Shiitake
Lentinula edodes
A culinary mushroom with immune-supporting beta-glucans (lentinan) and good nutrition.
Traditional use (tcm): A culinary mushroom with immune-supporting beta-glucans (lentinan) and good nutrition.
A culinary mushroom with immune-supporting beta-glucans (lentinan) and good nutrition.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- A culinary mushroom with immune-supporting beta-glucans (lentinan) and good nutrition.
Evidence strength: limited human.
- See the evidence level above
- Raw/large amounts can cause a temporary skin rash ('shiitake dermatitis'); cook it.
- Pregnant/breastfeeding people without medical advice
Raw/large amounts can cause a temporary skin rash ('shiitake dermatitis'); cook it.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.