What is shiitake extract?

Shiitake extract is a concentrated supplement made from the mushroom Lentinula edodes. Many products standardize for polysaccharides such as lentinan.

What are the main potential benefits of shiitake extract?

It is commonly used for immune support and may help with cholesterol management. Laboratory research also suggests antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

What is a typical dosage for shiitake extract?

Common supplemental amounts are often in the range of about 250–1000 mg per day, depending on the product and concentration. Follow the label and consider medical advice for individualized dosing.

Is lentinan the same as shiitake extract?

No. Lentinan is a specific polysaccharide found in shiitake, while shiitake extract may contain multiple compounds and may or may not be standardized to lentinan.

Who should be cautious with shiitake extract?

People with mushroom allergies, those taking immunosuppressive therapy, or individuals with immune-related conditions should use caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding people and anyone undergoing cancer treatment should consult a clinician before use.

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Shitake Extract

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Shiitake extract is derived from Lentinula edodes mushrooms and is used for immune support, cholesterol management, and potential adjunctive cancer therapy.

Longevity Anti-inflammatory Cancer-inhibitor Antioxidant Immune Booster Cholesterol Management

dose range

250–1000 mg

Take 1-2 times daily with or after a meal.

Consumption

Take capsules or powder with food to improve absorption and tolerance.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Taking with the first meal of the day is common.

Description

Shiitake extract is a supplement obtained from the edible mushroom Lentinula edodes, traditionally used in East Asian medicine for its health-promoting and immune-modulating properties. Modern extracts often focus on polysaccharide compounds, especially lentinan.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

Most evidence comes from preclinical studies and limited clinical trials, mainly focusing on immune modulation and cholesterol lowering. Larger human studies are needed for firm conclusions.

Immune System Support

Moderate

Shiitake extract (especially lentinan) is shown to support and modulate the immune system, enhancing certain immune cell activities.

Particularly relevant for: people seeking immune support · older adults

NIH-ODS-Shiitake · National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Shiitake Mushroom PMC3152820 · Immunomodulatory and Anticancer Potential of Shiitake Mushroom Examine-Shiitake · Examine.com: Shiitake

Cholesterol Management

Moderate

Lentinan and other polysaccharides in shiitake may help reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels.

Particularly relevant for: individuals with high cholesterol

PMC2175068 · Cholesterol-lowering Action of Lentinan in Rats NIH-ODS-Shiitake · National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Shiitake Mushroom Examine-Shiitake · Examine.com: Shiitake

Adjunctive Cancer Therapy (Lentinan)

Limited

Lentinan, a compound from shiitake, has been studied as an adjunct to conventional cancer therapies, with some clinical studies suggesting improved quality of life and immune function.

Particularly relevant for: oncology patients (with physician supervision)

Cochrane-Shiitake · Cochrane Review: Medicinal mushrooms for cancer therapy PMC3152820 · Immunomodulatory and Anticancer Potential of Shiitake Mushroom MemorialSloan-Shiitake · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: About Shiitake

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Limited

Bioactive compounds in shiitake have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in laboratory studies, potentially supporting overall health.

Particularly relevant for: general population

PMID15923491 · Antioxidant and Antiinflammatory Properties of Shiitake NIH-ODS-Shiitake · National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Shiitake Mushroom

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Shiitake extract is generally well-tolerated, but may cause allergic reactions and should not be used with immunosuppressant medications.

warning notices

Rarely causes shiitake dermatitis or allergic reactions, which may include rash or swelling.
Should be avoided by people with mushroom allergies or those on immunosuppressive therapy.
Long-term safety at high doses is not well established.
Avoid use if you have a known allergy to mushrooms.
Immunocompromised or organ transplant patients should not use without medical supervision due to potential immune effects.
Discontinue use and seek medical attention if experiencing signs of severe allergic reaction (e.g., rash, swelling).

Known interactions with medications

Immunosuppressant medications

Contraindications / special precautions

Mushroom allergy
Immunosuppressive therapy

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Shiitake may interact with certain immunosuppressive drugs and should be used with caution in immunocompromised individuals.

May counteract immunosuppressant drugs.

drug · Immunosuppressant medications

AvoidModerate

Why

Shiitake extract can stimulate immune system activity, potentially interfering with drugs designed to suppress the immune system.

recommendation

Do not use shiitake supplements if taking immunosuppressants (e.g., post-transplant or autoimmune therapy) unless directed by your physician.

MemorialSloan-Shiitake · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: About Shiitake NIH-ODS-Shiitake · National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Shiitake Mushroom

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Immune Modulation via β-Glucans (Lentinan)

Lentinan and other polysaccharides in shiitake activate immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages, enhancing immune surveillance and response.

PMC3152820 · Immunomodulatory and Anticancer Potential of Shiitake Mushroom NIH-ODS-Shiitake · National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Shiitake Mushroom