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Foods > Foods List > Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Overview

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake mushrooms were originally cultivated on natural oak logs and only grown in Japan but are now available in the United States. These mushrooms are large, black-brown, and have an earthy rich flavor. This fungus is consumed in foods such as stir-fries, soups, and as a meat substitute.

Shiitake contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, soluble fiber, vitamins (A, B, B12, C, D, niacin), and minerals. Commercial preparations often use the powdered mycelium of the mushroom before the cap and stem grow. This preparation is called Lentinus edodes mycelium extract (LEM). LEM is rich in polysaccharides and lignans.

Shiitake has been taken by mouth for boosting the immune system, decreasing cholesterol levels, and for anti-aging. Lentinan, derived from shiitake (Lentinus edodes), has been injected as an adjunct treatment for cancer and HIV infection, although currently high quality human scientific evidence is lacking for many proposed indications. Purified lentinan is considered a drug in Japan.

Safety

Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Avoid if known allergy/hypersensitivity to shiitake mushrooms. Rash, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and photodermatitis may occur from contact or ingestion. Allergic contact dermatitis has been induced by shiitake hyphae (filaments). Mushroom workers exposed to shiitake spores by inhalation have experienced hypersensitivity pneumonitis. A case report exists of an anaphaylactoid (life-threatening) reaction in a patient with HIV who was taking lentinan.

Side Effects and Warnings

Most minor adverse effects are believed to be caused by lentinan, the polysaccharide derivative of shiitake. There has been one report each of depression, rigor, fever, chills, and abnormal blood cell counts (granulocytopenia); elevated liver enzymes were reported in one study following treatment with lentinan in cancer patients.

Shiitake can cause abdominal discomfort and abnormal blood cell counts (eosinophilia) when taken by mouth. Abdominal obstruction and death was reported due to the ingestion of a whole shiitake mushroom. Temporary diarrhea and abdominal bloating may occur after taking high amounts of shiitake.

Mushroom workers exposed to shiitake spores by inhalation have experienced hypersensitivity pneumonitis (lung inflammation).

Rapid intravenous infusion of lentinan, the polysaccharide derivative of shiitake, to advanced cancer patients was reported to cause anterior chest depression and dryness of the throat in one study; slow infusion relieved these symptoms.

Back pain and leg pain has been reported following the administration of lentinan in cancer patients.

Shiitake can cause "shiitake" dermatitis and possibly photosensitivity when taken by mouth. Allergic contact dermatitis has been induced by shiitake hyphae (filaments).

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Shiitake mushroom is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women in medicinal amounts due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Bibliography

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

DeVere White RW, Hackman RM, Soares SE, et al. Effects of a mushroom mycelium extract on the treatment of prostate cancer. Urology 2002;60(4):640-644. View Abstract

Fujiwara K, Sato T, Yonei T, et al. [A case of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by shiitake mushroom spores]. Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi 2000;38(12):908-913. View Abstract

Gordon M, Bihari B, Goosby E, et al. A placebo-controlled trial of the immune modulator, lentinan, in HIV-positive patients: a phase I/II trial. J Med 1998;29(5-6):305-330. View Abstract

Hanada K, Hashimoto I. Flagellate mushroom (Shiitake) dermatitis and photosensitivity. Dermatology 1998;197(3):255-257. View Abstract

Hitosugi M, Kitamura O, Takatsu A, et al. Autopsy case of duodenal obstruction from impacted mushroom. J Gastroenterol 1998;33(4):562-565. View Abstract

Hokama Y, Hokama JL. In vitro inhibition of platelet aggregation with low dalton compounds from aqueous dialysates of edible fungi. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol 1981;31(1):177-180. View Abstract

Jong SC, Birmingham JM. Medicinal and therapeutic value of the shiitake mushroom. Adv Appl Microbiol 1993;39:153-184. View Abstract

Lippert U, Martin V, Schwertfeger C, et al. Shiitake dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 2003;148(1):178-179. View Abstract

Matsui S, Nakazawa T, Umegae Y, et al. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by Shiitake mushroom spores. Intern Med 1992;31(10):1204-1206. View Abstract

Moore JE, Convery RP, Millar BC, et al. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis associated with mushroom worker's lung: an update on the clinical significance of the importation of exotic mushroom varieties. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2005;136(1):98-102. View Abstract

Ng ML, Yap AT. Inhibition of human colon carcinoma development by lentinan from shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes). J Altern Complement Med 2002;8(5):581-589. View Abstract

Nimura H, Mitsumori N, Takahashi N, et al. [S-1 combined with lentinan in patients with unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer] Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2006 Jun;33 Suppl 1:106-9. View Abstract

Sastre J, Ibanez MD, Lopez M, et al. Respiratory and immunological reactions among Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushroom workers. Clin Exp Allergy 1990;20(1):13-19. View Abstract

Shimada S, Komamura K, Kumagai H, et al. Inhibitory activity of shiitake flavor against platelet aggregation. Biofactors 2004;22(1-4):177-179. View Abstract

Tarvainen K, Salonen JP, Kanerva L, et al. Allergy and toxicodermia from shiitake mushrooms. J Am Acad Dermatol 1991;24(1):64-66. View Abstract

Related Terms

Basidiomycete, beta-glucan, black forest mushroom, Coprinopsis ciner, d-glucopyranose, forest mushroom, ha gu, hua gu, king of mushrooms, L. enodes (Berk. Pegler), lenthionine, lentiane, Lenticus edodes, lentin, lentinan, Lentinan enodes, lentinula, Lentinula edodes, LNT, Lycoriella mali Fitch, monarch of mushrooms, mycelia, mycelium, pasania fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, polyphenols, Polyporaceae (family), polysaccharide L-II, shiitake, shiitake mushroom extract, SME, snake butter, Tricholomopsis edodes, xylanase enzymes.

Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intendedfor informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Natural Standard's methodology , editorial board , and grading scales.

While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

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Health Glossary

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Background

Evidence Table (Click Here to view Natural Standard evidence-based validated grading rationale™.)

Tradition

Tradition Theory

Dosing

Safety

Interactions

Attribution

Bibliography

Related Terms