Rankings / Immune & Inflammation

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Immune & Inflammation · Medicinal mushroom / beta-glucan

Tier B-

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed · How we grade

beta-glucanotc
6 / 10
Tier B-
Ev 6 Bn 3.5 Sf 7

Bottom line

Read Off Label grades Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) as B- (6.0/10) based on moderate evidence, low-moderate benefit magnitude, and a low-med-risk safety profile.

Lentinan has actual Phase III oncology data (Japanese gastric cancer adjuvant) — one of the few mushroom molecules with that level of evidence.

Typical use: 1-3 g/day dried mushroom or standardized extract; cooking destroys the dermatitis trigger — OTC (food/supplement); Rx.

What this is

Lentinan has actual Phase III oncology data (Japanese gastric cancer adjuvant) — one of the few mushroom molecules with that level of evidence. Oral shiitake supplement claims are much weaker. The dermatitis from raw shiitake is the only common safety surprise — cook it.

Mechanism

Lentinan (purified 1,3-beta-glucan with 1,6-branching); Dectin-1/CR3 activation; Th1 polarization; eritadenine in shiitake also modestly inhibits S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase, lowering cholesterol in animal studies

Dose & route

1-3 g/day dried mushroom or standardized extract; cooking destroys the dermatitis trigger

Citations

Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.

Common questions

Does Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) work?
Read Off Label rates the evidence for Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as low-moderate, producing an overall grade of B- (6.0/10). Lentinan has actual Phase III oncology data (Japanese gastric cancer adjuvant) — one of the few mushroom molecules with that level of evidence.
Is Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) safe?
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) has a low-med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC (food/supplement); Rx (IV lentinan in Japan). This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
What is the typical dose for Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)?
1-3 g/day dried mushroom or standardized extract; cooking destroys the dermatitis trigger
How does Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) work?
Lentinan (purified 1,3-beta-glucan with 1,6-branching); Dectin-1/CR3 activation; Th1 polarization; eritadenine in shiitake also modestly inhibits S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase, lowering cholesterol in animal studies

This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.