Orthomolecular - Mycotherapy - Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Question 1

Shiitake
(Lentinula edodes)

Answer 1

Shiitake is a common edible mushroom. Its Japanese name comes from the words ‘shii’ (species of chestnut) and ‘take’ (mushroom), since it grows on chestnut wood.
* Important constituents include the beta-glucan Lentinan, choline, zinc, provitamin D, iron, B vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids.
* Large-scale clinical trials have confirmed significant anti-cancer activity from Lentinan. Lentinan (injected) is a licensed pharmaceutical in Japan and is the third most widely prescribed anti-cancer ‘drug’ in the world today.
* In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), shiitake is used to replenish Qi and nourish the blood.

Question 2

Immune-modulating

Answer 2

Therapeutic uses:
* Increases phagocytes, T-lymphocytes and NK cells.
* Increases interferon synthesis (anti-viral proteins).
* These properties are useful for general immune support, immune support in cancer patients and HIV.
* Shiitake is also a good anti-candida agent.
* Has antibacterial activity on bacteria resident in the oral cavity that cause gingivitis and periodontitis. Also prevents dental plaque formation.

Question 3

Cardiovascular diseases

Answer 3

Therapeutic uses:
* Shown to lower LDL by increasing faecal excretion, and increase HDL levels.
* Inhibits platelet aggregation and is anti-thrombotic.

Question 4

Cancer

Answer 4

Therapeutic uses:
* Shiitake is anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic.
* Studies have demonstrated life-prolonging effects of Lentinan in those with gastric, pancreatic, colorectal and liver cancer receiving chemotherapy

Question 5

Gout

Answer 5

Therapeutic uses:
* Has an alkalising effect and lowers uric acid levels. Note: The deposition of uric acid crystals in joints such as the big toe is a key feature of gout.

Question 6

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Answer 6

Therapeutic uses:
* The high zinc levels act to block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), preventing prostate growth.

Question 7

Dosage

Answer 7

• Shiitake dosage range: 1.5–10 g / day (up to 16 g / day used in some circumstances).

Question 8

Safety

Answer 8

• Safety: Taking a high dose long term can lead to rare side effects such as abdominal discomfort, shiitake dermatitis, photosensitivity and asthma.
• Caution with anticoagulant drugs.

Question 9

Exercise

Answer 9

Exercise: Create a tasty recipe that include 5–10 g of shiitake mushroom per portion that you could suggest to a client that wanted to boost his / her immune system.
1. Shiitake and green bean stir-fry
2. Shiitake ramen
3. Shiitake mushroom soup