Shiitake: Useful properties and uses of the mushroom for health

Studies on the effects of the Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) on human health are of great importance in modern science, this species is the most famous and is used as a model for the study of functional properties and the isolation of pure compounds for pharmaceutical use.Mushrooms have high nutritional value and contain medical molecules such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, sterols and lipids, which are actively involved in various human diseases and modulate immune system regulation mechanisms.

Shiitake has long been known for its medicinal properties, has been used for centuries in alternative medicine in Korea, China, Japan, and Eastern Russia, and numerous clinical studies on this topic are being conducted in various scientific institutions both in the United States and in European countries. One such study was conducted

In this study, the following active components were isolated from Shiitake:

Polysaccharides:
β-glucans: have immunomodulatory properties, activating macrophages, T-lymphocytes and natural killers (NK-cells).
Lentinan: Known for its antitumor activity and used in the treatment of cancer.

Terpenoids:
Lenthionine: has antibacterial properties, effectively inhibits the activity of bacteria.
Sterols:
Ergosterol: Provitamin D2 that is converted to vitamin D2 by exposure to ultraviolet light.

Organosulfur compounds:
Eritadenine: lowers blood cholesterol.
Lipids:
Phospholipids and other fats: support the overall health of the body.
These Shiitake components exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including immunomodulation, antitumor, antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects.

So, let's take a closer look at the useful properties of Shiitake:
Total nutritional composition
Shiitake mushrooms have a high nutritional value. They are rich in proteins, contain important amino acids and dietary fibers. These mushrooms contain soluble and insoluble fibers, as well as important vitamins (B1, B2, B12, C, D, E) and minerals (iron, This makes Shiitake a valuable food product, especially for countries with high levels of food shortages.

Immunomodulation and antitumor effect
Shiitake has the ability to modulate the immune system, which helps in the fight against various diseases. Polysaccharides, such as β-glucans, activate macrophages, T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells (NK-cells), which protect the body from bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Antioxidant properties
Shiitake contains biologically active compounds (β-glucans, phenolic compounds, ergosterol, selenium) that help reduce oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This is important for maintaining health and preventing the development of chronic diseases such as

Antiviral properties
Studies have shown that Shiitake extracts have antiviral activity against various viruses. Shiitake has shown activity against poliovirus type 1 (PV-1) and herpes virus.These viruses can cause serious diseases such as polio and herpes infections. The antiviral activity of Shiitake extracts helps to reduce the infectivity of these viruses, which helps to prevent their spread and relieve the symptoms of the disease. Also, one of the key components of Shiitake that has powerful antiviral properties is the polysaccharide

Antimicrobial properties
Shiitake has antibacterial activity that increases the body's immunity against infections. Lenthionine acts on bacteria by inhibiting certain enzymes and proteins necessary for their growth and reproduction. This can disrupt the metabolic processes of bacteria and lead to their death. Lenthionine has shown antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria

Hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective properties
Shiitake is also known for its hypoglycemic properties, lowering blood glucose levels, increasing secretion and improving insulin sensitivity by delaying the breakdown of glycogen (the storage form of glucose in the liver) in rats with induced diabetes.In addition, shiitake mushrooms have hepatoprotective properties, meaning they have the ability to protect the liver from damage and promote its recovery by reducing blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (enzymes normally found in liver cells, high levels of these enzymes can indicate liver disease or damage,

As we can see from the research, Shiitake mushrooms have a high therapeutic potential. They contain a variety of nutrients and biologically active compounds that help both in the fight against chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, as well as in the fight against viruses and microbes.

You can also buy them in our store.
1.Shiitake fruit

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends and colleagues.