The Five Major Benefits of Dried Shiitake Mushrooms (Shiitake Powder)

We have carefully read academic research on shiitake mushrooms worldwide and categorized and summarized 53 major papers. Hopefully, more studies related to shiitake mushrooms will be initiated.

1) Immune System Boosting

2) Cancer Prevention

3) Cholesterol Reduction

4) Antioxidant Effects

5) Rich in natural vitamin D

1) Immune System Boosting

1-1. Boosting Immune Cells

Shiitake mushrooms help increase the activity and number of immune cells like natural killer (NK) cells and T cells, which are essential for defending the body against infections. These immune cells are responsible for detecting and destroying harmful pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. The polysaccharides in shiitake, particularly lentinan, enhance immune responses without causing harmful inflammation. Human and animal studies have shown that regular consumption of shiitake mushrooms can significantly improve immune cell function, making the body better equipped to fight infections and diseases. Referenced studies: (1), (2), (3), (5), (7)

1-2. Reducing Inflammation

Lentinan, a key compound found in shiitake mushrooms, has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural immune response, but chronic inflammation can damage tissue and diseases like arthritis. Lentinan works by reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals such as TNF-α and IL-6, which help control excessive inflammation. This reaction allows the immune system to function efficiently without overcompensating, which is critical for preventing long-term inflammatory conditions. Lendinan plays a vital role in maintaining overall health by balancing inflammation. Referenced studies: (4), (9)

1-3. Strengthening Gut Health

The gut is a critical component of the immune system, and shiitake mushrooms help improve gut health by supporting the integrity of the gut barrier. The gut barrier protects the body from harmful pathogens and toxins. Lentinan strengthens this barrier by reducing inflammation in the intestines and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Studies, including those on piglets, have demonstrated that lentinan can prevent gut barrier dysfunction, reduce inflammation, and protect against infections such as rotavirus. By enhancing gut health, shiitake mushrooms support overall immune function, as a healthy gut is key to a strong immune system. Referenced studies: (2), (8)

1-4. Enhancing Vaccine Responses

Shiitake mushrooms, especially their polysaccharides like lentinan, have been found to improve the body’s response to vaccines. These natural compounds help the immune system produce more antibodies and activate immune cells more effectively when a vaccine is introduced. In animal models, shiitake polysaccharides have been shown to significantly enhance the efficacy of vaccines by boosting the body’s immune response, making vaccines more protective against diseases. Shiitake mushrooms may, therefore, be a valuable natural adjuvant for improving vaccine effectiveness. Referenced studies: (6)

1-5. Protecting Against Allergies

Shiitake mushrooms help regulate allergic reactions by reducing the activity of Th2 cells, which are responsible for causing allergic responses. Lentinan suppresses the production of inflammatory chemicals like IL-4 and IL-13, which cause allergic symptoms such as swelling, itching, and inflammation. Studies in allergic mice show that lentinan can balance immune responses and reduce the severity of allergic reactions. By stabilizing the immune system, shiitake mushrooms offer a natural approach to managing and preventing allergic symptoms. Referenced studies: (4), (5), (9)

Links:

(1) Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults
(2) Immunomodulatory Properties of Polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes
(3) Immune-enhancing effects of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) and Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) extracts
(4) Lentinus edodes: a macrofungus with pharmacological activities
(5) Immunoprophylactic effects of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) against Bordetella bronchiseptica in mice
(6) Mixed polysaccharides derived from Shiitake mushroom, Poriacocos, Ginger, and Tangerine peel enhanced protective immune responses in mice induced by inactivated influenza vaccine.
(7) Medicinal Mushrooms as Multicomponent Mixtures—Demonstrated with the Example of Lentinula edodes
(8) Lentinan administration relieves gut barrier dysfunction induced by rotavirus in a weaned piglet model.
(9) Lentinan Inhibited the Activation of Th2 Cells in Allergic Mice by Reducing the Amplitude of Changes in Biological Rhythm

2) Cancer Prevention

2-1. Boosting Immune System to Fight Cancer

Shiitake mushrooms are known to strengthen the immune system, helping the body naturally fight off cancer cells. The key component, β-glucan, activates important immune cells like macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and T cells, which are crucial in identifying and attacking cancer cells. By enhancing the body’s natural defenses, shiitake mushrooms help prevent the growth and spread of cancer. Strengthening the immune system is one of the most effective ways to combat cancer at an early stage. Referenced studies: (18), (19), (21)

