosting properties, there is limited research on their safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is recommended to stick to food amounts of shiitake mushrooms if pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is insufficient information on the safety of higher doses. Additionally, for those with "auto-immune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), shiitake mushrooms might cause the immune system to become more active, so caution is advised.
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History and origin
The shiitake mushroom, or Lentinula edodes, is native to the mountain regions of Japan, Korea, and China, where it grows on fallen logs. The cultivation of shiitake dates back to 1100 A.D. during the rule of the Sung dynasty, though it was replaced by more modern and efficient sawdust substrate log cultures. Later, cultivation methods spread to Japan, where the mushrooms gained the name that remains widely accepted today: shii, for the Castanopsis cuspidata tree, and take, the Japanese word for mushroom.
Shiitake mushrooms have a long history of use, both as a food and a supplement. They are the second most commonly eaten mushrooms in the world and are prized for their rich, earthy flavour and meaty texture. The mushrooms have large caps, measuring 2 to 5 inches wide, and vary in colour from light to chocolate brown, with a pale cream underside.
In addition to their culinary uses, shiitake mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine. They have one of the highest amounts of natural copper, a mineral that supports healthy blood vessels, bones, and immune support. They are also a good source of vitamin B6, which helps the body form red blood cells, proteins, and DNA. Research also suggests that shiitake mushrooms help to keep cholesterol levels low.
Shiitake mushroom extract can be isolated in various forms, including freeze-dried, oil, and ethyl acetate extracts. While the research on the health benefits of these mushrooms is promising, very few human studies exist.
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Frequently asked questions
Shiitake mushroom extract is a supplement made from shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes). The mushrooms are native to Japan, Korea, and China, and have been cultivated in these regions for hundreds of years. They are prized for their rich, earthy flavor and are the second most commonly eaten mushrooms in the world.
Shiitake mushrooms are rich in natural copper, selenium, and antioxidants, and are known to support immune function, control blood sugar levels, and reduce inflammation. They also contain compounds that may help to prevent the growth and spread of cancer.
In rare cases, people may experience a skin rash from handling or consuming raw shiitake mushrooms. Long-term use of shiitake mushroom extract powder may also cause digestive problems and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
When cooked and eaten, shiitake mushrooms are likely safe in normal food amounts. A specific extract called AHCC is possibly safe in doses of 4.5 to 6 grams daily for up to 6 months, or 3 grams daily for up to 9 years. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.
