Shiitake extract 20:1 | Lentinula edodes

Shiitake extract 20:1 | Lentinula edodes

Properties: Mushrooms that belong to the Lentinula edodes species, commonly named shiitake, are not a “fresh discovery”. It turns out that they were first mentioned far back in ancient times. Shiitake can mainly be found in Asia. That’s why it was thoroughly examined by Chinese and Japanese herbalists. These mushrooms had to be particularly appealing because they had been used as a medical remedy for years. They have become an important element of traditional Chinese medicine and related Japanese medicine (Kampo). But that’s not it! During the Ming dynasty, Lentinula edodes mushrooms, prepared with the utmost care, were served only for the members of the Imperial family and were unavailable to “ordinary mortals”. So how did it happen that shiitake was given this red-carpet treatment?

Let’s start with the fact that by eating Shiitake we can improve our natural defense mechanisms. Regular use of this mushroom supports the immune system, especially white blood cells that engage in a combat against the pathogens. That is the reason why in ancient China shiitake was recommended to treat the symptoms of the common cold.

However, those are not all of the health-promoting properties of shiitake! This mushroom also improves general body condition. Mainly, it decreases cholesterol level in the blood so that the health of the cardiovascular system is protected. In effect, Shiitake helps to prevent dangerous diseases of this system, including atherosclerosis. We have to remember that the health of the body in huge part depends on our liver. It’s common knowledge that the liver is a special organ whose role is to neutralize various chemical compounds, also harmful toxins. Shiitake’s active substances help the liver to stay healthy by neutralizing free radicals that can lead to destruction of liver cells. What is more, it prevents the excessive deposition of fat in this organ. That way the liver can work properly for years and we can successfully avoid diseases caused by the liver malfunction. So, to sum it up, the extract from shiitake is an excellent solution for those who want to improve their immunity and maintain vitality. It is worth noting that shiitake can be successfully used as the diet component that helps to lose some weight as it contributes to quicker fat burning. It’s not surprising that shiitake was favored by ancient herbalists and that the tradition of using this mushroom has survived until the present day.

Occurrence: Shiitake is an edible mushroom from the Marasmiaceae family. It occurs naturally in Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam and Thailand. It’s related to the common mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) which is widely cultivated and readily available in stores. It might be the reason why shiitake is conventionally named the “Chinese mushroom”. Shiitake grows abundantly on decaying wood of deciduous trees (oaks, chestnuts, maples or Japanese trees – shii). The caps of young fruiting bodies are dark brown to almost black, while the older ones are much lighter in color. Their surface is dry, doesn’t have the mucus and is covered with distinctive white villi.

According to some sources, the history of shiitake began around 199, when it was given to the Japanese emperor Chui by the Kyusuyu tribe. However, it’s more likely that it was first cultivated in China during the Song dynasty (years 960-1127). In those two countries shiitake was valued for its health-promoting properties. It has been used for centuries in the traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine (Kampo) as the remedy for cold and heart or liver problems. In general, it was recommended for those who simply wanted to maintain good health. In Japan the extract from shiitake is considered to be almost like the elixir of life which refreshes both the body and the spirit.

Biochemistry: Shiitake owes its properties mainly to lentinan – a compound from beta-glucans group that is an important component of cell walls. From the chemical point of view, it’s a D-glucose polysaccharide which is built entirely of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. One of the most attractive ingredients of shiitake is also an extract called LEM (Lentinus edodes mycelium). The important part of LEM is a protein-saccharide complex containing around 25% of protein and 44% of sugars. Apart from that, this mushroom also contains: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, organic acids, aromatic compounds, eritadenine, dietary fibre, micro- and macronutrients (iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese, cadmium, copper, phosphorus, zinc, selenium) and vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B9, B12, C and provitamin D2).

Fun fact: According to an old Chinese healing tradition, eating shiitake was advised to maintain good health, vigor and longevity. During the times of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) this mushroom was called the “emperor’s food”. People believed that its properties were so “powerful” that it should only be served to the emperor and his family. Only the most trusted soldiers could guard the food supply.