2-2. Inducing Cancer Cell Death (Apoptosis)

Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds that induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. Research on shiitake's ethyl acetate fraction has demonstrated that it can trigger apoptosis in human cancer cell lines, including breast cancer and larynx carcinoma cells. By promoting apoptosis, shiitake mushrooms help to eliminate cancerous cells from the body and prevent further spread. This mechanism is vital for stopping tumor growth and preventing the progression of early-stage cancers. Referenced studies: (10), (15)

2-3. Inhibiting Tumor Growth

Shiitake mushrooms have shown the ability to inhibit tumor growth in various cancer models. Compounds like lentinan, a polysaccharide found in shiitake, play a significant role in halting the growth of cancerous tumors. Studies, particularly on colon cancer, have shown that lentinan inhibits tumor development by stimulating the immune system. Oral administration of shiitake in mice has resulted in smaller tumor sizes, making it a promising natural remedy for cancer prevention. Referenced studies: (11), (16), (17)

2-4. Preventing Cancer Cell Invasion and Migration

Cancer metastasis, where cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, is a significant challenge in cancer treatment. Shiitake extracts, particularly when cultured with aloe, have demonstrated effectiveness in preventing the invasion and migration of aggressive cancer cells, such as TNF-α-induced breast cancer cells. This ability to block cancer cell movement helps prevent metastasis and stops cancer from spreading to other areas of the body, thus playing a crucial role in cancer prevention. Referenced studies: (12)

2-5. Enhancing the Effects of Other Cancer Therapies

Shiitake mushrooms can enhance the effectiveness of conventional cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Lentinan, found in shiitake, has been shown to boost the immune system’s response to tumors and improve the efficacy of cancer treatments. Studies demonstrate that lentinan, when combined with traditional cancer drugs, can enhance patient outcomes by shrinking tumors more effectively and reducing treatment side effects. Referenced studies: (13), (14),(20)

Links:

(10) Inhibition of growth and induction of apoptosis in human cancer cell lines by an ethyl acetate fraction from shiitake mushrooms.
(11) Antitumor action of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) fruit bodies orally administered to mice.
(12) Inhibitory Effect of Shiitake Mushroom Extracts Cultured in Aloe-Supplement on Invasion/Migration of TNF-α-Induced MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
(13) An Evidence-based Perspective of Lentinus Edodes (Shiitake Mushroom) for Cancer Patients
(14) Combining the Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Effects of Astragalus and Shiitake as an Integrated Therapeutic Approach
(15) Extrinsic and Intrinsic Apoptotic Responses Induced by Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Lentinus edodes (Agaricomycetes) Aqueous Extract against a Larynx Carcinoma Cell Line.
(16) Inhibition of Human Colon Carcinoma Development by Lentinan from Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinus edodes)
(17) Lentinan Properties in Anticancer Therapy: A Review on the Last 12-Year Literature
(18) Effects of β-glucans on the immune system
(19) Shiitake Mushroom: A Tool of Medicine
(20) β 1, 3-Glucan in Cancer Treatment
(21) Immunostimulatory properties and antitumor activities of glucans

3) Cholesterol Reduction

3-1. Lowering Blood Cholesterol Levels

Shiitake mushrooms have been shown to significantly reduce blood cholesterol levels in both human and animal studies. The key compound responsible for this is eritadenine, which promotes cholesterol metabolism. Regular consumption of shiitake mushrooms has been proven to lower serum cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol responsible for artery blockages. Lowering LDL cholesterol is essential in reducing the risk of heart diseases like atherosclerosis. Referenced studies: (25), (26), (27), (31)

3-2. Promoting Fat Removal

Shiitake mushrooms promote the elimination of excess fat from the body. While fat accumulation in the liver can cause conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), studies have shown that shiitake mushrooms can reduce triacylglycerol accumulation in the liver, promote fat metabolism, and prevent liver damage. On the other hand, it has been noted that consumption of large amounts of shiitake mushrooms while on a high-fat diet can significantly increase the amount of fat in the liver. Referenced studies: (31), (32)

3-3. Reducing Blood Fat (Triglycerides)

Shiitake mushrooms are effective at reducing blood fat, also known as triglycerides, which is important for maintaining cardiovascular health. High levels of blood fat can lead to fat buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. Shiitake mushrooms have been shown to lower blood fat in animals by up to 55%, making them a valuable food for promoting heart health and preventing fat accumulation in blood vessels. Referenced studies: (24), (29), (30)

