Mushrooms have long been treated much like herbs in China and Japan, and they have been used for many health purposes. Nutrition researchers have chemically analyzed some of these mushrooms and determined that they contain unique nutrients and compounds not found in other plants. As research continues, the virtue of mushrooms, such as Shiitake Mushroom, grows stronger throughout the world.
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
History and Uses:
Shiitake Mushroom grows on the trunks or stumps of trees, and in the wild, this light amber fungus is also found on fallen hardwood trees. Shiitake has been revered in Japan and China as both a food and medicinal herb for thousands of years. Wu Ri, a famous physician from the Chinese Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644), wrote extensively about this mushroom, noting its ability to increase energy, cure colds and eliminate worms. Wild Shiitake Mushrooms are native to Japan, China and other Asian countries, and they are also widely cultivated throughout the world, including the United States. The fruiting body is used medicinally. Mushrooms have been valued as both food and medicine throughout the world, but until recently, many in the West associated all mushrooms with poison. The recent surge of Western interest in medicinal mushrooms shows that this attitude may be changing, however, and Japanese products containing LEM, a polysaccharide-rich extract from the Shiitake Mushroom, and similar extracts from Maitake Mushroom, are currently undergoing trials in Japan and the United States to see whether they are effective treatments for various cancers and AIDS. A vast amount of research into Shiitake's medicinal properties has been completed and shows that it has the ability to fight tumors and viruses and can enhance the immune system. Primary chemical constituents of Shiitake include polysaccharide (lentinan), eritadenin, proteins, fatty acids and
vitamins D, B-2 and B-12. The proteins contain all of the essential amino acids and most commonly-occurring, non-essential amino acids and amides. The fatty acids are largely unsaturated, and Shiitake is rich in vitamins and minerals. Key therapeutic substances also present are glucans, a major constituent of the cell walls. Shiitake also yields lentinan, a beta-1,3-linked glucan polysaccharide, and in tests, it has reversed tumor growth when injected in mice. It acts by stimulating the immune system, rather than by direct action on the tumor. Because of its large molecular size, lentinan is not absorbed efficiently when taken orally, but some is absorbed. Lentinan activates the alternative complement pathway, stimulating the macrophages, thus inhibiting tumor growth. It also may activate interleukin-1 secretion, which helps trigger T lymphocytes. Shiitake is believed to stimulate interferon production. Eritadenine, a purine alkaloid from Shiitake, is similar to nucleotides in structure and has been shown to lower cholesterol in animal studies.
Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) to three (3) capsules, three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.
Contraindications:
People with bladder cancer should not use Shiitake (or eat) raw Shiitake Mushrooms. The mushrooms may cause allergic reaction (rare), and high doses may cause temporary diarrhea and abdominal bloating.
Capsule Information:
Our Shiitake Mushroom supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs. |
