Shiitake Mushroom
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinus edodes) is a dietary supplement with 6 published peer-reviewed studies involving 280 participants, researched for Immune Support, Cholesterol Management, Cancer Support & Quality of Life.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Immune Support
ModerateCholesterol Management
ModerateCancer Support & Quality of Life
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Immune Support
To assess daily shiitake consumption on human immunity.
Study Type
Randomised, dietary intervention
Purpose
To assess daily shiitake consumption on human immunity.
Dose
5-10g dried shiitake mushrooms daily
Participants
52 healthy young adults
Duration
4 weeks
Results
60% more gamma-delta T cell proliferation (p<0.0001) and 2-fold increase in NK-T cells. Both cell types demonstrated greater ability to express activation receptors. Reduced CRP and improved secretory IgA.
How They Measured It
Ex vivo gamma-delta T cell and NK-T cell proliferation, cytokine secretion
To evaluate lentinan (beta-1,3 glucan from shiitake) in HIV-positive patients.
Study Type
Placebo-controlled, randomised trial
Purpose
To evaluate lentinan (beta-1,3 glucan from shiitake) in HIV-positive patients.
Dose
Lentinan 2mg IV weekly
Participants
98 HIV-positive patients
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Lentinan demonstrated immune modulating properties with stabilization of CD4+ counts in treatment-responsive patients. Phase I/II safety established.
How They Measured It
CD4+ cell count, immune markers, viral load
To investigate oral lentinan (beta-glucan from shiitake mycelium) on immune response in elderly.
Study Type
Crossover, placebo-controlled study
Purpose
To investigate oral lentinan (beta-glucan from shiitake mycelium) on immune response in elderly.
Dose
Soluble beta-glucan from shiitake mycelium 1.5g daily
Participants
40 healthy elderly subjects
Duration
10 weeks
Results
Oral lentinan modulated immune response with increased NK cell activity. First controlled trial demonstrating oral lentinan immune effects in healthy elderly population.
How They Measured It
NK cell activity, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine levels
Cholesterol Management
To assess hepatoprotective, antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering activities of Lentinus edodes.
Study Type
Animal study - controlled
Purpose
To assess hepatoprotective, antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering activities of Lentinus edodes.
Dose
L. edodes supplementation in diet
Participants
60 Wistar rats
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering effects. LDL and total cholesterol significantly reduced. Liver enzyme profiles improved.
How They Measured It
Liver enzymes, lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers
To assess lentinan combined with chemotherapy on immune function in gastric cancer patients.
Study Type
Clinical trial - cancer support
Purpose
To assess lentinan combined with chemotherapy on immune function in gastric cancer patients.
Dose
Lentinan IV combined with standard chemotherapy
Participants
30 gastric cancer patients
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Significantly improved natural killer cell activity during chemotherapy. Maintained immune function and improved quality of life compared to chemotherapy alone.
How They Measured It
NK cell cytotoxicity, quality of life, chemotherapy tolerability
Cancer Support & Quality of Life
To evaluate the efficacy of Lentinula edodes mycelia extract on chemotherapy-related taste disorders in pancreatic cancer patients.
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trial
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of Lentinula edodes mycelia extract on chemotherapy-related taste disorders in pancreatic cancer patients.
Dose
Lentinula edodes mycelia extract (LEMs) oral supplementation
Participants
Pancreatic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Shiitake mycelia extract significantly improved chemotherapy-related taste disorders and improved quality of life in pancreatic cancer patients.
How They Measured It
Taste disorder questionnaires, quality of life scales, nutritional status
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Shiitake Mushroom research
There are currently 6 peer-reviewed studies on Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinus edodes), involving 280 total participants. Research covers Immune support, Cardiovascular health, Liver health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (5 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Shiitake Mushroom has been researched for: Immune support, Cardiovascular health, Liver health, Cholesterol management. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 5 out of 6 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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