Shiitake Mushroom Extract Powder

Description

Shiitake Mushroom, “Lentinula Edodes” or “The Black Forest Mushroom” is an outstanding edible fungus originating in Asia. Shiitake Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, Vitamin C, D minerals and fiber. They are also rich in protein, and have been used to strengthen the immune system, promote energy and healthy aging as part of a balanced diet.

What Are Shiitake Mushrooms?
Shiitake Mushrooms originate in Asia and predominately grow in the forest on dead, hardwood trees such as oak, chestnut and beech. The word “Shiitake” stems from the chestnut tree ‘Shita’ and the Japanese word for Mushroom ‘take’.

Shiitake Mushrooms were first mentioned in 199AD, where they were presented as gifts to the emperor as “The Elixir of Life”.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Shiitake Mushrooms?
Shiitake Mushrooms are extremely rich in Polysaccharides (beta-glucan) and lentinan, which are believed to help enhance the immune system and promote its natural ability to ward off certain illness. The compound Lentinan, found in Shiitake, has been used in Japan to treat a number of immune disorders.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shiitake Mushrooms are often prescribed to help protect the liver, promote energy, address nutritional deficiencies, enhance fertility and strenghten the immune system.

Chemical Constituents
Beta (1>3),(1>6)-glucans, eritadenine, lentinan, iron, vitamin C, protein, L-ergothioneine, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B2, B12, and high levels of vitamin D.

Shiitake Mushroom Research
In the 1970’s, the Japanese mushroom industry supported extensive research into the nutritional and medicinal properties of shiitake. The scientist Goro Chihara fractionated shiitake polysaccharides and named the most active fraction lentinan, a pure beta-1-3-glucan. This compound was developed into a drug that has been utilized as a complement to traditional medical practices for cancer therapy. Research has also discovered a compound in shiitake, eritadinine, that has lowered cholesterol in some studies.

• Wasser S., Shiitake. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. 2005, Marcel Dekker.
• Chihara, G., Medical Aspects of Lentinan Isolated from Lentinus edodes. Mushroom Biology and Mushroom Products, Proceedings of 1st International Conference, Hong Kong. 1993 Ed. S.T. Chang, J.S. Buswell, S. Chiu.
• Jong S.C. et al., Medicinal and Therapeutic value of the Shiitake Mushroom. Adv. Appl. Microbiol. 1993; 39:153-84.