Shiitake

Many names, one species

Shiitake (Japan, 椎茸, from shii - a Japanese oak of the Castanopsis genus, and take - mushroom, literally "oak mushroom"), xiānggū (China, 香菇 - "aromatic mushroom"), dōnggū (China, 冬菇 - "winter mushroom"), hua gu, qua gu (China), Black forest mushroom, Chinese black mushroom, Oak mushroom (English), twardnik japoński (Poland, the official scientific name given by the mycologist Władysław Wojewoda in 1998), twardziak jadalny, twardziak uprawny (regionally). All these names refer to the same species: Lentinula edodes (synonym Lentinus edodes). Shiitake originates from East and Southeast Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam). In Chinese imperial cuisine it belonged to the "eight treasures" (ba zhen 八珍). The first written Japanese mentions date to 199 CE (a gift from the Kyushu tribe to the emperor). During the Yuan dynasty (14th century) Wu Rui described Shiitake in Daily Use Materia Medica as a longevity tonic. In Chinese Materia Medica it is classified in the shang yao (上藥, "higher herbs") category - a category of life-sustaining herbs suitable for long-term use without adverse effects. Modern scientific history began in 1969, when Goro Chihara of the National Cancer Institute of Japan isolated lentinan and published the results in Nature.

Typical batch specification

Typical batch: β-glucans above 30% by Megazyme K-YBGL method (EUROFINS laboratory). Lentinan (β-1,3/1,6 glucan, 500-1000 kDa) [TBD: typical value]% by chromatographic fractionation with SEC-MALS verification and triple-helix structure analysis (key for biological activity). Eritadenine [TBD: typical value] mg/g by HPLC (a structurally unique compound, marker of species authenticity). Ergosterol [TBD: typical value, usually 5-9] mg/g d.m. by HPLC. Total polysaccharides [TBD: typical value]%. Extraction ratio 10:1. Moisture ≤ 5%. Microbiology compliant with the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur.). Every batch comes with a full COA including test methodology.

Premium variant

★ Co-branding

For brands that want to create their own functional-mushroom product and base it on our raw-material standard. You use extracts selected by Aloha Fungi, and once the criteria are met you can add our quality seal to your packaging.

MOQ: 5 kg

Our logo on your product →

Mechanisms described in the literature

Research on Shiitake comprises more than 6000 peer-reviewed publications - the second-strongest scientific base, after Coriolus, among functional mushrooms. UNIQUE: an RCT in HEALTHY people at a dietary dose (Dai 2015), a rarity in the functional-mushroom group. Three main mechanisms of action.

1. 01

   Lentinan, Dectin-1 and innate immunity

   The best-described mechanism. Lentinan as a β-1,3 glucan with β-1,6 side branches and a triple-helix structure binds as an agonist to the Dectin-1 receptor and, as a co-receptor, to CR3 (complement receptor 3, integrin CD11b/CD18) on dendritic cells, macrophages and monocytes [Brown & Gordon 2003; Xu et al. 2016, Sci Rep]. This triggers a signalling cascade through Syk and NF-κB, leading to dendritic-cell maturation, T-helper 1 activation, increased production of IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α, and stimulation of NK-cell activity. In Japanese medicine injectable lentinan has been an official adjuvant drug in gastric cancer chemotherapy since 1985. The Yin et al. meta-analysis [2015, Indian J Cancer, n=950 patients, 12 RCTs] showed that adding injectable lentinan to chemotherapy regimens in non-small-cell lung cancer improves the response rate (RR=1.31, 95% CI 1.14-1.52). Important caveat: this concerns injectable lentinan, not oral extract. The Dai et al. RCT [2015, J Am Coll Nutr, n=52 healthy adults, 4 weeks, 5-10 g dried Shiitake daily] showed improved γδ T-cell function, a shift in the cytokine profile towards an anti-inflammatory pattern and a significant reduction in CRP - a rarity in the functional-mushroom group: an RCT in HEALTHY people at a dietary dose.

2. 02

   Eritadenine and cardioprotection via SAHH

   A mechanism that makes Shiitake UNIQUE among functional mushrooms. Eritadenine as an adenosine analogue binds at the active site of the enzyme S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) with nanomolar affinity [Sugiyama et al. 1995, J Nutr]. SAHH catalyses the hydrolysis of S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) to adenosine and homocysteine. Inhibiting SAHH raises intracellular SAH, shifting the SAM:SAH ratio and modifying methionine and hepatic phospholipid metabolism. Specifically: the phosphatidylcholine-to-phosphatidylethanolamine ratio in liver membranes changes, modifying cholesterol transport from liver to plasma. Clinically observed effect: lowering of total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides, without a significant effect on HDL [Sugiyama 1995; Yang et al. 2013, Exp Ther Med]. The mechanism is entirely different from statins (which inhibit HMG-CoA reductase), which makes Shiitake potentially complementary support in hypercholesterolaemia. In animal-model studies an eritadenine dose of 0.005% in the diet (corresponding to about 30-50 g dried Shiitake/day in a human) is enough to produce a measurable cholesterol reduction. Solid animal models, limited human RCTs, larger trials needed.

