Shiitake

Adults, take 1-3 capsules, twice daily, A.M. and P.M., on an empty stomach.

Shiitake is one of the best known medicinal mushrooms. In Chinese herbalism, it is reported to boost “Qi” within the body – the essential energy that flows through the meridians in the body (in Acupuncture they use the needles to adjust the flow of Qi energy through the meridians). Shiitake extracts are also used to tonify the liver and support overall immune health. Modern research suggests that extracts of Shiitake mushrooms may also help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.*

Shiitake, currently called Lentinules edodes in the scientific community, was the first mushroom ever cultivated in Asian history, and maybe even in human history. In the 10th century, farmers in one particular valley in the mountains of Eastern China learned how to cultivate this highly prized mushroom on logs. There is still a 10th century temple in the valley, maintained and worshipped to this day, dedicated to the spirit of the Shiitake mushroom. Shiitake is currently the second most widely cultivated mushroom in the world, just behind Agaricus bisporus, the common white button mushroom purchased in U.S. grocery stores.

In traditional Chinese and Japanese herbalism, when used as a medicinal, Shiitake was always prepared as a tea or decoction, a hot water extract. It was never used in the unextracted form. This is also reflected in the scientific research. Hot water extracts are the only way Shiitake based mushroom supplements have ever been used or studied in the published scientific research, both in Asia and the West.

Lentinan, the first concentrated beta glucan extract from a medicinal mushroom ever used for immune support in the scientific research, is also a hot water extract.*

Shiitake Mushroom Extract Benefits

Immune System Support – The Shiitake mushroom contains Lentinan, an active compound that supports a healthy immune response. Taking Shiitake extract on a regular basis is believed to stimulate one’s immune system.* This medicinal mushroom is also packed with calcium, phosphorous, vitamins and minerals, as well as essential amino acids such as lysine, arginine, and many more. Liver Relief – Shiitake contains beta glucans and enzymes that may improve liver function.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The scientific name for Shiitake is Lentinula edodes.  Shiitake was the first medicinal mushroom to be scientifically studied for its immune support properties.*  By “medicinal” we mean those mushrooms that contain immuno-modulating beta glucans in the cell walls and have a history of use in Traditional East Asian Medicine.  This research started in Japan but was soon picked up by researchers from China and Korea.

Shiitake was also the source of the first beta glucan isolate used for immuno-modulation in human clinical studies and medical practice; Lentinan.*

All of this attention was probably due to the fact that Shiitake was so highly regarded as a healthy food.

In Japan and China Shiitake is considered to be the best of all plant foods.  The following is quoted from a Chinese handbook for medical workers: “Considering the five inevitable (sic) nutrients – protein, lipid, carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins, no other plant food could replace Shiitake.  Besides, Shiitake also has high contents of calcium, sodium, phosphorus, etc. minerals and vitamins B-1, B-2, B-12 and vitamin D precursor.”

Shiitake mushrooms and extracts also contain amino acids, including some essential amino acids such as lysine, arginine, threonine, valine, leucine and phenylalanine.

In addition to the research on immune support, there has been a considerable amount of research conducted on how Shiitake enzymes affect cholesterol levels.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.