3-4. Preventing Cholesterol Oxidation with Antioxidant Effects

Shiitake contains potent antioxidants that protect against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a process that makes cholesterol more harmful and likely to cause artery blockages. These antioxidants also reduce overall oxidative stress in the body, which can contribute to better heart health. This protective effect helps to prevent atherosclerosis by maintaining the integrity of lipids in the bloodstream. Referenced studies: (22), (23), (24)

3-5. Enhancing Cholesterol Metabolism

Shiitake mushrooms promote the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, which are then excreted from the body. This increased cholesterol metabolism prevents excessive buildup of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Studies have shown that shiitake consumption boosts bile acid production essential for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Referenced studies: (26), (31)

Links:

(22) Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom): An assessment of in vitro anti-atherosclerotic bio-functionality
(23) Shiitake mushroom powder supplementation increase antioxidative activity in dogs
(24) Diets Containing Shiitake Mushroom Reduce Serum Lipids and Serum Lipophilic Antioxidant Capacity in Rats.
(25) Influence of Cotrinellus Shiitake on Human Serum Cholesterol
(26) Effect of Hypocholesterolemic Substance in SHIITAKE on Sterol Metabolism in Rat
(27) Rapid evaluation method for plasma endogenous cholesterol level in rats given a Shiitake fungus powder diet
(28) Effects of Nutrition Education Program for the Japan Diet on Serum LDL-Cholesterol Concentration in Patients with Dyslipidemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
(29) Dietary Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinus edodes) Prevents Fat Deposition and Lowers Triglyceride in Rats Fed a High‐Fat Diet
(30) The Comparison of the Effect of Oat and Shiitake Mushroom Powder to Prevent Body Weight Gain in Rats Fed High Fat Diet
(31) Lentinus edodes promotes fat removal in hypercholesterolemic mice
(32) A High-Dose Shiitake Mushroom Increases Hepatic Accumulation of Triacylglycerol in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet: Underlying Mechanism
(33) Chorizo sausage with shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) as a fat substitute: quality evaluation

4) Antioxidant Effects

4-1. Reducing Oxidative Stress through Digestion

Shiitake mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants that become even more effective during digestion. Studies using wheat shiitake noodles have shown that shiitake noodles release a substantial amount of antioxidants during digestion, helping to reduce oxidative stress in the body. This results in enhanced scavenging of free radicals, which helps protect cells from oxidative damage. By reducing oxidative stress, shiitake consumption may prevent various diseases linked to cell damage, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Referenced studies: (34), (37)

4-2. Antioxidant and Recovery Benefits for Athletes

Shiitake mushroom extract can help reduce oxidative damage and inflammation caused by strenuous physical activities, such as prolonged eccentric exercise. Shiitake extract has been shown to increase antioxidant markers in the body, such as nitric oxide, while reducing oxidative stress indicators like 8-isoprostanes. Although it did not significantly lower muscle damage markers, it improved overall antioxidant defense, contributing to faster recovery after physical exertion. Referenced studies: (35)

4-3. β-Glucans: Essential for Antioxidant and Immune Function

β-Glucans, found in shiitake mushrooms, are important compounds that not only act as antioxidants but also boost immune function. These polysaccharides help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and play a role in preventing metabolic diseases like diabetes. In diabetic mouse models, β-glucans from shiitake mushrooms were found to lower oxidative stress and improve blood sugar control, highlighting their importance in both metabolic and immune system health. Referenced studies: (36)

4-4. Chitosan: A Potent Antioxidant from Shiitake Stems

Chitosan, manufactured from the vegetable chitin abundant in shiitake mushroom stems, has been shown to have strong antioxidant properties. It works by scavenging free radicals and chelating metal ions, which helps prevent oxidative damage. Chitosan from shiitake is especially effective after undergoing deacetylation, which enhances its ability to neutralize harmful radicals like hydroxyl and DPPH radicals. This makes shiitake chitosan a valuable natural antioxidant for both food and pharmaceutical applications. Referenced studies: (38)

4-5. Ergothioneine: A Unique Antioxidant for Cellular Protection

Ergothioneine is a powerful antioxidant found in shiitake mushrooms that is efficiently absorbed and stored in tissues exposed to high oxidative stress, such as the liver, kidneys, and brain. This unique compound helps protect cells from oxidative damage and inflammation. It has been studied for its potential in preventing chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases. Unlike other antioxidants, ergothioneine is actively transported into cells, making it a highly effective protector against oxidative stress. Referenced studies: (39), (40)