3. 03

   Food medicine, ergosterol and prebiotic

   The third mechanism is less "spectacular" than lentinan, but in practice the most important for daily supplementation. Shiitake as a functional food provides ergosterol at exceptionally high concentration (up to 9.61 mg/g d.m., the highest among functional mushrooms), which converts to vitamin D₂ after UV exposure. B vitamins (especially B₂, B₃, B₅) support energy metabolism. β-glucans from the fruiting body act as a prebiotic, fermenting in the large intestine to short-chain fatty acids (SCFA: butyrate, acetate, propionate), which support gut-epithelium health [Xu et al. 2015]. Vitamin D₂, however, has lower bioavailability than D₃, so Shiitake is a natural supplement to, not a replacement for, a D₃ supplement in people with a deficiency.

• LONGEVITY

  Shiitake krople 30 ml

  Krople 30 ml

  Skoncentrowane krople z linii Trawienie. Bogate w lentinan, dla wsparcia mikrobiomu.

  169,00 złShop →
• LONGEVITY

  Shiitake kapsulki 90 szt.

  Kapsulki 90 szt.

  Linia Trawienie - codzienna lekkosc w wygodnej formie kapsulkowej.

  129,00 złShop →
• LONGEVITY

  Shiitake proszek 100 g

  Proszek 100 g

  Limited edition - wieksze opakowanie 100 g, dla wsparcia ukladu pokarmowego.

  197,00 złShop →

Extract applications

Shiitake extract is one of the most technologically versatile in the functional-mushroom portfolio - a consequence of its dual status (food + supplement). Capsules - typically 300-500 mg extract per capsule (typical protocols 500-2000 mg/day, daily long-term supplementation). Powder, in blends for miso soups, broths, udon noodles, sauces, rice - Shiitake has an intense umami flavour with smoky and earthy notes, naturally complementing salty Asian and European dishes. Liquid extract (tincture), drops under the tongue for 30-60 seconds or into a drink. Chocolates and bars, flavour tolerance 1-2% by weight (stronger concentrations introduce a noticeable umami). Coffee and cacao, weaker flavour synergy (umami clashes with bitter, as with Maitake), requires appropriate formulations. "Immune support", "heart health", "cholesterol balance" supplements - popular positioning. Functional beverages, broths, RTD soups, mushroom coffees - Shiitake naturally fits these categories. "Food medicine" / "functional food" as culinary positioning is UNIQUE to Shiitake in the portfolio (Reishi/Chaga/Polyporus are not food). NOTE: claims of "lowers cholesterol", "natural statin", "immune system support" in the EU require EFSA authorisation - section H.

Precautions

Shiitake has ONE OF THE BEST safety profiles among functional mushrooms thanks to centuries of culinary consumption in East Asia. In the Dai 2015 RCT (5-10 g dried daily for 4 weeks) no adverse effects were reported. Nonetheless, for a concentrated extract there are groups that require attention.

Absolute contraindications: a documented history of shiitake dermatitis. Known allergy to mushrooms of the Omphalotaceae family. Post organ-transplant status with active immunosuppression (ciclosporin, tacrolimus, mycophenolate, everolimus, sirolimus) - lentinan activates innate immunity. Active autoimmune diseases in flare-up (systemic lupus, severe RA, active ulcerative colitis) - activation of Dectin-1 and Th1 may worsen the condition. Children under 18 years of age for concentrated extract (Shiitake as culinary food has no age restrictions).

Consultation with a doctor required: anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, NOACs, clopidogrel, ASA at cardiological doses) - β-glucans may mildly affect platelet aggregation. INR monitoring with warfarin. Statins and other lipid-lowering drugs - Shiitake acts hypocholesterolaemically through a mechanism different from statins (SAHH instead of HMG-CoA reductase), so theoretically complementarily. In Japanese protocols some cardiologists combine Shiitake with statins under lipid-profile monitoring. The decision to modify the statin dose belongs to the cardiologist. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy in progress - in Japan injectable lentinan is routinely combined with chemotherapy. Oral Shiitake extract as integrative support requires individual consultation with the attending oncologist. Immunosuppressants (other than post-transplant): methotrexate, biologics (anti-TNF), JAK inhibitors. Consultation with a rheumatologist. Autoimmune diseases in remission - Shiitake's mild immunomodulation should not worsen the condition in remission, but caution in people with labile disease. Hyperhomocysteinaemia - eritadenine via SAHH affects homocysteine metabolism. In people with isolated hyperhomocysteinaemia, monitoring of homocysteine levels in the first weeks. Pregnancy and breastfeeding - culinary intake is considered safe (Japanese tradition), but for concentrated extract there is a lack of adequate RCTs; we recommend discontinuation until breastfeeding ends. Planned surgeries - discontinue 14 days before the procedure.

Possible adverse effects (rarely reported): shiitake dermatitis with consumption of raw or undercooked mushroom (2-3% of the population). Mild bloating or loose stools in the first week (prebiotic effect of β-glucans). Isolated allergic reactions (itching, rash). Eosinophilia (rarely, mainly with very high consumption of dried mushroom, above 30 g/day). As standard we include the key warnings on the consumer label of the final product.