Shiitake Mushrooms Lentinula edodes Mushrooms


Shiitake mushrooms rank second in the global mushroom market based on consumer demand for a simple reason; it is prized for its rich, savory taste while also having diverse health benefits. How often can you consume something delicious while it also being highly medicinal for you? 

While there is documented evidence of Shiitake cultivation and its medicinal use as early as 1100 AD during the Sung Dynasty in China, cultivation of this mushroom may have begun long before this time. Today, China is by far the world's largest producer of Shiitake mushrooms, supplying 80-90% of all those commercially sold. As a fungus native to East Asia, and particularly in the more tropical regions, it's not surprising to find it appearing as a popular food in many East Asian countries. 

Mógū Shiitake is cultivated on Organic hardwood sawdust and oat bran substrates, growing brown with convex caps and pale white gills. Once harvested and dried, the organic raw materials are transported to our FDA and USDA certified Extraction Facility where our high-concentration extracts are produced.

Consumption of Shiitake extracts have shown to enhance the immune response within the digestive tract, within the bloodstream, and transferable in whole body metabolism involving a variety of different body systems; containing active anti-cancer (tumor-inhibiting) compounds, a rich source of the essential copper mineral and unique polysaccharide lentinan providing anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Shiitake also demonstrates activities against microbes providing anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal benefits (against a wide range of harmful mold, yeasts, and fungi), and last but not least, assist in weight loss and improved body composition.

Medicinal Properties of Shiitake

Lentinan: a β-glucan reported as an intravenous anti-tumor polysaccharide via enhancement of the host immune system.
Polysaccharides (1-3)→(1-6)-β-bonded heteroglucans, heterogalactans, heteromannans, xyloglucans: activate macrophages, helper T-cells, natural killer cells, and other effector cells. The activation of these effectors results in an increase in the production and release of antibodies, interleukins, and interferon. 
Terpenoid-related nutrients: copalic acid and carvacrol having both bactericidal (bacterial death) and bacteriostatic (preventing bacterial growth) effects. Shown to be effective anti-gingivitis properties.
Eritadenine: significantly lowers cholesterol levels (hypocholesterolemic compound).
Sterols (molecules that help block cholesterol absorption in your gut and prevent increases in blood pressure) and Ergosterols (a fungal cell membrane molecule converted into vitamin D2, helps maintain and build strong bones, development of the brain and plasticity, immunity and autoimmunity by assisting the body in absorbing calcium)
18 amino acids, including 7 of the 8 essential amino acids in a ratio similar to the 'ideal protein' for humans. Especially rich in leucine and lysine.
Vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin), C, and D. Providing the highest level of vitamin D of any non-animal food source.
> 30 enzymes: two of particular note are amylase, important for proper digestion, and cellulase, which dissolves fiber.
Main Mineral Elements: Fe, Mn, K, Ca, Mg, Cd, Cu, P, and Zn
Other myco-nutrients
 Shiitake Mushrooms Lentinula edodes


Shiitake and its Activity Against Diseases

Shiitake has been found to be an effective source of treatment against many different diseases. Click a condition below to explore some of the health promoting benefits found in Shiitake experiments:

  • Cancer (stomach, colorectal, uterus, pancreatic, and liver)
  • Immunodeficiency
  • Gingivitis and Dental Plaque
  • Viral Infections (HPV-Human papilloma virus, herpes)
  • Bacterial Infections (pneumonia, sepsis)
  • Fungal Infections (yeast infections, mold, candida)
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Diseases of the Skin (acne, eczema)
  • Cardiovascular Disease 

 

 Shiitake Mushroom, Lentinula edodes Mushrooms