Links:

(34) In vitro gastric digestion antioxidant and cellular radical scavenging activities of wheat-shiitake noodles.
(35) Effect of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) extract on antioxidant and inflammatory response to prolonged eccentric exercise.
(36) The effectiveness β-glucan of shiitake mushrooms and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as antidiabetic and antioxidant in mice Sprague Dawley induced alloxan
(37) Antioxidant activities of extracts from five edible mushrooms using different extractants
(38) Antioxidant properties of fungal chitosan from shiitake stipes
(39) Ergothioneine; antioxidant potential, physiological function and role in disease
(40) Administration of Pure Ergothioneine to Healthy Human Subjects: Uptake, Metabolism, and Effects on Biomarkers of Oxidative Damage and Inflammation.

5) Rich in natural vitamin D

5-1. Strengthens Bones

Vitamin D is crucial for strong bones as it aids calcium absorption. Shiitake mushrooms exposed to UV light produce vitamin D2, which can improve bone density and structure. Research shows that vitamin D2-enriched shiitake mushrooms contribute to stronger bones, reducing the risk of bone diseases like osteoporosis. This is particularly beneficial for those who do not receive enough vitamin D from other dietary sources or sunlight. Referenced studies: (41), (52)

5-2. Boosts Immune Health

Vitamin D plays an essential role in supporting the immune system. Shiitake mushrooms enriched with vitamin D2 have shown immune-modulating effects. Consuming these mushrooms can strengthen the immune system by reducing inflammation and activating immune cells. This has been particularly noted in animal models, where vitamin D2-enriched mushrooms helped lower inflammation and support liver health. Referenced studies: (44)

5-3. Prevents Vitamin D Deficiency

People with limited sun exposure or restricted diets are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to weak bones and other health issues. UV-irradiated shiitake mushrooms provide a plant-based source of vitamin D2. Studies show that consuming these mushrooms effectively raises vitamin D levels in the body, making them a valuable option for vegetarians, vegans, or those in low-sunlight regions. Referenced studies: (47), (49), (51), (53)

5-4. Supports Antioxidant Activity

In addition to providing vitamin D2, shiitake mushrooms also possess antioxidant properties. UV irradiation not only increases vitamin D2 levels but also enhances antioxidant activity in mushrooms, helping to neutralize free radicals in the body. These antioxidants protect against oxidative stress, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Referenced studies: (46)

5-5. Natural and Sustainable Vitamin D Source

Shiitake mushrooms are a natural and sustainable source of vitamin D2. Unlike synthetic supplements, mushrooms naturally produce vitamin D2 when exposed to UV light or sunlight. This makes them a sustainable, eco-friendly option for individuals looking to increase their vitamin D intake through a natural, plant-based source. Referenced studies: (42), (43), (45), (48), (50), (53)

Links:

(41) Effects of vitamin D2-fortified shiitake mushroom on bioavailability and bone structure
(42) Ultraviolet Irradiation Increased the Concentration of Vitamin D2 and Decreased the Concentration of Ergosterol in Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinus edodes) and Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Powder in Ethanol Suspension
(43) Optimization of UV irradiation conditions for the vitamin D2-fortified shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) using response surface methodology
(44) Extracts of Vitamin D2 Enriched Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms as Anti-inflammatory, Immune-modulatory Agents
(45) Vitamin D-enriched extracts obtained from shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) by supercritical fluid extraction and UV-irradiation
(46) Effects of UV-C treatment and ultrafine-grinding on the biotransformation of ergosterol to vitamin D2, physiochemical properties, and antioxidant properties of shiitake and Jew's ear
(47) Effect of UV-B exposure on the concentration of vitamin D2 in sliced shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) and white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)
(48) Vitamin D Enriched Edible Mushrooms: A Review
(49) Assessing the impact of a mushroom-derived food ingredient on vitamin D levels in healthy volunteers
(50) UV-irradiated mushrooms as a source of vitamin D2: A review
(51) Effect of supplementation with vitamin D2-enhanced mushrooms on vitamin D status in healthy adults
(52) Effect of Vitamin-D-Enriched Edible Mushrooms on Vitamin D Status, Bone Health and Expression of CYP2R1, CYP27B1 and VDR Gene in Wistar Rats
(53) Effect of Solar Radiation on Vitamin D Contents in Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinus edodes)