Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the origin of the name ‘Shiitake’?
‘Shiitake’ comes from the Japanese words ‘shii’ (species of chestnut) and ‘take’ (mushroom) because it grows on chestnut wood.
What are the key medicinal compounds found in Shiitake mushrooms?
Shiitake mushrooms contain beta-glucan Lentinan, choline, zinc, provitamin D, iron, B vitamins, and unsaturated fatty acids.
What is Lentinan, and how is it used?
Lentinan is a beta-glucan with significant anti-cancer activity. It is used as a pharmaceutical in Japan and is the third most widely prescribed anti-cancer drug in the world.
What traditional medical system uses Shiitake to replenish Qi and nourish the blood?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shiitake is used to replenish Qi and nourish the blood.
What are the immune-modulating effects of Shiitake?
Shiitake increases phagocytes, T-lymphocytes, NK cells, and interferon synthesis, which helps support immune function, especially in cancer and HIV patients.
How does Shiitake benefit cardiovascular health?
Shiitake lowers LDL by increasing fecal excretion, raises HDL levels, and inhibits platelet aggregation, making it anti-thrombotic.
What anti-cancer properties does Shiitake have?
Shiitake is anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic. It has demonstrated life-prolonging effects in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, particularly for gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, and liver cancers.
How does Shiitake help with gout?
Shiitake has an alkalizing effect and lowers uric acid levels, which can help with gout, where uric acid crystals accumulate in joints.
What role does Shiitake play in benign prostatic hyperplasia?
The high zinc content in Shiitake blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), preventing abnormal prostate growth.
What is the recommended dosage range for Shiitake?
The typical dosage range is 1.5–10 g per day, but up to 16 g per day can be used in some cases.
What are the potential side effects of taking high doses of Shiitake?
Rare side effects include abdominal discomfort, shiitake dermatitis, photosensitivity, and asthma.
What caution should be taken when using Shiitake mushrooms?
Caution should be used with anticoagulant drugs as Shiitake may interact with them.
