Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinus edodes)

Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinus edodes)
Overall Energy and Liver Enhancer

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes), very popular worldwide as an edible mushroom, has history of artificial cultivation dating as far back as the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in China. Lentinan, derived from fruit body of Shiitake, is one of the three mushroom origin anti-cancer drugs approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan. Lentinan exhibits strong immune responses and has been extensively studied in association with cancers and viral infections. Shiitake contains a variety of constituents that have demonstrated a range of actions, including immune modulation, anti-tumor, liver protecting, cholesterol lowering, anti-viral and blood pressure lowering. Shiitake extract is also a potent anti-fungal agent, effective against candida albicans.

Bioactive constituents:
Beta-glucan, Heteroglucan, Adenine delivative, Guanosine 5′-monophosphate, polyacelylene

Bioactivities:
• Anti-tumor: Enhances immune functions / Activates macrophage, T-cell and NK-cell / Increases production of TNF-α, interleukins, interferon
• Anti-HIV: Synergistic effect with azidothymidine (AZT)
• Anti-hyperlipemia: Promotes the metabolism and excretion of cholesterol
• Anti-thrombogenicity: Inhibits platelet aggregation
• Natural antidote: Strengthens the livers function of detoxification

References:
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(12) T. Mizuno, Food Reviews International, 11(1):111 (1995)
(13) K. Minato et al, International Journal Medicinal Mushrooms, 1(3):243 (1999)