Botanical Overview
Lentinula edodes, commonly known as Shiitake mushroom, belongs to the Marasmiaceae family. It is native to East Asia including Japan, China, and Korea. The fruiting body is the part used medicinally and culinarily.
Energetics
Lentinula edodes is traditionally considered cooling in temperature and moistening in nature, with a characteristic umami taste. It is tonifying but does not have clearly defined directionality or specific effects on qi, blood, or fluids in classical energetic terms.
Primary Actions
- Immunomodulatory
- Antiviral
- Antioxidant
- Hypocholesterolemic
- Anticancer
Indications
Western
- High cholesterol
- Weakened immune function
- Viral infections
- Hypertension
Syndromes
- Hyperlipidemia
- Immune deficiency
- Chronic viral infections
- Cardiovascular disease risk
TCM
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Syndromes
- Qi and blood deficiency
- Lung Qi deficiency
Ayurveda
No well-documented indications.
Unani
No well-documented indications.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Lentinula edodes contains bioactive phytochemicals including lentinan (a beta-glucan polysaccharide), ergosterol, lignans, phenolic compounds, and other polysaccharides responsible for its immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Dried fruiting body decoction 3-9 g/day
- Extract standardized to lentinan 1-3 mg/day
- Powdered mushroom capsules 500-1000 mg 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe as food or standardized extract. Caution in individuals allergic to mushrooms, and pregnant or lactating women should avoid high-dose supplements due to insufficient safety data. Potential interactions with immunosuppressants and anticoagulants require monitoring.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-established planetary or elemental rulership found in reputable sources.
Selected References
- Medicinal properties of Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) mushroom – Wasser SP, 2019
- Safety assessment of Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) – EFSA, 2017
- Shiitake mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine – Chinese Materia Medica
- Immunomodulating polysaccharides from Shiitake mushroom – Kawagishi H et al., 2011