Zhejiang Wu Yang Tang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Product Name

Lentinula edodes Powder

The shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is an edible mushroom native to East Asia, which is cultivated and consumed in many Asian countries, as well as being dried and exported to many countries around the world. It is a feature of many Asian cuisines including Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai. In the East, the shiitake mushroom has long been considered a delicacy as well as a medicinal mushroom.

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Nutrients

With the advantages of abundant nutrition and special taste, lentinula edodes is beneficial to human body. According to relative reports, fresh fruit in every 100g contains protein 12-14g, carbohydrates 59.3g, calcium 124mg, phosphorus 415mg, iron 25.3mg and kinds of polysaccharides, VB1, VB2, VC, etc. Dried mushroom extracted with water contains multi-amino acid, ammonium acetate, choline and adenine. Basides, Lentinula edodes is rich in food fiber which can be helpful for preventing atherosclerosis, cerebral hemorrhage, obesity and diabetes if usually taken.

Medicinal use and research

Modern research has indicated shiitake mushroom may stimulate the immune system, possess antibacterial properties, reduce platelet aggregation, and possess antiviral properties, possibly through antiviral agents known as proteinase inhibitors.

Shiitake lentinan

Lentinan, a compound isolated from shiitake, is used as an intravenous anticancer agent in some countries. Studies have demonstrated lentinan possesses antitumor properties, and human clinical studies have associated lentinan with a higher survival rate, higher quality of life, and lower recurrence of cancer. Clinical research with lentinan includes studies with 78 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, 32 gastric cancer patients, a multi-institutional study of lentinan and gastric cancer, a meta-analysis of lentinan and gastric cancer, 80 colorectal cancer patients, 20 gastric cancer patients, 36 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, and 29 pancreatic cancer patients. Lentinan is currently used in Australia as part of a commercially available pharmacological blend (MC-S) to suppress cancer cell proliferation and to promote proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes.

The Korea Food & Drug Administration approved on January 2000 that the extracts of the mycelium of shiitake mushrooms can protect and help the liver recover from substances such as alcohol. The main chemical for this effect is the beta-glucan. The research showed injecting the extracts of the mycelium in vitro raised the survival rates of liver cells and increased protein synthesis.

Shiitake isolate AHCC

Main article: Active Hexose Correlated Compound

Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is an ��-glucan-rich compound isolated from shiitake. In Japan, AHCC is the second most popular complementary and alternative medicine used by cancer patients. AHCC is a well tolerated compound and is metabolized via the CYP450 2D6 pathway.

In addition, animal research has shown that AHCC may increase the body's resistance to pathogens as shown in experiments with the influenza virus, West Nile encephalitis virus, and bacterial infection. Animal research has shown AHCC may enhance immune function. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 21 people supported the idea that AHCC may enhance immune function. Clinical research has shown AHCC may benefit patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. A published case study reported AHCC benefited a patient with prostate cancer.