Shiitake Mushroom General Information
Sometimes called the Black Forest mushroom, the Shiitake mushroom has long been revered by the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean people for its culinary and medicinal contributions. Today it is one of the world’s most cultivated edible mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms contain eight essential amino acids in addition to riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, and dietary fiber, enzymes, and ergosterol which, when converted by sunlight, becomes vitamin D. Ancient Chinese physicians prescribed the Shiitake mushroom to activate their ‘life force”. Ancient healers claimed that this mushroom promoted longevity, offered the immune system protection, and worked as a preventative against gastrointestinal distress, liver disease, colds, flu, and circulatory problems.

Shiitake Mushroom Uses & Scientific Evidence For
Scientific studies today are discovering evidence that supports the claims of ancient healers of China that Shiitake can be instrumental in helping to combat a host of conditions such as colds and flu, and serious ailments which includes heart disease, cancer, and life-threatening viral conditions. The active constituent in Shiitake is a polysaccharide called lentinan, which is currently under investigation for its potential anti-tumor effects, blood pressure-lowering effects, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Lentinan is also being studied for its ability to inhibit cancer. In recent years, Shiitake extracts have been tested for use as an adjunct to chemotherapy, and currently in Japan, a highly purified form of lentinan is being used in conjunction with standard chemotherapy agents in the treatment of cancer.

Shiitake Mushroom Dosage Information
The recommended dosage of Shiitake is 6 to 16 ounces of whole mushroom daily, or 1 to 3 grams powdered extract.

Shiitake Mushroom Safety & Interaction Information
Taking Shiitake mushrooms in large quantities may cause diarrhea or abdominal bloating. If you take blood-thinning anticoagulant medication, consult with your physician before consuming large amounts of Shiitake as these mushrooms may possess blood thinning properties.

Email: