Shiitake mushroom

Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Apr 06, 2001 by Jacqueline L. Longe

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) is a fungus native to Japan, China, and Korea. Now cultivated worldwide, Japan is still the largest producer of shiitake mushrooms, producing 80% of the total supply. Used in Asian cuisine for over 2,000 years, cultivation of shiitake began almost 700 years ago in Japan. The Japanese consider the shiitake not only a flavorful food but also "the elixir of life." During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the shiitake was reserved only for the emperor and his family and it became known as the emperor's food. The word shiitake comes from shii (a type of chestnut tree) and take (mushroom). Shiitake is an excellent source for amino acids ; vegetable proteins; iron; thiamine (vitamin B1); riboflavin (vitamin B2); niacin; and vitamins B6, B12, and D2. Shiitake is known as hsaing ku (fragrant mushroom) in China.

Traditionally, shiitake was used medicinally for a number of conditions.

• colds and influenza
• headaches
• sexual dysfunction
• constipation
• measles
• hemorrhoids
• diabetes
• gout

Presently, shiitake has been shown to boost the immune system, act as an antiviral and antibacterial agent, and possibly shrink tumors. Since shiitake has been part of the Asian diet, particularly in Japanese cuisine, for hundreds of years, its health benefits have been documented. Most of the formal studies conducted have been in Japan; however Western interest in the mushroom as a possible treatment for cancer and HIV has encouraged researchers in the United States and elsewhere to begin formalized studies of its medicinal properties.

Shiitake contains over 50 different enzymes, including pepsin and trypsin that help digestion and asparaginase that has been used to treat childhood leukemia. The mushroom also contains chitin, eritadenine, and lentinacin, all of which has been shown to lower serum cholesterol.

Perhaps shiitake's most beneficial ingredient is activated hexose-containing compound (also known as 1,3-beta glucan). Japanese studies of this compound has supported evidence that it has anti-cancer properties in humans, as well as in animals. The compound is already produced by a private company as a nutritional supplement and is available in Europe, Japan, and the United States. It is also regularly used in hospitals in Asia and Japan in conjunction with allopathic treatments of several kinds of cancer. According to a Hokkaido University School of Medicine study of cancer patients taking the supplement on a daily basis, the compound may slow tumor growth and decrease the side effects caused by allopathic cancer treatments. The University of California Davis School of Medicine is conducting the first human trial outside of Japan to determine the anti-tumor effects activated hexose-containing compound may have on cancer patients. The focus of the study will be on patients with prostrate cancer because the characteristic symptom of the cancer--elevated PSA levels in the blood--are easily detected and monitored for change.

Activated hexose-containing compound is isolated from partially grown mushroom spores that have undergone a treatment that releases the compound. It is not abundant in the mushrooms that are readily available in grocery stores, but the overall health benefits from shiitake mushrooms has been corroborated by research.

Shiitake mushrooms can be prepared and eaten in the same way the more common white mushrooms are, by grilling, sautéing, and stir-frying. Dried shiitake mushrooms are used in soups, stews, and sauces. Eat one to two fresh mushrooms or 1-2 tsp of dried shiitake daily.

Shittake supplements are also available in gel-cap form, as well as powders, extracts, and tea, at health food stores. It is also an ingredient in formulas to boost the immune system. Follow the recommended daily dosage on the label.

Injections should be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider.

Shiitake is nontoxic and safe to ingest.

Large daily doses over a prolonged period of time can cause diarrhea in some users.

None reported.

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