Shiitake - Japanese Mushroom

DIGESTION AND PROTECTION

Double Extraction | Full Spectrum of Active Compounds | Organic Cultivation

Shiitake is one of the most valued mushrooms in the Far Eastern tradition. It supports the immune system, helps regulate cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and may serve as an adjunct in the prevention and treatment of many disorders. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shiitake is characterized by a neutral nature and positively influences the spleen, stomach, and lungs.

Composition

• Concentration: 15,000 mg per 30 ml
• Ingredients: macerate of a 25% double water–alcohol extract of organic Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) spores.

PRACTICAL USES

• Lowering “bad” cholesterol and improving lipid profile

  • In several randomized studies involving adults with elevated cholesterol, administration of 10 g of powdered fruiting bodies daily for 4–6 weeks reduced LDL-C and total cholesterol by 5-10%.

  • Key compounds: eritadenine and β-glucans that regulate fat metabolism.

• Immune system support

  • The polysaccharide lentinan increases the activity of NK cells and macrophages (confirmed in in vitro and animal studies).

  • In healthy volunteers, a daily dose of 5–10 g of dried Shiitake for 4 weeks raised salivary immunoglobulin A levels and reduced inflammatory markers (pilot clinical study, n ≈ 50).

• Additional support in oncological therapy (selected indications)

  • Intravenous lentinan, used as an adjuvant drug in Japan (for stomach and colorectal cancer), prolonged median survival in a meta-analysis of several small clinical trials.

  • This is not a standalone treatment – it acts as an immunological “booster” alongside chemotherapy.

• Mild liver protection and antioxidant action

  • Animal models with liver damage induced by alcohol or chemicals showed reduced transaminase activity after supplementation with Shiitake extract.

  • The effect is linked to increased glutathione and SOD levels.

• Supporting gut microbiota

  • In mouse studies, dietary Shiitake increased beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus populations and improved intestinal barrier integrity; clinical data in humans is still limited.

OTHER USES

• Candidiasis, prevention of colds, fatigue.
• Significant antiviral activity (especially combined with Coriolus).
• Stimulates intestinal flora formation, supports the digestive system and liver.
• Supports treatment of joint diseases (inflammation, degeneration), reduces cholesterol levels.
• Hepatoprotective effect, prevention of dental caries, supports HIV therapy.
• Supports allergy treatment, strengthens the body.

CHARACTERISTICS ACCORDING TO TCM

• Temperature: neutral
• Taste: sweet
• Tropism: spleen, stomach, lungs

ACTION ACCORDING TO TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

• Replenishes Qi and nourishes blood (Bu Qi, Yang Xue) – supports vitality, helps faster recovery after illness, and alleviates chronic fatigue.
• Strengthens the spleen (Jian Pi) and harmonizes the stomach (He Wei) – improves digestion, reduces feelings of fullness, bloating, and indigestion.
• Disperses dampness and phlegm (Hua Tan, Qu Shi) – helpful in cases of excess mucus in the respiratory system, body heaviness, and elevated cholesterol levels.
• Strengthens Wei Qi and seals the surface (Gu Biao) – increases natural resistance to external factors, thus recommended during infection and cold seasons.
• Detoxifies and removes toxins (Jie Du) – traditionally used in mild food poisoning and in formulas protecting the liver from toxic factors.
• Calms the Shen spirit – reduces irritability, promotes relaxation before sleep, and supports emotional balance during stress.
• Stimulates blood circulation (Huo Xue) and unblocks meridians – sometimes added to formulas to help relieve rheumatic pain, improve nourishment of bones and joints.

DOSAGE

20 drops daily

• Consult a doctor or TCM therapist before use.
• Start with a smaller amount (e.g., 5–10 drops) and gradually increase to the full dose within a week.
• After the first week of use, introduce a weekend break (Saturday–Sunday).
• After one month of regular use, take a one-week break.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Not intended for children under 3 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Not to be used as a substitute for a varied diet.
• Store at room temperature, out of reach of small children.

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES ON SHIITAKE

• Yu S., Wu X., Ferguson M. et al. “Diets Containing Shiitake Mushroom Reduce Serum Lipids and Serum Lipophilic Antioxidant Capacity in Rats.” The Journal of Nutrition (2016)
  Objective: To evaluate the effects of 5% and 10% dried Shiitake in the diet of rats for 8 weeks on lipid profile and fat oxidation.
  Conclusions: Shiitake reduced total cholesterol, VLDL + LDL fractions, and triglycerides, increased HDL, and decreased fat accumulation in the liver. This confirms the hypolipidemic effect linked to eritadenine and β-glucans.
• Spim S.R.V., Pistila A.M.H., Pickler T.B. et al. “Effects of Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Lentinus edodes, Bars on Lipid and Antioxidant Profiles in Individuals with Borderline High Cholesterol: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.” Int. J. Med. Mushrooms (2021)
  Objective: A 4-week double-blind clinical trial with bars containing 10 g Shiitake daily in subjects with borderline hypercholesterolemia.
  Conclusions: Significant statistical reduction in LDL-C and total cholesterol, increase in antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, GPx) without side effects. Indicates Shiitake’s potential in cardiovascular disease prevention.
• Roszczyk A., Turło J., Zagożdżon R., Kaleta B. “Immunomodulatory Properties of Polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes.” Int. J. Mol. Sci. (2022)
  Objective: Review of in vitro and in vivo studies on Shiitake polysaccharides (including lentinan) and their impact on immune response.
  Conclusions: Polysaccharides activate macrophages, NK cells, and T lymphocytes, increase cytokine production (IL-2, IFN-γ), and inhibit tumor proliferation in animal models. Highlights Shiitake’s role as a natural immunomodulator supporting anti-cancer and anti-infective therapies.

Shiitake supports the immune system and may help regulate cholesterol levels. In TCM terms, it has a neutral nature, supports the spleen and stomach functions, while contributing to proper Qi energy levels and digestive support.

This natural product is offered for its historical and ethnographic value and is delivered without any expressed or supposed usefulness closer to a particular endeavor. It's just a crude botanical specimen or a scientific sample. The information provided is intended only for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should not be interpreted as a guideline for the intended purpose. The use and purpose of our product is in the judgment, credibility and risk of the buyer.