Research

Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

9 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

0
Meta-analyses
1
Systematic reviews
5
RCTs
3
Other studies
Systematic reviews (11%)
RCTs (56%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2021·International journal of medicinal mushrooms·S. Spim, Ana Maria Holtz Pistila, T. B. Pickler, et al

Effects of Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Agaricomycetes), Bars on Lipid and Antioxidant Profiles in Individuals with Borderline High Cholesterol: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

RCTn = 68Heart Health Inflammation

Double-blind RCT assessing the effects of Lentinus edodes bars on lipid and antioxidant profiles in individuals with borderline high cholesterol. The intervention group showed a 10% reduction in triglycerides and improved oxidative stress biomarkers after 66 days. Some participants experienced dermatitis.

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2021·European journal of nutrition·Diego Morales, Sudarshan A Shetty, Bricia López-Plaza, et al

Modulation of human intestinal microbiota in a clinical trial by consumption of a β-D-glucan-enriched extract obtained from Lentinula edodes.

RCTn = 52Immunity -Gut Health Heart Health -

RCT evaluating the effects of a beta-D-glucan-enriched extract from shiitake mushrooms on hypercholesterolemic subjects. No significant differences in lipid or cholesterol parameters were found, but the extract modulated colonic microbiota differently compared to placebo. No inflammatory or immunomodulatory responses were observed.

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2017·International journal of dermatology·Austin H Nguyen, Maria I Gonzaga, Victoria M Lim, et al

Clinical features of shiitake dermatitis: a systematic review.

Systematic reviewn = 50

Systematic review of case reports and case series on shiitake dermatitis, a cutaneous reaction to lentinan in shiitake mushrooms. The review includes 50 patients, with most cases occurring after consuming raw or undercooked mushrooms. Common symptoms include linear flagellated dermatitis, pruritus, and systemic symptoms like fever and diarrhea. The condition is self-limiting, resolving in about 12.5 days without treatment.

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2015·Journal of the American College of Nutrition·Xiaoshuang Dai, Joy M Stanilka, Cheryl A Rowe, et al

Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults.

RCTn = 52Immunity Inflammation Gut Health

RCT with 52 healthy adults consuming 5 or 10g of shiitake mushrooms daily for 4 weeks. Results showed increased proliferation and activation of γδ-T and NK-T cells, improved gut immunity via increased sIgA, and reduced inflammation as indicated by lower CRP levels.

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2012·Journal of biomedicine & biotechnology·Peter Lingström, Egija Zaura, Haidar Hassan, et al

The anticaries effect of a food extract (shiitake) in a short-term clinical study.

RCT

Double-blind, cross-over RCT investigating the anticaries effect of shiitake extract in volunteers. Shiitake extract reduced the metabolic activity of dental plaque but did not reduce plaque scores or inhibit organic acid production. Minor differences in microbial composition were observed.

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2025·Natural Product Research·C. Keerthana, Rozy Kumari, Muskan Beura, et al

Unveiling the glucan profile: a comparative study of Lion’s Mane and Shiitake mushrooms

StudyImmunity

The study optimized cultivation methods and quantified α-, β-, and total glucan content in Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) and Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) mushrooms. Shiitake exhibited higher α- and β-glucan content compared to Lion’s Mane, highlighting its potential as an immune-boosting supplement.

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2023·Journal of Fungi·Filipa Baptista, Joana Campos, V. Costa-Silva, et al

Nutraceutical Potential of Lentinula edodes’ Spent Mushroom Substrate: A Comprehensive Study on Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Antibacterial Effects

StudyNutrition Immunity

The study investigates the nutraceutical properties of Lentinula edodes' spent mushroom substrate (SMS), focusing on phenolic composition, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial effects. Different extraction methods showed variations in phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, with the highest values achieved using ethanol as a solvent. The extracted compounds also displayed antibacterial activity, highlighting SMS's potential as a dietary supplement for animal nutrition.

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1998·The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology·A M Levy, H Kita, S F Phillips, et al

Eosinophilia and gastrointestinal symptoms after ingestion of shiitake mushrooms.

RCTn = 10

Study investigated whether ingestion of shiitake mushroom powder induces eosinophilia or symptoms in 10 normal persons. Daily ingestion of shiitake powder led to blood eosinophilia and increased gastrointestinal symptoms in five of 10 participants. Symptoms and eosinophilia resolved after discontinuing shiitake ingestion.

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2022·Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia·Chandrasekaran Ponnusamy, V. Uddandrao, Sethumathi Ponnusamy Pudhupalayam, et al

Lentinula Edodes (Edible Mushroom) as a Nutraceutical: A Review

ReviewImmunity Heart Health Inflammation Longevity

This review focuses on the benefits, efficacy, and potential mechanisms of action of Lentinula edodes extracts. It highlights the mushroom's antitumor, immune-modulating, antiviral, antimicrobial, cholesterol-regulating, anti-atherosclerotic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and homocysteinemia activities.

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